The Meaning of “Father’s House” (בית אב‎ bêt ’āb ) and a Chiastic Structure in Numbers 18.1-7

Abstract

The phrase bêt ’ābîkā “your father’s house” in Num 18.1 is often translated as referring to the Levites or the Kohathites. I suggest the reference is, rather, to Aaron’s own family and descendants. That is, the whole of v. 1 refers to the priests only. The possessive suffix -kā “your” does not refer to ’āb “father,” but to the compound noun bêt ’āb “father’s house,” an expression that means “family.” The two lines in v. 1 should be read as synonymous lines, not as contrasting ones. In both lines Aaron’s family stands in contrast to the whole tribe of Levi, which is not mentioned until v. 2. This understanding is confirmed by a chiastic structure that underlies the passage. Translating the phrase with “your family” (i.e., Aaron’s own family, not his family of origin) is recommended. Further translation issues in the passage are addressed.