Numbers 4:4
Numbers 4:4 in Multiple Translations
This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things.
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:
This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting, about the most holy things:
And this is to be the work of the sons of Kohath in connection with the most holy things.
This work that they are to do in the Tent of Meetings involves the things that are most holy.
This shall be the office of the sonnes of Kohath in the Tabernacle of the Congregation about the Holiest of all.
'This [is] the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting, the holy of holies:
“This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting, regarding the most holy things.
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things.
This is the service of the sons of Caath:
“The work of these descendants of Kohath will be to take care of the sacred items that are used when the people worship at the Sacred Tent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 4:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֹ֛את
עֲבֹדַ֥ת
בְּנֵי
קְהָ֖ת
בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֑ד
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
הַ/קֳּדָשִֽׁים
זֹ֛את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
עֲבֹדַ֥ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
N-fs
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
קְהָ֖ת
Qᵉhâth
H6955
Kohath
N-proper
בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Prep | N-ms
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms
הַ/קֳּדָשִֽׁים
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:4
זֹ֛את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
עֲבֹדַ֥ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
קְהָ֖ת
Qᵉhâth
H6955
"Kohath"
N-proper
Kohath was a man from the tribe of Levi, son of Levi and brother of Gershon and Merari, first mentioned in Genesis 46:11. He was the father of Amram and others. His name means assembly.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.11; son of: Levi (H3878); brother of: Gershon (H1648), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Amram (H6019), Izhar (H3324), Hebron (H2275B) and Uzziel (H5816) Also named: qo.ha.ti (קְהָתִי "Kohathite" H6956) § Kohath = "assembly" the 2nd of the 3 sons of Levi and progenitor of a family in the tribe of Levi
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: Kohath. See also: Genesis 46:11; Joshua 21:5; 1 Chronicles 23:12.
בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
הַ/קֳּדָשִֽׁים
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Art | N-mp
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 4:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:4
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 4:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:4
- Sermons on Numbers 4:4
Context — The Duties of the Kohathites
2“Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families,
3men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.
4This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things.
5Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. 6They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 4:19 | In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry. |
| 2 | Mark 13:34 | It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. |
| 3 | Numbers 4:30 | from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting. |
| 4 | Numbers 3:30–31 | and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items. |
| 5 | Numbers 4:15 | When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. |
| 6 | Numbers 4:24 | This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: |
Numbers 4:4 Summary
[This verse is talking about the special jobs that the Kohathites had to do at the Tent of Meeting, which was like a portable church for the Israelites. They had to take care of the most holy things, like the Ark of the Covenant, which was a special box that represented God's presence. This was a big responsibility, and it shows how important it is to handle sacred things with care and reverence, just like we see in Exodus 25:8. By doing their jobs faithfully, the Kohathites were able to help the Israelites worship God in a way that was pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of service were the Kohathites responsible for at the Tent of Meeting?
The service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regarded the most holy things, which likely involved the transportation and care of the sacred furniture and utensils, as seen in Numbers 4:5-6 and Numbers 7:9.
Why were the Kohathites chosen for this specific task?
The Kohathites were chosen for this task because they were part of the Levite tribe, which was set apart by God for the service of the Tabernacle, as seen in Numbers 3:6-10 and Exodus 32:26.
What does it mean that the Kohathites' service regarded the 'most holy things'?
The 'most holy things' refer to the sacred objects and furniture within the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's presence and were therefore considered highly sacred, as seen in Exodus 26:33-34 and Leviticus 16:2.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the Israelites' worship?
This verse highlights the importance of reverence and care in the handling of sacred objects, which was a crucial aspect of the Israelites' worship and their relationship with God, as seen in Exodus 25:8 and Hebrews 9:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to handle 'most holy things' in my own life, and how can I show reverence and care in my relationship with God?
- How can I, like the Kohathites, be faithful in the tasks and responsibilities that God has given me, even if they seem mundane or unglamorous?
- In what ways can I prioritize the sacred and the holy in my daily life, and what practices can I adopt to cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God?
- How does the concept of 'most holy things' relate to my own understanding of God's presence and holiness, and what implications does this have for my worship and devotion?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:4
This [shall be] the service of the sons of Kohath, in the tabernacle of the congregation,.... What follows, Numbers 4:4; [about] the most holy things; which Aben Ezra interprets only of the ark,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:4
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: This shall be the service ... The Kohathites are mentioned first, from their close
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:4
Hereafter mentioned, as the ark, table, altar, &c. Compare .
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:4
4. the most holy things] The furniture and utensils of the Dwelling, enumerated in Numbers 4:5-14. The ‘service of the sons of Kohath’ is not stated till Numbers 4:15 b. Before they could perform their duty of carrying the sacred objects the priests must cover them up, that the Levites may neither touch (Numbers 4:15) nor see them (Numbers 4:20).
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 4:4
About the most holy things - Omit “about.” The sense is, “this is the charge of the sons of Kohath, the most holy things:” i. e.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:4
4. In the tabernacle — Into the holy of holies, where God met the high priest, no other person was permitted to go.
Sermons on Numbers 4:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Lord's Work by D.L. Moody | In this sermon by D.L. Moody, he emphasizes the importance of courage, enthusiasm, perseverance, and sympathy in doing the Lord's work. He shares examples of individuals who demons |
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Parables of Jesus - 07 Watching and Praying by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three parables from the Bible. The first parable, from Matthew 24, emphasizes the importance of faithful and sensible servants who provide fo |
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Principles for Serving God - Fulfilling Our Appointed Task by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of being zealous and radical in one's faith versus being diplomatic and sitting on the fence. He compares this to watching a footbal |
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(Church Leadership) 12. Hating Spiritual Death by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discernment and not being fooled by false teachings. He warns against being swayed by psychological gimmicks and encourages |
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All Things to the Glory of God by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for being at Brevin Baptist Church and shares what God has been doing and will continue to do. He reads a few verses from |
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Being Balanced in the Christian Life by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of balance in various aspects of the Christian life, highlighting the need for both kindness and severity, individual connection with Christ a |
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Steadying the Ark of God by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true worship and the need for personal responsibility in carrying out God's work. He criticizes the idea of putting on a r |