en_tn/num/08/18.md

# I have taken the Levites ... instead of all the firstborn

The idea of "taking" is understood from the first part of the sentence and can be repeated in the second. AT: "I have taken the Levites .. instead taking all of the firstborn" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

# I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons

Yahweh appointing the Levites to help Aaron and his sons is spoken of as if they were a gift that Yahweh were giving to Aaron and his sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# I have taken them ... I have given them

Here "them" refers to the Levites.

# when they come near

Here "they" refers to the people of Israel.

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/levite]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/gift]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/aaron]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/son]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/tentofmeeting]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/atonement]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/plague]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyplace]]