Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Take a census of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans and families. New Living Translation “Record the names of the members of the clans and families of the Kohathite division of the tribe of Levi. English Standard Version “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their clans and their fathers’ houses, Berean Standard Bible “Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families, Berean Literal Bible “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from the midst of the sons of Levi, by their clans, by the house of their fathers, King James Bible Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers, New King James Version “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the children of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ house, New American Standard Bible “Take a census of the descendants of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ households, NASB 1995 “Take a census of the descendants of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ households, NASB 1977 “Take a census of the descendants of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ households, Legacy Standard Bible “Take a census of the descendants of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ households, Amplified Bible “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families (clans), by their fathers’ households, Berean Annotated Bible “Take a census of the Kohathites (assembly) among the Levites (joined to) by their clans and families, Christian Standard Bible “Among the Levites, take a census of the Kohathites by their clans and their ancestral families, Holman Christian Standard Bible Among the Levites, take a census of the Kohathites by their clans and their ancestral houses, American Standard Version Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' houses, English Revised Version Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' houses, GOD'S WORD® Translation "Take a census of the Levites who are descended from Kohath. List them by families and households. Good News Translation to take a census of the Levite clan of Kohath by subclans and families, International Standard Version "Take a census of the descendants of Kohath from among the descendants of Levi according to their tribes and ancestral houses NET Bible "Take a census of the Kohathites from among the Levites, by their families and by their clans, New Heart English Bible "Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' houses, Webster's Bible Translation Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families, World English Bible “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Take a census of the sons of Kohath from the midst of the sons of Levi, by their families, by the house of their fathers; Berean Literal Bible “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from the midst of the sons of Levi, by their clans, by the house of their fathers, Young's Literal Translation 'Take up the sum of the sons of Kohath from the midst of the sons of Levi, by their families, by the house of their fathers; Smith's Literal Translation Take the head of the sons of Kohath from the midst of the sons of Levi, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTake the sum of the sons of Caath from the midst of the Levites, by their houses and families. Catholic Public Domain Version “Take a total of the sons of Kohath from the midst of the Levites, by their houses and families, New American Bible Take a census among the Levites of the Kohathites, by clans and ancestral houses, New Revised Standard Version Take a census of the Kohathites separate from the other Levites, by their clans and their ancestral houses, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTake the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Take an accounting of the sons of Qahath from within the sons of Levi for their families for the house of their fathers. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' houses, Brenton Septuagint Translation Take the sum of the children of Caath from the midst of the sons of Levi, after their families, according to the houses of their fathers' households; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Duties of the Kohathites1Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 2“Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families, 3men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.… Cross References Take a census of the Kohathites Numbers 3:27-28 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. Numbers 3:29-31 The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, / and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. / Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items. Numbers 26:57-58 Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans: The Gershonite clan from Gershon, the Kohathite clan from Kohath, and the Merarite clan from Merari. / These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram, among the Levites Numbers 1:47-49 The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers. / For the LORD had said to Moses: / “Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites. Numbers 3:6-9 “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. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. … Deuteronomy 10:8-9 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. / That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. by their clans and families, Numbers 3:15-16 “Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.” / So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded. Numbers 1:2-4 “Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. / You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. / And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you. Exodus 6:16-20 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. … 1 Chronicles 23:3-6 The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. / “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, / 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” … 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 6:48-49 Their fellow Levites were assigned to every kind of service of the tabernacle, the house of God. / But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 1 Chronicles 9:10-13 From the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin; / Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of God’s temple; / Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; … 1 Chronicles 9:19-22 Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. / In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him. / Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. … 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.” Treasury of Scripture Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers, Numbers 3:19,27 And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel… Jump to Previous Branch Census Clans Descendants Families Fathers House Households Houses Kohath Kohathite Levi Midst Numbered Order SumJump to Next Branch Census Clans Descendants Families Fathers House Households Houses Kohath Kohathite Levi Midst Numbered Order SumNumbers 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 Take a census of the Kohathites The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, the others being the Gershonites and the Merarites. The Levites were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle, and the Kohathites had the specific duty of caring for the most sacred objects within it. This census was a way to organize and prepare them for their responsibilities. The act of taking a census in the Bible often signifies preparation for a task or journey, as seen in other instances such as the census in the Book of Numbers for the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. among the Levites by their clans and families Persons / Places / Events 1. KohathitesA clan within the tribe of Levi, specifically tasked with the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle. They were one of the three main divisions of the Levites. 2. Sons of Levi The descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle. 3. Census A counting or numbering of people, often for organizational or military purposes. In this context, it was for the purpose of assigning duties related to the tabernacle. 4. Clans and Families The subdivisions within the tribe of Levi, indicating the importance of family lineage and structure in the organization of Israelite society. 5. Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the divine presence that the Israelites carried with them during their journey through the wilderness. Teaching Points The Importance of Order and StructureGod values order and structure in worship and service. The census of the Kohathites reflects the need for organized service in the community of faith. Sacred Responsibilities The Kohathites were entrusted with the most sacred objects, teaching us the importance of reverence and responsibility in handling the things of God. Family and Community Roles Each family and clan had specific roles, highlighting the importance of understanding and fulfilling our God-given roles within the church and community. Faithfulness in Service The Kohathites' duties required diligence and faithfulness, reminding us to be faithful in whatever tasks God assigns to us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 4:2?2. What duties were assigned to the Kohathites in Numbers 4:2, and why? 3. How does Numbers 4:2 emphasize the importance of orderly service in God's work? 4. Compare the roles in Numbers 4:2 with New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts. 5. How can we apply the principle of designated roles in Numbers 4:2 today? 6. What does Numbers 4:2 teach about responsibility and accountability in ministry? 7. What is the significance of the Kohathites' role in Numbers 4:2? 8. How does Numbers 4:2 reflect God's organizational structure for the Israelites? 9. Why were only certain Levites chosen for specific tasks in Numbers 4:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4? 11. Numbers 4 - Given the large census numbers in previous chapters, is there any historical or scientific basis to confirm the vast manpower needed for these Tabernacle tasks? 12. What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count? 13. In 1 Chronicles 15:2, where David insists only the Levites may carry the Ark, how do we reconcile this claim with any instances where non-Levites handled it or transported it in other texts? 14. If the Levites replaced all Israel's firstborn in worship (Numbers 8:16-18), how does this reconcile with earlier promises safeguarding the special status of firstborns? What Does Numbers 4:2 Mean Take a census“Take a census…” (Numbers 4:2) is the Lord’s direct command to Moses and Aaron. By ordering a headcount, God is: • Establishing accountability—each man of service age will be known by name (cf. Numbers 1:49-53). • Preparing for ministry assignments—only those counted will carry the tabernacle furnishings (Numbers 4:15). • Protecting the people—when previous censuses were taken with the right heart, plague was avoided (Exodus 30:12). The instruction shows that sacred service is never haphazard; the Lord tracks His servants down to the individual. of the Kohathites The Kohathites descend from Kohath, son of Levi (Exodus 6:16-18), making them one of three main Levitical branches. God singles them out because they will shoulder the holiest objects—the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and utensils (Numbers 3:29-31; 7:9). Key truths emerge: • Heritage matters. God honors family lines He has appointed (1 Chronicles 6:1-2). • Holiness has boundaries. Only the Kohathites handle what others must not even see (Numbers 4:20). • Service is costly. They bear weighty loads on their shoulders without carts, symbolizing the personal responsibility of ministry (2 Samuel 6:6-7 underscores the danger of treating holy things casually). among the Levites While every Levite is set apart (Numbers 3:5-7; Deuteronomy 10:8), not every Levite has the same task. By saying “among the Levites,” the verse highlights: • Diversity within calling—Gershonites manage fabrics, Merarites the frames, Kohathites the sacred vessels (Numbers 4:24-33). • Unity in purpose—all serve the tabernacle, foreshadowing the body of Christ in which every member contributes (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Divine prerogative—God, not human ambition, assigns roles (Hebrews 5:4). by their clans and families Counting “by their clans and families” safeguards proper order: • Clarity—each household knows its precise duty (Joshua 21:20-26 lists their later cities). • Inheritance—genealogies preserve land rights and priestly lineage (Numbers 26:57-62). • Accountability—family heads ensure obedience, preventing profane intrusion (Numbers 18:3). This structure prevents chaos and mirrors the orderly nature of God Himself (1 Corinthians 14:33). summary Numbers 4:2 shows the Lord carefully organizing His servants: He commands a census, focuses on the Kohathite branch, situates them within the larger Levitical calling, and does it all along family lines. The verse teaches that God values order, heritage, and personal accountability in sacred service, and it reminds believers today that every assignment—great or small—flows from His wise, intentional design. IV.(2) Of the sons of Kohath . . . --Kohath appears to have been the second son of Levi (Numbers 3:17), but the Kohathites here stand first because Moses and Aaron belonged to them, and it was their office to bear the Ark. Verse 2. - Take the sum of the sons of Kohath. The Levites having been separated from the other tribes, the Kohathites are now to be separated from amongst the other Levites for the most honourable and sacred duties. To them the preference was given presumably because the priests were Kohathites.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Take a censusנָשֹׂ֗א (nā·śō) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take of the Kohathites קְהָ֔ת (qə·hāṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6955: Kohath -- a son of Levi among מִתּ֖וֹךְ (mit·tō·wḵ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the Levites לֵוִ֑י (lê·wî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi by their clans לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people and families, אֲבֹתָֽם׃ (’ă·ḇō·ṯām) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father Links Numbers 4:2 NIVNumbers 4:2 NLT Numbers 4:2 ESV Numbers 4:2 NASB Numbers 4:2 KJV Numbers 4:2 BibleApps.com Numbers 4:2 Biblia Paralela Numbers 4:2 Chinese Bible Numbers 4:2 French Bible Numbers 4:2 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 4:2 Take a census of the sons (Nu Num.) |



