Numbers 3:12 web — "Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb amon…

World English Bible

""Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine:"

— Numbers 3:12, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Numbers 3:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Numbers 3 — Context

9

You shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons. They are wholly given to him on the behalf of the children of Israel.

10

You shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall keep their priesthood. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death."

11

Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

12

"Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine:

13

for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I made holy to me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and animal. They shall be mine. I am Yahweh."

14

Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,

15

"Count the children of Levi by their fathers' houses, by their families. You shall count every male from a month old and upward."

Numbers 3:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Numbers 3:12 say?
Numbers 3:12 in the World English Bible reads: “"Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine:”
Where is Numbers 3:12 in the Bible?
Numbers 3:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Numbers, chapter 3, verse 12.
Who wrote Numbers?
Numbers is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Numbers about?
Numbers records Israel's forty years of wilderness wandering — two censuses (hence the name), rebellions, the failure at Kadesh-Barnea, and the slow journey to the plains of Moab. It is a sober portrait of human unbelief and God's patient faithfulness across a generation.
What are the major themes of Numbers?
Numbers explores themes including Wilderness, Faithfulness, Rebellion, Guidance, Provision. These themes shape the meaning and context of Numbers 3:12.
What translation should I read Numbers 3:12 in?
Numbers 3:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Numbers 3:12?
Numbers 3:12 reads (WEB): “"Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine:” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2