Meaning, commentary and cross references
Numbers 6:24
“The Lord bless you and keep you;”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
NIV · New International Version
“‘“The Lord bless you and keep you;
WEB · World English Bible
‘The LORD bless you, and keep you.
What does Numbers 6:24 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Numbers 6:24
The Lord bless thee,.... Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit; the word "Jehovah" being three times used, and a different accent put to each word, denoting three distinct persons and one Jehovah, according to Deuteronomy 6:4; who are each of them concerned in the blessing of the Lord's people, the spiritual Israel of God; Jehovah the Father blesses with all spiritual blessings, with electing, adopting, justifying, and pardoning grace, with regenerating and calling, and persevering grace, and with eternal life: Jehovah the Son blesses particularly with redeeming grace, and has a concern in all the other blessings; the saints are blessed with them in him, they are all in his hands, they are…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Numbers 6:22–27
24. The Lord bless thee. Blessing is an act of His genuine liberality, because the abundance of all good things is derived to us from His favor as their only source. It is next added, that He should "keep" the people, by which clause lie intimates that He is the sole defender of the Church, and protects it under His guardianship; but since the main advantage of God's grace consists in our sense of it, the words, "and make His face shine on you," are added; for nothing is more desirable for the consummation of our happiness, than that. we should behold the serene countenance of God; as it is said in Psalm 4:6, "There be many that say, Who will shew us any good?
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Numbers 6:21–27 (WEB)
21“‘This is the law of the Nazirite who vows and of his offering to the LORD for his separation, in addition to that which he is able to afford. According to his vow which he vows, so he must do after the law of his separation.’” 22The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.’ You shall tell them, 24‘The LORD bless you, and keep you. 25The LORD make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. 26The LORD lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’ 27“So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”
Cross references
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Psalms 121:4–7
- Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
- Jude 1:24
Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy,
- Isaiah 42:6
“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness. I will hold your hand. I will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations,
- Psalms 91:11
- Deuteronomy 28:3–6
You shall be blessed in the city, and you shall be blessed in the field.
- John 17:11
I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.