The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

NUMBERS 6:25KJV
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Numbers 6:25 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:25 mean?

Numbers 6:25 is a blessing asking that the LORD would look kindly on someone, letting His presence shine on them and showing them favor and kindness. It is a prayer for God’s gracious attention and goodwill toward the person being blessed.

In Numbers 6:25, God tells Moses to have Aaron and his sons speak this blessing over the Israelites. This is part of what is often called the “priestly blessing” or “Aaronic blessing.” The verse uses the image of God’s face shining as a sign of warmth, approval, and care, and asks for God’s grace to be given to the people.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:25

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God used throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that the blessing comes directly from Israel’s God.
  • face (פָּנִים, panim): In Hebrew thought, someone’s “face” represents their presence and attention. For God’s face to shine on someone means to have His favor and nearness.
  • shine (אוֹר, or): This word means to give light or to illuminate. The idea is that God’s presence brings clarity, warmth, and life, just as sunlight does.
  • gracious (חָנַן, chanan): This word means to show favor, mercy, or kindness. It highlights that the blessing is not earned but is a gift of God’s generosity.

Why Numbers 6:25 matters

  • Numbers 6:25 shows that God’s blessing is not just about material things, but about His personal attention and kindness.
  • The verse is part of a larger blessing that emphasizes God’s desire for a close, caring relationship with His people.
  • Understanding the imagery of God’s “face shining” helps clarify that this is about God’s approval and loving presence, not just a general wish for good things.

Where else these words appear

“shine” Hebrew H215 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 1:15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Job 33:30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
  • Psalms 118:27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

“gracious” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.