Old Testament
Numbers 3:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
This is the family record of Aaron and Moses from the time the LORD spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai.
Compare translations
These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.
What Numbers 3:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 3:1, we see a record of the lineage of Aaron and Moses, highlighting their significance in the Israelite community. This verse marks a pivotal moment when God communicated with Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing Moses as a leader and Aaron as the high priest. The mention of their family record emphasizes the importance of priestly lineage and the roles they would play in guiding the Israelites. This genealogy serves not only to document their heritage but also to affirm their divine appointment and authority. The context of this verse is crucial as it sets the stage for the responsibilities and duties that Aaron and his descendants would undertake in the service of God. It reminds the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God and the leadership He has provided through Moses and Aaron, reinforcing the idea of divine order and structure within the community.
How to apply Numbers 3:1 to your life
Understanding the significance of leadership and lineage in spiritual contexts can help us appreciate the roles of leaders in our communities today. We should recognize the importance of following God’s guidance and honoring those He has appointed to lead us, just as the Israelites did with Moses and Aaron.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 3:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 3:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 3:1 mean?
Numbers 3:1 records the family lineage of Aaron and Moses, emphasizing their roles as leaders in the Israelite community. It highlights the moment when God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing their significance and authority.
What is the significance of Aaron and Moses in Numbers 3:1?
In Numbers 3:1, Aaron and Moses are presented as key figures in Israel's history, with Moses as the leader and Aaron as the high priest. Their lineage is important for understanding the priestly roles and responsibilities assigned to Aaron's descendants.
What does 'family record' mean in Numbers 3:1?
The 'family record' in Numbers 3:1 refers to the genealogy of Aaron and Moses, documenting their lineage and establishing their roles in the religious and community structure of the Israelites.
How does Numbers 3:1 relate to leadership in the Bible?
Numbers 3:1 illustrates the importance of divinely appointed leaders, showing how God chose Moses and Aaron to guide the Israelites. This verse underscores the significance of following God's chosen leaders in spiritual matters.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.