Log inSign up

Numbers 8 · a question people ask

Had the Levites done something wrong, that they needed a sin offering?

In the text

The chapter names no sin the Levites had done. It says what was offered: "the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites" (8:12). And it says, "The Levites purified themselves from sin" (8:21), and Aaron "made atonement for them to cleanse them" (8:21). The priests had the same at their consecration: "the bull of the sin offering" (Leviticus 8:14), and Moses told them, "What has been done today, so the LORD has commanded to do, to make atonement for you" (Leviticus 8:34). In both chapters the offerings come before anyone begins the work.

The verses

““The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites.”
Numbers 8:12 · World English Bible
“The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before the LORD and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.”
Numbers 8:21 · World English Bible
“He brought the bull of the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull of the sin offering.”
Leviticus 8:14 · World English Bible
“What has been done today, so the LORD has commanded to do, to make atonement for you.”
Leviticus 8:34 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Numbers 8

Numbers 8: Waved before the LORD

Numbers 8 is the only place in the Hebrew Bible where the wave offering is people: the children of Israel laid their hands on the Levites (8:10), and Aaron waved them before the LORD (8:11, 8:21). The Levites were cleansed, not anointed (8:7), and the lamp stand's seven lamps were set to shine in front of it (8:2).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekNumbers 8 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Numbers 8

All questions about Numbers →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions