Numbers 4:20 But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die."

◄ Numbers 4:20 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die."

English Standard Version
but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die.”

New American Standard Bible
but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."

King James Bible
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die."

International Standard Version
But they are not to go in to see the sanctuary as it is being covered, so they won't die."

American Standard Version
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.

Douay-Rheims Bible
Let not others by any curiosity see the things that are in the sanctuary before they be wrapped up, otherwise they shall die.

Darby Bible Translation
but they shall not go in and see for a moment the holy things, lest they die.

Young's Literal Translation
and they go not in to see when the holy thing is swallowed, that they have died.'

Cross References

Exodus 19:21
And the LORD said to Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

Leviticus 16:13
And he shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the testimony, that he die not:

Numbers 4:15
And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 4:21
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

1 Samuel 6:19
And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and three score and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

4:4-20 The Kohathites were to carry the holy things of the tabernacle. All the holy things were to be covered; not only for security and respect, but to keep them from being seen. This not only marked the reverence due to holy things, but the mystery of the things signified by those types, and the darkness of the dispensation. But now, through Christ, the case is altered, and we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

17-20. Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites, &c.—a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should creep in, and to take the greatest care that all the parts of this important service be apportioned to the proper parties, lest the Kohathites should be disqualified for their high and honorable duties. The guilt of their death would be incurred by the superintending priest, if he failed to give proper directions or allowed any irreverent familiarity with sacred things.