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Numbers 7:9

Numbers 7:9 in Multiple Translations

But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged unto them; they bare it upon their shoulders.

But to the sons of Kohath he gave nothing; because they had the care of the holy place, taking it about on their backs.

He didn't give any wagons or oxen to the Kohathites because their responsibility was to carry on their shoulders the holy objects assigned to their care.

But to the sonnes of Kohath he gaue none, because the charge of the Sanctuarie belonged to them, which they did beare vpon their shoulders.

and to the sons of Kohath he hath not given, for the service of the sanctuary [is] on them: on the shoulder they bear.

But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.

But to the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging to them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.

But to the sons of Caath he gave no wagons or oxen: because they serve in the sanctuary and carry their burdens upon their own shoulders.

But he/I did not give any carts or oxen to the descendants of Kohath, because they took care of the sacred items that were to be carried on their shoulders, not on carts.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 7:9

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 7:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֥י קְהָ֖ת לֹ֣א נָתָ֑ן כִּֽי עֲבֹדַ֤ת הַ/קֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙ עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם בַּ/כָּתֵ֖ף יִשָּֽׂאוּ
וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 son Conj | Prep | N-mp
קְהָ֖ת Qᵉhâth H6955 Kohath N-proper
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נָתָ֑ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
עֲבֹדַ֤ת ʻăbôdâh H5656 service N-fs
הַ/קֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place Art | N-ms
עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
בַּ/כָּתֵ֖ף kâthêph H3802 shoulder Prep | N-fs
יִשָּֽׂאוּ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 7:9

וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" Conj | Prep | 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.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נָתָ֑ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עֲבֹדַ֤ת 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.
הַ/קֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" Art | 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.
עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בַּ/כָּתֵ֖ף kâthêph H3802 "shoulder" Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
יִשָּֽׂאוּ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

Study Notes — Numbers 7:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 3:31 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.
2 1 Chronicles 15:13 It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.”
3 Numbers 4:4–16 This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things. Whenever 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. They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles. They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, together with its lamps, wick trimmers, and trays, as well as the jars of oil with which to supply it. Then they shall wrap it and all its utensils inside a covering of fine leather and put it on the carrying frame. Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles. They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame. Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it, and place on it all the vessels used to serve there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and insert the poles. 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. Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”
4 2 Samuel 6:13 When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
5 1 Chronicles 23:26 So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.”
6 2 Samuel 6:6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled.
7 1 Chronicles 15:3 And David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to the place he had prepared for it.

Numbers 7:9 Summary

[This verse, Numbers 7:9, tells us that the Kohathites did not receive carts and oxen because they were responsible for carrying the holy objects on their shoulders, which was a great privilege and responsibility. This reminds us that each of us has a unique role to play in serving the Lord, just like the different tribes in the book of Numbers. As we read in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, we all have different gifts and ministries, but we are all part of the same body of Christ. By trusting in the Lord's provision and strength, we can carry out our responsibilities with care and reverence, just like the Kohathites.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Kohathites not receive carts and oxen like the other tribes?

The Kohathites were responsible for carrying the holy objects on their shoulders, as stated in Numbers 7:9, and therefore did not need carts and oxen for their service, unlike the Gershonites and Merarites who were given these resources as mentioned in Numbers 7:7-8.

What kind of holy objects were the Kohathites responsible for carrying?

The holy objects included items such as the ark of the covenant, the table, the lampstand, and the altars, as described in Exodus 25:10-40 and Exodus 30:1-10, which were crucial for the worship and service of the Lord.

Is this division of labor among the tribes significant for our understanding of ministry and service today?

Yes, this division of labor highlights the importance of each person and group playing their unique role in serving the Lord, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where different gifts and ministries are described as essential to the functioning of the body of Christ.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship and service in the book of Numbers?

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Numbers that emphasizes the importance of proper worship, sacrifice, and service to the Lord, as seen in Numbers 7:1-89, where the dedication of the altar and the presentation of offerings are described in detail.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the 'holy objects' that I am responsible for carrying in my own life, and how can I ensure that I am handling them with care and reverence?
  2. How can I, like the Kohathites, trust in the Lord's provision and strength as I carry out my responsibilities and serve Him?
  3. In what ways can I learn from the example of the Kohathites to prioritize the handling of sacred things in my own life and ministry?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the value of teamwork and cooperation in serving the Lord, and how can I apply this principle in my own church or community?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 7:9

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none,.... Being all disposed of to the sons of Gershon and Merari: the reason of which follows, because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 7:9

And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites. Moses took the wagons and the oxen.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 7:9

Because of the greater worth and holiness of the things which they carried. See ,8,10,12,14 ,13.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 7:9

Numbers 7:9 But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their shoulders.Ver. 9. Bear upon their shoulders.] Therefore when David carted the ark, as the Philistines had done before, God was angry, and made a breach upon Uzza, because they sought him not in due order.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 7:9

Verse 9. Unto the sons of Kohath he gave none] Because they had the charge of the ark, table, candlestick, altars, c., Numbers 4:5-15, which were to be carried upon their shoulders for those sacred things must not be drawn by beasts.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 7:9

9. the sanctuary] the holy things. See on Numbers 4:15. upon their shoulders] In early days this form of honour was not always paid to the ark; see 2 Samuel 6:3.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 7:9

9. The sons of Kohath received no vehicles, because the sacred furniture might not be drawn by beasts. Only with the greatest precaution could it be approached and borne by its appointed Levitical guardians. Numbers 4:4-20, notes.

Sermons on Numbers 7:9

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill The Ark of God by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon delves into the story of David and the ark of God, highlighting the consequences of mishandling holy things, the importance of obedience over sacrifice, and the need fo
Roy Hession (The Ark of the Covenant) 5. Entering Jerusalem by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker discusses how often Christians rely on worldly methods and strategies to promote their faith and achieve success. He emphasizes that these methods are o
Richard Owen Roberts Uzzah and the Ark of God by Richard Owen Roberts This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing things God's way and humbling ourselves before Him. It highlights the need for true preaching that moves hearts, not just teaching, a
George Warnock The Ark Brought Back by George Warnock George Warnock preaches about the importance of seeking God's way and intention for His people, emphasizing the need for revival, restoration, and renewal. He warns against relying
Dick Brogden Inadequate Consensus by Dick Brogden Dick Brogden emphasizes the crucial importance of consulting the Lord in all decisions, regardless of human effort, involvement, advice, or consensus. Using the example of David's
T. Austin-Sparks The Threshing Floor of Ornan by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their f
Major Ian Thomas David and the Ark of God - God's Way by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher discusses the spiritual decline in the time of Eli, the last of the judges. Eli had ordained his wicked sons into the ministry, and they treated him wi

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