Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “See that the Kohathite tribal clans are not destroyed from among the Levites. New Living Translation “Do not let the Kohathite clans be destroyed from among the Levites! English Standard Version “Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, Berean Standard Bible “Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites. Berean Literal Bible “Do not cut off the tribe of the clans of the Kohathite from the midst of the Levites. King James Bible Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites: New King James Version “Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; New American Standard Bible “Do not let the tribe of the families of the Kohathites be eliminated from among the Levites. NASB 1995 “Do not let the tribe of the families of the Kohathites be cut off from among the Levites. NASB 1977 “Do not let the tribe of the families of the Kohathites be cut off from among the Levites. Legacy Standard Bible “Do not let the tribe of the families of the Kohathites be cut off from among the Levites. Amplified Bible “Do not cut off (eliminate, destroy) the tribe of the families of the Kohathites [who are only Levites and not priests], from among the Levites [by exposing them to the sin of touching the most holy things]. Berean Annotated Bible “Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites. Christian Standard Bible “Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be wiped out from the Levites. Holman Christian Standard Bible Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be wiped out from the Levites. American Standard Version Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; English Revised Version Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites: GOD'S WORD® Translation "Don't let the Kohathite families from Levi's tribe be destroyed. Good News Translation "Do not let the clan of Kohath International Standard Version "You are not to eliminate the tribe of the families of the descendants of Kohath from the descendants of Levi. NET Bible "Do not allow the tribe of the families of the Kohathites to be cut off from among the Levites; New Heart English Bible "Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; Webster's Bible Translation Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites. World English Bible “Don’t cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“You do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathite from the midst of the Levites; Berean Literal Bible “Do not cut off the tribe of the clans of the Kohathite from the midst of the Levites. Young's Literal Translation 'Ye do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathite from the midst of the Levites; Smith's Literal Translation Ye shall not cut off the tribe from the families of the Kohathites from the midst of the Levites. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDestroy not the people of Caath from the midst of the Levites: Catholic Public Domain Version “Do not be willing to lose the people of Kohath from the midst of the Levites. New American Bible Do not let the group of Kohathite clans perish from among the Levites. New Revised Standard Version You must not let the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYou shall not destroy the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “You shall not destroy the tribe of the family of Qahath from within the Levites. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; Brenton Septuagint Translation Ye shall not destroy the family of Caath from the tribe out of the midst of the Levites. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Duties of the Kohathites…17Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 18“Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites. 19In 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.… Cross References Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans Numbers 3:27-31 From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. / The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. / The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, … Exodus 6:16-18 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. / The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. Joshua 21:4-5 The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. / The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. to be cut off Numbers 16:31-35 As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, / and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. / They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. … Exodus 30:33 Anyone who mixes perfume like it or puts it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.’” Leviticus 10:1-3 Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. / Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent. from among the Levites. Numbers 18:1-3 So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. Numbers 3:5-9 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. … Deuteronomy 18:1-2 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. Exodus 28:1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. Exodus 28:41 After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests. Exodus 29:9 Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons. Exodus 30:30 Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests. Leviticus 8:2 “Take Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull of the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread, Leviticus 8:12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. Leviticus 10:6-7 Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. / You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.” So they did as Moses instructed. Treasury of Scripture Cut you not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites: Numbers 16:32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not. Numbers 18:5 And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel. Jump to Previous Clans Cut Destroyed Families Family Kohathite Kohathites Ko'hathites Levites Midst Tribal TribeJump to Next Clans Cut Destroyed Families Family Kohathite Kohathites Ko'hathites Levites Midst Tribal TribeNumbers 4 1. The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service4. The duty of the Kohathites 16. The charge of Eleazar 17. The office of the priests 21. The duty of the Gershonites 29. Of the Merarites 34. The number of the Kohathites 38. Of the Gershonites 42. And of the Merarites Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Kohath, the second son of Levi. Their primary responsibility was the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. This role highlights the importance of their service and the need for their preservation. The Kohathites' duties required them to carry these holy items on their shoulders, emphasizing the sacredness and reverence required in their service. This phrase underscores the necessity of maintaining the Kohathite lineage to ensure the continuation of their critical role in worship and service to God. to be cut off from among the Levites. Persons / Places / Events 1. KohathitesA clan within the tribe of Levi, responsible for the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant. Their duties were critical, and they were not to touch or see the holy objects directly, lest they die. 2. Levites The tribe set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle. They were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes but were instead dedicated to serving God and the Israelite community. 3. Moses The leader of the Israelites who received the law from God and communicated His commands to the people, including the instructions regarding the duties of the Levites. 4. Aaron The brother of Moses and the first high priest, responsible for overseeing the priestly duties and ensuring the proper handling of the sacred objects. 5. Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, containing the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred items. It was central to Israelite worship and religious life. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe Kohathites were given specific instructions to prevent them from being "cut off." This underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, especially in matters of worship and service. The Role of the Community The command to protect the Kohathites from being cut off highlights the communal responsibility of the Israelites to care for each other and ensure the continuity of their service to God. Reverence for the Holy The Kohathites' duties remind us of the need for reverence and respect for what is sacred. In our lives, we should approach God with the same awe and respect. God's Provision and Order The detailed instructions for the Levites demonstrate God's provision and order in worship. This order reflects His character and should inspire us to seek order and purpose in our spiritual lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 4:18?2. Why is it important to "not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off"? 3. How does Numbers 4:18 emphasize the value of each tribe's unique role? 4. What other scriptures highlight the importance of protecting God's appointed servants? 5. How can we ensure we honor and support church leaders today? 6. In what ways can we prevent spiritual "cut off" in our communities? 7. What is the significance of the Kohathites' role in Numbers 4:18? 8. Why does Numbers 4:18 emphasize not cutting off the Kohathite clan? 9. How does Numbers 4:18 reflect God's concern for specific tribes? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4? 11. Why did Korah rebel against Moses and Aaron? 12. Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? 13. Numbers 4:29-30 - Why does God prescribe a seemingly arbitrary age range for the Merarites' duties, and does this contradict other biblical texts about priestly service? 14. Does the inheritance prohibition in Numbers 18:20-24 conflict with other passages that suggest Levites owned cities or land, indicating a possible textual inconsistency? What Does Numbers 4:18 Mean Do not allowNumbers 4:18 opens with a direct command from the LORD: “Do not allow….” Here the responsibility falls on Moses, Aaron, and ultimately the whole priestly leadership. God entrusts His leaders with vigilant care over the people He assigns to them (compare Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17). • The instruction underscores personal accountability; neglecting it would be disobedience to God Himself (Leviticus 10:1-2). • It also highlights God’s protective heart—He gives warnings so His people can flourish, not falter (Psalm 121:3-8). the Kohathite tribal clans Within the Levites there were three major families: Gershon, Merari, and Kohath (Numbers 3:17-19). The Kohathites received the holiest duties—carrying the ark, the table, the lampstand, and other sacred objects (Numbers 4:4-15). • Handling holy things brought great privilege and great risk (2 Samuel 6:6-7). • Their unique assignment set them apart, reminding us that God distributes gifts and callings as He sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:18). • Spiritual privilege never cancels dependence on God’s grace; it deepens it (Luke 12:48). to be cut off “Cut off” signals divine judgment—premature death or exclusion from the covenant community (Genesis 17:14; Exodus 30:33). For the Kohathites, careless contact with the holy articles could prove fatal (Numbers 4:15, 20). • God’s holiness is not negotiable; it requires reverent obedience (Hebrews 12:28-29). • The warning anticipates Christ, whose sacrifice satisfies God’s holiness so we can draw near with confidence (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Even under grace, reverence remains essential (Acts 5:1-11). from among the Levites The Kohathites might have assumed their lineage guaranteed safety, yet God stresses that even within a chosen tribe, faithfulness matters (Ezekiel 18:24). • No position, family name, or past service exempts anyone from walking in present obedience (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Their survival depended on the collective vigilance of the Levites; community accountability protects everyone (Galatians 6:1-2). • This unity around holiness foreshadows the church, a royal priesthood called to guard one another against drifting (1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 3:12-13). summary Numbers 4:18 is a loving yet serious mandate. God charges His leaders to guard the Kohathites so they can fulfill their sacred calling without falling under judgment. The verse blends privilege with responsibility, reminding every believer that intimacy with a holy God demands reverent obedience. Privilege never eliminates peril; it intensifies our need for humble dependence on His guidance and on one another. (18) Cut ye not off the tribe . . . --The word shebet (tribe) is here used in a very peculiar sense, and denotes one division only of the tribe of Levi. In this and the following verses the injunction already given (Numbers 5:15) is renewed, and Moses and Aaron are charged not to be guilty of such negligence in respect of it as might expose the Kohathites to death in consequence of their unlawful treatment of the holy things. Moses and Aaron might be said to do that which would be the result of their negligence. In like manner St. Paul enjoins the Roman Christians in these words: "Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died" (Romans 14:15).Verse 18. - Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites. The word tribe (shebet) is used in an unusual way here, not in the sense of tribus, but of stirps. Perhaps as Levi was himself a microcosm of all Israel, so his families ranked as tribes; and no doubt they remained more distinct than the families of any other tribe. The meaning of the command is plainly this, "Take care that the Kohathites are not cut off through any negligence or want of consideration on your part; and the form of the command, "cut ye not off," conveyed most emphatically the warning, that if any mischief befell the Kohathites which the priests could have prevented, they would be responsible for it in the sight of God. No doubt, as a fact, the Kohathites would take their cue from the conduct of the priests: if they were irreverent and careless, the Levites would be the same, and would sooner or later presume, and, presuming, would die.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Do notאַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not allow the Kohathite הַקְּהָתִ֑י (haq·qə·hā·ṯî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6956: Kohathites -- descendant of Kohath tribal שֵׁ֖בֶט (šê·ḇeṭ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe clans מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת (miš·pə·ḥōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people to be cut off תַּכְרִ֕יתוּ (taḵ·rî·ṯū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant from among מִתּ֖וֹךְ (mit·tō·wḵ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the Levites. הַלְוִיִּֽם׃ (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi Links Numbers 4:18 NIVNumbers 4:18 NLT Numbers 4:18 ESV Numbers 4:18 NASB Numbers 4:18 KJV Numbers 4:18 BibleApps.com Numbers 4:18 Biblia Paralela Numbers 4:18 Chinese Bible Numbers 4:18 French Bible Numbers 4:18 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 4:18 Don't cut off the tribe (Nu Num.) |
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