Bible Strands
Numbers 6:23
“Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD instructs Moses to command Aaron and his sons to deliver a specific blessing to the Israelites. This directive occurs immediately before the prescribed benediction formula is given.
The words — דַּבֵּ֤ר (da.Ber) means “speak,” and תְבָרֲכ֖וּ (te.va.ra.Khu) means “you will bless.” These verbs frame the command to transmit the blessing.
The thread — The mandate for designated leaders to pronounce blessing appears in Genesis 48:20, Deuteronomy 21:5, and 1 Chronicles 23:13. These passages establish a consistent pattern of authorized verbal benediction.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge the specific, commanded structure for priestly blessing rather than inventing their own. It demands obedience to the prescribed words and the designated messengers.
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
Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
Cross-references
- Genesis 48:20 So that day Jacob blessed them and said: “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” So he put Ephraim before Manasseh.
- Deuteronomy 21:5 And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.
- 1 Chronicles 23:13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.
- Hebrews 7:1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
- Genesis 14:19 and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
- Genesis 27:27 So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.
- Genesis 28:3 May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples.
- Genesis 47:7 Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and presented him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
- Leviticus 9:22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having made the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering, he stepped down.
- Luke 24:50 When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them.