And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

LEVITICUS 8:3KJV
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Leviticus 8:3 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 8:3 mean?

Leviticus 8:3 instructs Moses to gather the entire community of Israel at the entrance to the tabernacle, where an important ceremony is about to take place. This verse sets the stage for a public event involving all the people, emphasizing the significance of what is about to happen.

God is speaking to Moses, directing him to assemble everyone at the doorway of the tabernacle—the special tent where Israel worships and meets with God. This gathering is for the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, making it clear that the whole community is meant to witness and understand the importance of this moment.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 8:3

  • The word "gather" (קָהַל, qāhal) means to assemble a group, often for a significant purpose. Here, it highlights that this is not a private event but one for the entire nation to see.
  • "Congregation" (עֵדָה, ʿēdāh) refers to the whole community of Israel, not just leaders or a select group. The instruction is inclusive, involving everyone.
  • "Door" (פֶּתַח, petaḥ) points to the entrance of the tabernacle, a specific and symbolic location where people could approach but not enter, marking a boundary between the holy space and the people.
  • "Tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ʾohel) literally means "tent," but here it refers to the sacred tent where God's presence dwelled among the Israelites.

Why Leviticus 8:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priestly ordination was a public event, not a secret ritual, showing that the priesthood was established with the knowledge and witness of all Israel.
  • The emphasis on gathering "all the congregation" underscores the collective responsibility and unity of the people in their worship and leadership.
  • By specifying the "door of the tabernacle," the verse highlights the importance of boundaries and access in Israel's relationship with God, setting the tone for the rituals and laws that follow.

Where else these words appear

“gather” Hebrew H6950 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
  • Deuteronomy 4:10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.