Numbers 4:19
New International Version
So 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 into the sanctuary and assign to each man his work and what he is to carry.

New Living Translation
This is what you must do so they will live and not die when they approach the most sacred objects. Aaron and his sons must always go in with them and assign a specific duty or load to each person.

English Standard Version
but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden,

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

New King James Version
but do this in regard to them, that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint each of them to his service and his task.

New American Standard Bible
Rather, do this for them so that they will live and not die when they approach the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each of them to his work and to his load;

NASB 1995
“But do this to them that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each of them to his work and to his load;

NASB 1977
“But do this to them that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each of them to his work and to his load;

Legacy Standard Bible
But do this to them that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons shall go in and set each of them to his service and to his load;

Amplified Bible
But deal with them in this way, so that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each of them to his [specific] work and to his load [to be carried on the march].

Christian Standard Bible
Do this for them so that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and transportation duty.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do this for them so that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and transportation duty.

American Standard Version
but thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;

English Revised Version
but thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is what you must do so that they won't die when they come near the most holy things: Aaron and his sons will go into the holy place and tell each man what he will do and what he will carry.

Good News Translation
be killed by coming near these most sacred objects. To prevent this from happening, Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each man his task and tell him what to carry.

International Standard Version
But do this for them so that they may live and not die when they approach the Most Holy Place: Aaron and his sons are to go in and set specific responsibilities for each of them to carry out.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
but in order that they will live and not die when they approach the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons will go in and appoint each man to his service and his responsibility.

New Heart English Bible
but thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them everyone to his service and to his burden;

Webster's Bible Translation
But thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

World English Bible
but do this to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint everyone to his service and to his burden;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but do this for them, and they have lived and do not die in their drawing near [to] the Holy of Holies: Aaron and his sons go in, and have set them, each man to his service, and to his burden,

Young's Literal Translation
but this do to them, and they have lived, and do not die in their drawing nigh the holy of holies: -- Aaron and his sons go in, and have set them, each man to his service, and unto his burden,

Smith's Literal Translation
And this do ye to them, and they lived, and they shall not die, in their coming near the holy of holies: Aaron and his sons shall come in and set them a man, a man upon his works, and to his lifting up.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But do this to them, that they may live, and not die, by touching the holies of holies. Aaron and his sons shall go in, and they shall appoint every man his work, and shall divide the burdens that every man is to carry.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But do this for them, so that they may live, and so that they may not die by touching the Holies of holies. Aaron and his sons shall enter, and they shall assign the work of each one, and they shall determine what each one ought to carry.

New American Bible
That they may live and not die when they approach the most sacred objects, this is what you shall do for them: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign to each of them his task and what he must carry;

New Revised Standard Version
This is how you must deal with them in order that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each to a particular task or burden.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But do this to them, that they may live, and not die, when they enter into the most holy place; Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But do this to them and they will live, lest they will die when they enter the Holy Holies; Ahron and his sons shall enter and they shall authorize them, each man over his service and over its removal.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
This do ye to them, and they shall live and not die, when they approach the holy of holies: Let Aaron and his sons advance, and they shall place them each in his post for bearing.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Duties of the Kohathites
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. 20But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”…

Cross References
Exodus 28:1-3
“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. / Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. / You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest.

Leviticus 16:2-4
And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. / This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. / He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.

1 Chronicles 23:13
The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

Hebrews 5:4
No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

Exodus 30:19-21
with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet. / Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. / Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.”

Leviticus 8:6-9
Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. / He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. ...

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Exodus 29:1-9
“Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without blemish, / along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil. Make them out of fine wheat flour, / put them in a basket, and present them in the basket, along with the bull and the two rams. ...

2 Chronicles 29:11
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

Hebrews 9:6-7
When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. / But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

Exodus 40:12-15
Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. / And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest. / Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics. ...

1 Samuel 2:28
And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.

Hebrews 7:27
Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.

Exodus 39:41
and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.

2 Chronicles 31:2
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.


Treasury of Scripture

But thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

the most holy

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

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Aaron Appoint Approach Assign Burden Carry Deal Death Die Draw Drawing Holy Live Nigh Objects Sanctuary Service Task Theirs Work
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Aaron Appoint Approach Assign Burden Carry Deal Death Die Draw Drawing Holy Live Nigh Objects Sanctuary Service Task Theirs Work
Numbers 4
1. The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service
4. 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














So that they may live and not die
This phrase underscores the gravity and sanctity of the duties assigned to the Levites. The Hebrew root for "live" (חָיָה, chayah) implies not just physical survival but thriving in the presence of God. The phrase "not die" (לֹא יָמוּת, lo yamut) emphasizes the lethal consequences of approaching the holy things improperly. This reflects the holiness of God and the seriousness of His commands, reminding us of the reverence required in worship and service.

when they come near the most holy things
The "most holy things" (קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים, qodesh ha-qodashim) refers to the sacred objects within the tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant. The Hebrew term highlights the set-apart nature of these items, reserved for God's presence. Historically, this reflects the Israelite understanding of sacred space, where proximity to the divine required purity and obedience, a principle that echoes the need for holiness in our approach to God today.

do this for them
This directive indicates a protective measure, a divine provision for the Levites. The Hebrew verb (עָשָׂה, asah) suggests an active, intentional action. It is a reminder of God's care and provision for those who serve Him, ensuring their safety and well-being as they fulfill their sacred duties.

Aaron and his sons are to go in
Aaron and his sons, the priests, are given the responsibility to oversee the Levites. The phrase "go in" (יָבֹאוּ, yavo'u) implies entering a sacred space with authority and purpose. This highlights the priestly role as mediators between God and the people, a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priesthood.

assign to each man his task
The Hebrew root for "assign" (פָּקַד, paqad) conveys the idea of careful oversight and delegation. Each Levite had a specific role, emphasizing the order and structure within the service of the tabernacle. This reflects the biblical principle that God is a God of order, and each believer has a unique role in the body of Christ.

and what he is to carry
The tasks involved carrying the sacred objects during the Israelites' journeys. The Hebrew word for "carry" (נָשָׂא, nasa) implies bearing a burden with dignity and responsibility. This serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to carry their cross and serve with dedication and reverence, recognizing the weight and privilege of their calling.

Verse 19. - Thus do unto them, i.e., exactly as commanded in verses 5-15.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In order that they may live
וְחָיוּ֙ (wə·ḥā·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive

and not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

die
יָמֻ֔תוּ (yā·mu·ṯū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

when they come near
בְּגִשְׁתָּ֖ם (bə·ḡiš·tām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

the most
קֹ֣דֶשׁ (qō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

holy things,
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים (haq·qo·ḏā·šîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

do
עֲשׂ֣וּ (‘ă·śū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

this
וְזֹ֣את ׀ (wə·zōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

for them:
לָהֶ֗ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֤ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

and his sons
וּבָנָיו֙ (ū·ḇā·nāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

are to go in
יָבֹ֔אוּ (yā·ḇō·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and assign
וְשָׂמ֣וּ (wə·śā·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

each man
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

his task
עֲבֹדָת֖וֹ (‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

and what he is to carry.
מַשָּׂאֽוֹ׃ (maś·śā·’ōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire


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OT Law: Numbers 4:19 But thus do to them that they (Nu Num.)
Numbers 4:18
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