And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

NUMBERS 8:1KJV
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Numbers 8:1 (KJV)

What does Numbers 8:1 mean?

Numbers 8:1 introduces a message from the LORD to Moses. The verse marks the instructions that follow as words Moses received from the LORD, rather than instructions Moses devised himself.

The sentence is an introduction: “saying” leads the reader to expect the message itself. The next verse identifies Aaron as the person Moses is to address about the lamps.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 8:1

  • “LORD” — יהוה (YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God. The KJV uses “LORD” in capital letters to represent the name in this verse.

Why Numbers 8:1 matters

  • The verse distinguishes the source of the message from the person who passes it on. The LORD speaks to Moses in verse 1; Moses is then told to speak to Aaron in verse 2.
  • The opening gives the lamp instructions their setting as a message received by Moses. The following verses concern how the seven lamps are to give light.