Numbers 10:21
New International Version
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. The tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived.

New Living Translation
Next came the Kohathite division of the Levites, carrying the sacred objects from the Tabernacle. Before they arrived at the next camp, the Tabernacle would already be set up at its new location.

English Standard Version
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things, and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

King James Bible
And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.

New King James Version
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. (The tabernacle would be prepared for their arrival.)

New American Standard Bible
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

NASB 1995
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

NASB 1977
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

Amplified Bible
Then the Kohathites moved out, carrying the holy things, and the tabernacle was set up before they arrived.

Christian Standard Bible
The Kohathites then set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Kohathites then set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

American Standard Version
And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the others did set up the tabernacle against their coming.

Contemporary English Version
Next were the Kohathites, carrying the objects for the sacred tent, which was to be set up before they arrived at the new camp.

English Revised Version
And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the Kohathites, who carried the holy things, broke camp. By the time they arrived, the tent [of meeting] would already be set up.

Good News Translation
Then the Levite clan of Kohath would start out, carrying the sacred objects. By the time they arrived at the next camp, the Tent had been set up again.

International Standard Version
Then the descendants of Kohath, carrying the sanctuary, set out, since the tent was to be set up before they arrive.

Majority Standard Bible
Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

NET Bible
And the Kohathites set out, carrying the articles for the sanctuary; the tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived.

New Heart English Bible
The Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary. The others set up the tabernacle before they arrived.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the Kohathites moved forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other set up the tabernacle against they came.

World English Bible
The Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary. The others set up the tabernacle before they arrived.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Kohathites have journeyed, carrying the Dwelling Place, and the [others] have raised up the Dwelling Place until their coming in.

Young's Literal Translation
And the Kohathites have journeyed, bearing the tabernacle, and the others have raised up the tabernacle until their coming in.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Kohathites removed, lifting up the holy place, and they raised up the dwelling till their coining.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then the Caathites also marched carrying the sanctuary. So long was the tabernacle carried, till they same to the place of setting it up.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the Kohathites also set out, carrying the Sanctuary. The tabernacle was carried, all the while, until they arrived at the place for setting it up.

New American Bible
The Kohathites, who carried the sacred objects, then set out. Before their arrival the tabernacle would be erected.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the Kohathites, who carried the holy things, set out; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the Kohathites set forward, carrying the sanctuary; and they set up the tabernacle before the people came.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Qahath the bearers of the Tabernacle were picking up and erecting the Tabernacle until they came.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the Kohathites the bearers of the sanctuary set forward, that the tabernacle might be set up against their coming.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Caath shall set forward bearing the holy things, and the others shall set up the tabernacle until they arrive.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
From Sinai to Paran
20and Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad. 21Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival. 22Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim set out under their standard, with Elishama son of Ammihud in command.…

Cross References
Exodus 25:10-22
And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. / Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. ...

Exodus 40:34-38
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. ...

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

1 Chronicles 15:2
Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.”

1 Chronicles 15:15
And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 23:26
So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.”

1 Chronicles 23:32
So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5:4-5
When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark, / and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up.

2 Chronicles 35:3
To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.

Joshua 3:3
and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it.

Joshua 3:6
And he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them.

Joshua 4:10
Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until the people had completed everything the LORD had commanded Joshua to tell them, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried across,

1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

1 Samuel 6:15
And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest containing the gold objects, and they placed them on the large rock. That day the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD.

2 Samuel 6:13
When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.


Treasury of Scripture

And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.

the Kohathites

Numbers 2:17
Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.

Numbers 3:27-32
And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites…

Numbers 4:4-16
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: …

the other did.

Numbers 10:17
And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Numbers 1:51
And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

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Arrival Arrived Bearers Bearing Carrying Holy House Journeyed Kohathites Ko'hathites Raised Ready Sanctuary Tabernacle Whilst
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Numbers 10
1. The use of the silver trumpets
11. The Israelites move from Sinai to Paran
14. The order of their march
29. Hobab is entreated by Moses not to leave them
33. The blessing of Moses at the removing and resting of the ark














Then the Kohathites set out
The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descendants of Kohath, the second son of Levi. Their specific role was to carry the most sacred objects of the tabernacle. This task was not just a logistical duty but a sacred responsibility, highlighting the importance of reverence and care in handling holy items. The Hebrew root for "set out" (נָסַע, nasa) implies a journey or departure, indicating a purposeful movement towards fulfilling God's command. This reflects the Christian journey of faith, where believers are called to move forward with purpose and dedication in their spiritual walk.

carrying the holy things
The "holy things" refer to the sacred objects within the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars. These items were central to Israel's worship and symbolized God's presence among His people. The Hebrew word for "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) signifies something set apart for divine service. This underscores the concept of holiness in the Christian life, where believers are called to be set apart for God's purposes, carrying His presence into the world.

the tabernacle was to be set up
The tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The phrase "was to be set up" indicates a preparatory action, ensuring that the place of worship was ready before the arrival of the holy items. This reflects the importance of preparation and readiness in worship, emphasizing that our hearts and lives should be prepared to receive and honor God's presence.

before their arrival
This phrase highlights the order and structure in the movement of the Israelites. The tabernacle was to be erected before the Kohathites arrived with the holy things, ensuring that everything was in place for the continuation of worship. This orderliness reflects God's nature as a God of order and peace, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:33. It serves as a reminder for Christians to prioritize order and preparation in their spiritual lives, ensuring that their actions align with God's will and purpose.

Verse 21. - The sanctuary. Rather, "the holy things." הַמִּקְדַּשׁ, equivalent to the קֹדֶשׁ הֲקָּדָשׁים if Numbers 4:4. Septuagint, τὰ ἅγια. The sacred furniture mentioned in chapter Numbers 3:31 (but cf. verse 33). The other did set up the tabernacle. Literally, "they set up," but no doubt it means the Gershonites and Merarites, whose business it was.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the Kohathites
הַקְּהָתִ֔ים (haq·qə·hā·ṯîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6956: Kohathites -- descendant of Kohath

set out,
וְנָסְעוּ֙ (wə·nā·sə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

transporting
נֹשְׂאֵ֖י (nō·śə·’ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

the holy objects;
הַמִּקְדָּ֑שׁ (ham·miq·dāš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4720: A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum

the tabernacle
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן (ham·miš·kān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

was to be set up
וְהֵקִ֥ימוּ (wə·hê·qî·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

before
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

their arrival.
בֹּאָֽם׃ (bō·’ām)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go


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OT Law: Numbers 10:21 The Kohathites set forward bearing the sanctuary (Nu Num.)
Numbers 10:20
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