Verse (Click for Chapter) 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. Berean Literal Bible And this do in regard to them, that they may live and not die, when they approach the holy of holies: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint every man to his service and his task; 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]. Berean Annotated Bible In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron (light bringer) and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry (burden). 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. 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: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn 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. 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 Versionbut 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, Berean Literal Bible And this do in regard to them, that they may live and not die, when they approach the holy of holies: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint every man to his service and his task; 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 BibleBut 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 BibleBut 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 1917but 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 In order that they may live and not die Leviticus 16:2 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. Leviticus 10:1-2 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. Exodus 19:21-22 and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish. / Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.” when they come near the most holy things, Numbers 18:3 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. Exodus 30:20-21 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 16:13 He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die. do this for them: 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. … Leviticus 8:5-9 And Moses said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded to be done.” / 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. … 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. … Aaron and his sons are to go in Numbers 18:7 But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” Exodus 28:43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. Leviticus 16:17 No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel. and assign each man his task 1 Chronicles 23:24-32 These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. / For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever. / So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” … 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. … 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. … and what he is to carry. Numbers 7:9 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. 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: Jump to Previous Aaron Appoint Approach Assign Burden Carry Deal Death Die Draw Drawing Holy Live Nigh Objects Sanctuary Service Task Theirs WorkJump to Next Aaron Appoint Approach Assign Burden Carry Deal Death Die Draw Drawing Holy Live Nigh Objects Sanctuary Service Task Theirs WorkNumbers 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 In order that they may live and not die This phrase underscores the seriousness of approaching the holy things of the Tabernacle. The holiness of God is a central theme in the Old Testament, and the Israelites were repeatedly reminded of the need for reverence and obedience to God's commands. The Levitical laws were given to ensure that the Israelites could approach God without incurring His wrath. This reflects the broader biblical principle that sin leads to death (Romans 6:23), and only through God's provision can life be preserved. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a key figure in the Levitical priesthood. He is responsible for overseeing the duties of the Kohathites. 2. Sons of Aaron The descendants of Aaron who serve as priests, assisting in the sacred duties and ensuring the proper handling of holy objects. 3. Kohathites A clan within the Levites tasked with carrying the most holy things of the tabernacle. They must follow specific instructions to avoid death. 4. Most Holy Things Sacred objects within the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, which require careful handling to prevent desecration and ensure the safety of those who carry them. 5. Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, containing the most holy things. Teaching Points Reverence for the HolyThe passage underscores the importance of approaching God and His sacred things with reverence and obedience. This reverence is a timeless principle for worship and service. Delegation and Responsibility Aaron and his sons are tasked with assigning duties, highlighting the importance of leadership, delegation, and ensuring that each person understands their role in God's service. Obedience and Life The instructions are given "that they may live and not die," emphasizing that obedience to God's commands is a matter of life and death, both physically and spiritually. Holiness and Separation The Kohathites' role in carrying the most holy things illustrates the concept of holiness and the need for separation from the common to serve God effectively. Christ as Our High Priest In the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest who perfectly fulfills the role of mediator, ensuring our access to God through His sacrifice, paralleling the role of Aaron and his sons. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 4:19?2. How does Numbers 4:19 emphasize the importance of following God's specific instructions? 3. What role does Aaron and his sons play in Numbers 4:19's directive? 4. How does Numbers 4:19 connect to the broader theme of holiness in Leviticus? 5. How can we apply the principle of careful obedience from Numbers 4:19 today? 6. What does Numbers 4:19 teach about the consequences of neglecting God's commands? 7. What does Numbers 4:19 reveal about God's instructions for handling sacred objects? 8. How does Numbers 4:19 emphasize the importance of obedience to divine commands? 9. Why were specific instructions given in Numbers 4:19 for the Kohathites' duties? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4? 11. What is the main theme of the Book of Numbers? 12. Who was Ithamar in the Bible? 13. What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count? 14. How does the ritual laying on of hands in Numbers 8:10 align or conflict with other priestly consecration rites in the Torah? What Does Numbers 4:19 Mean In order that they may live and not die- God’s concern is first for the preservation of His servants. Holiness never cancels compassion; instead, it protects it (Deuteronomy 6:24; Leviticus 8:35). - Obedience equals life; disobedience invites death (Numbers 18:22). The warning is real, not symbolic. - Our response today mirrors theirs—reverent obedience keeps us in the place of blessing (John 14:15). when they come near the most holy things - “Most holy things” points to the innermost articles of the tabernacle, veiled from casual approach (Exodus 26:33; Leviticus 16:2). - Nearness to God’s presence is a privilege with boundaries, as Uzzah learned when he touched the ark (1 Chronicles 13:10). - Christ’s finished work opens the veil for us (Hebrews 10:19-22), yet the call to holy awe remains. do this for them - The Levites need mediation and instruction; God graciously provides it through the priesthood (Numbers 18:6; Exodus 28:1). - Grace precedes service: God makes a way before He commands the walk (Romans 5:8). Aaron and his sons are to go in - Only the consecrated priests may enter the sacred space (Numbers 3:10; Leviticus 8:1-3). - Their access foreshadows Christ, our great High Priest, who alone secures safe entry for His people (Hebrews 4:14-16). and assign each man his task - Work in God’s house is divinely ordered, not random (Numbers 4:49; 1 Chronicles 23:4). - Specific callings prevent confusion and safeguard unity (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). - Knowing your God-given role frees you to serve with joy. and what he is to carry - The Kohathites bore the holiest furniture on their shoulders—no carts allowed (Numbers 4:24-28, 31-33; 7:9). - Personal responsibility: each Israelite knows exactly what load is his, a picture of bearing one another’s burdens without shifting duty (Galatians 6:5). - God equips every believer with strength equal to the assignment (Philippians 4:13). summary Numbers 4:19 shows that holy service must follow God’s precise instructions so His servants “may live and not die.” Approach to the sacred is granted through an appointed priesthood, each person receiving a clear, customized task. The passage highlights God’s protective love, the seriousness of His holiness, and the orderly beauty of service. In Christ we have both safe access and Spirit-given roles—privilege and responsibility held together for His glory. Verse 19. - Thus do unto them, i.e., exactly as commanded in verses 5-15.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In order that they may liveוְחָיוּ֙ (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 Links Numbers 4:19 NIVNumbers 4:19 NLT Numbers 4:19 ESV Numbers 4:19 NASB Numbers 4:19 KJV Numbers 4:19 BibleApps.com Numbers 4:19 Biblia Paralela Numbers 4:19 Chinese Bible Numbers 4:19 French Bible Numbers 4:19 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 4:19 But thus do to them that they (Nu Num.) |
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