Bible Strands
Numbers 3:40
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD addresses Moses immediately after the Levite census concludes, commanding a parallel count of the Israelite population. This directive occurs at the threshold of the substitution protocol for the firstborn.
The words — פְּקֹ֨ד (pe.Kod) translates literally as "enroll" or "number," and בְּכֹ֤ר (be.Khor) means "firstborn." These terms anchor the command in administrative enumeration and birthright status.
The thread — The counting instruction mirrors Numbers 3:15, which orders the Levite census, and Numbers 3:12, which establishes the Levites as substitutes for Israel's firstborn. Exodus 32:26 further tracks the Levites' distinct mobilization at divine command.
Why it lands — The text requires listing the names of every firstborn male from one month old upward. It demands acknowledgment of the structural transfer of firstborn status from the Israelite families to the Levitical line.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the Lord said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
Cross-references
- Numbers 3:15 “Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.”
- Exodus 32:26 So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
- Numbers 3:12 “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me,
- Numbers 3:45 “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.
- Psalms 87:6 The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah
- Isaiah 4:3 Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—
- Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
- Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
- 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
- Hebrews 12:23 in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,