And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

NUMBERS 3:2KJV
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Numbers 3:2 (KJV)

What does Numbers 3:2 mean?

Numbers 3:2 lists the names of Aaron’s sons: Nadab (the oldest), Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. This verse simply records who Aaron’s sons were, making clear the family line of Israel’s first high priest.

Moses is writing down the names of Aaron’s sons for the Israelites as part of a larger section about the priests and Levites. By naming each son, the verse sets up the family structure for the priesthood, which is important for the chapters that follow about their duties and roles.

Why Numbers 3:2 matters

  • Numbers 3:2 highlights that Aaron’s sons were the first generation of priests, showing the beginning of the priestly family line in Israel.
  • Listing each son by name, with Nadab called the “firstborn,” reminds the reader that birth order and family relationships mattered for roles and responsibilities among the priests.
  • This verse connects to later stories, such as the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, and helps explain why Eleazar and Ithamar take on more responsibility in the priesthood.

Where else these words appear

“Abihu” Hebrew H30 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Exodus 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
  • Numbers 26:61 And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.

“Nadab” Hebrew H5070 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 26:60 And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:28 And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur.

“Ithamar” Hebrew H385 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:1 Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.