Kohathites’ Service
Numbers 4:1-20
Num.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Exodus 25:1 (verbal): Same opening formula 'And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying' introducing divine instructions (here about the tabernacle), matching the verbal pattern of Num 4:1.
- Leviticus 1:1 (structural): Divine address to Moses from the tabernacle of meeting—functions as the ritual/legal prologue that Leviticus and Numbers use to introduce priestly/tabernacle regulations.
- Numbers 1:1 (structural): Within the same book: God 'spake unto Moses' to introduce a major administrative/legislative section (the census and organization), paralleling Num 4:1's role in launching Levites' duties.
- Numbers 3:5 (thematic): God speaks to Moses with instructions specifically about the Levites—the immediate thematic precursor to Num 4, which continues detailed regulations for Levitical service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And YHWH spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
- And YHWH spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
Num.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נשא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתוך: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 3:18 (quotation): Nearly identical command: take the census of the sons of Kohath from among the Levites, by their families and fathers' houses (verbal repetition of the census formula).
- Numbers 1:2 (structural): The general census formula for Israel — 'take the sum of all the congregation... by their families, by the houses of their fathers' — which Num 4:2 echoes in form and purpose.
- Numbers 26:57-61 (thematic): The later (second) census restates the Kohathite family listings and household divisions, showing continuity in counting Levite clans and households.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): Speaks of the Levites' special status and duties (set apart to carry the ark and serve), providing theological rationale for separating and organizing Levite families as in Num 4:2.
- 1 Chronicles 23:6 (structural): David's later organization of the Levites by families/households (including Kohathites) parallels the administrative division and family-based listings in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Take up the numbering of the heads of the Kohathite families from among the Levites, by their clans, by their fathers' households.
- Take up the census of the heads of the families of the sons of Kohath among the Levites, by their clans and by their fathers' houses.
Num.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מבן: PREP
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- מלאכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:23 (verbal): Repeats the same age-range (30–50) for those entering service — parallel wording applied to the Gershonite Levites in the same chapter.
- Numbers 4:30 (verbal): Another near-verbatim statement of the 30–50 age-limit for Merarite Levites serving in the tabernacle; part of the chapter’s repeated service instructions.
- Numbers 8:24-26 (thematic): Gives the Levites’ service age as 25–50 (after a period of purification), addressing the same topic (age for Levite duty) but with a different lower age.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24-27 (structural): David’s later reorganization of Levite service alters the age qualification (counting from twenty years upward for certain duties), reflecting a different administrative arrangement for the same role.
Alternative generated candidates
- From thirty years old and upward even to fifty years, every one who comes to serve to do the work at the tent of meeting.
- From thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old, everyone who comes to do the work in the service, to do the labor in the tent of meeting.
Num.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- עבדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הקדשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 3:30-31 (verbal): Explicitly assigns the Kohathites the service of the tent of meeting and the most holy things and gives related prohibitions—closely parallels the statement of duty in 4:4.
- Numbers 4:15 (structural): Gives the detailed procedural instructions for how the Kohathites are to carry and handle the most holy things—direct continuation and practical specification of the service named in 4:4.
- Numbers 1:50-53 (thematic): Explains more generally the Levites’ role as the Lord’s inheritance and their assignment to the service of the tabernacle, situating the Kohathite duty within the wider Levites’ function.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): Summarizes the separation of the Levites to carry the ark and to serve at the sanctuary—an overarching theological explanation for the specialized Levitical services such as that of the Kohathites.
Alternative generated candidates
- This is the service of the Kohathites at the tent of meeting with respect to the most holy things.
- This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting, for the most holy things.
Num.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובא: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בנסע: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והורדו: CONJ+VERB,hiph,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- פרכת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- המסך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכסו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ארן: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.26.33 (verbal): Uses the same technical term for the veil (parokhet) that separates the Holy Place and the Most Holy, establishing the cultic function of a curtain around the ark’s space.
- Exod.40.20-21 (verbal): Narrates Moses covering the ark with the veil and spreading the tent — a near-identical ritual action to Aaron and his sons covering the ark when the camp is moved.
- Num.4.15 (structural): Immediate legal parallel in the same chapter: specifies that Aaron and his sons must cover the holy objects before the Kohathites carry them, clarifying the procedure presupposed in 4:5.
- 2 Chr.3.14 (thematic): Describes the temple veil that separates the Most Holy Place, reflecting the same cultic use of a curtain to enclose the ark and restrict access.
- Heb.9.3-4 (allusion): New Testament description of the ‘second veil’ and the items hidden behind it (including the ark) echoes the tradition that the ark was veiled and underscores the veil’s theological significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons shall come and take down the curtain-screen and cover the ark of the testimony with it.
- And Aaron and his sons shall come and remove the veil that covers, and they shall cover the ark of the testimony with it.
Num.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- כסוי: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- עור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחש: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ופרשו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כליל: ADV
- תכלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלמעלה: ADV
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בדיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 26:14 (verbal): Specifies coverings for the tent including a covering of rams' skins dyed red and a covering of badger (תחש) skins — directly parallels Numbers 4:6's mention of a badger-skin covering.
- Exodus 26:1–6 (thematic): Describes the tabernacle curtains and their fabrics (blue/תכלת, purple, scarlet, fine linen) — relates to Numbers 4:6's instruction to spread a blue cloth over the holy articles.
- Exodus 25:4–5 (verbal): Lists materials for the sanctuary (blue, purple, scarlet yarn and fine linen) — echoes the specific use of blue (תכלת) and coloured coverings in Numbers 4:6.
- Numbers 4:5 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter giving the preceding step of covering the holy objects with a blue cloth — part of the same procedural sequence for the Kohathite handling of sacred furnishings.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall put on it a covering of badger skin, and shall spread over it a cloth of blue, and shall set in it its poles.
- They shall put on it a covering of tachash skin, and spread a cloth of blue over it, and shall put its poles in place.
Num.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- שלחן: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הפנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יפרשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תכלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונתנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הקערת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הכפת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המנקית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- קשות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- הנסך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולחם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התמיד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 25:30 (verbal): Gives the original command to place the bread of the Presence on the table before the LORD — same ritual setting and core wording about the showbread on the table.
- Leviticus 24:5-9 (structural): Prescribes the preparation, arrangement (twelve loaves), and priestly handling of the showbread and its vessels — closely parallels Numbers’ practical instructions for the table and utensils.
- 1 Samuel 21:6 (thematic): Narrates David eating the consecrated showbread (bread of the Presence) when no ordinary bread was available — illustrates an applied episode arising from the institution described in Numbers.
- Mark 2:26 (quotation): Jesus cites the incident of David eating the consecrated bread to defend his disciples’ actions on the Sabbath — an explicit NT reference back to the showbread tradition established in the Pentateuch.
- 1 Chronicles 9:32 (allusion): Notes Levites/priests who ate or ministered with the showbread, reflecting the ongoing cultic practice and distribution of the bread of the Presence described in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- And on the table of the Bread of the Presence they shall spread a cloth of blue and place on it the plates and the pans and the bowls and the flagons for pouring; the bread of the continual shall be on it.
- And upon the table of the showbread they shall spread a blue cloth and put on it the dishes, the pans, the cups, and the bowls—the continual bread shall be on it.
Num.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ופרשו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- בגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- וכסו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- במכסה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחש: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- את: PRT,acc
- בדיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.26.14 (verbal): Uses the same material term (tachash/badger/sea‑animal skin) and prescribes a skin covering above the tent/tabernacle — same lexical instruction to place a tachash skin as a covering.
- Exod.25.5 (verbal): Lists 'rams' skins dyed red and tachash (badger/seal) skins' among the raw materials for the tabernacle, paralleling Num 4:8's mention of a tachash skin covering.
- Num.4.6 (structural): Neighboring instruction in the same chapter with the same ritual pattern: sacred furnishings are to be wrapped in cloths and covered with a tachash skin and cords before being carried — mirrors the procedure of Num 4:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall spread over them a double-layered scarlet cloth, and cover it with a badger-skin cover and put in it its poles.
- And they shall spread over them a double cloth of scarlet and cover them with a covering of tachash skin, and put their poles in place.
Num.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תכלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכסו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מנרת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- המאור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- נרתיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3fs
- ואת: CONJ
- מלקחיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3fs
- ואת: CONJ
- מחתתיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3fs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- שמנה: NUM,card,f,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישרתו: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 4:6 (structural): Same Kohathite transport instructions — a blue cloth is commanded to cover other holy things (continuation of the covering protocol).
- Numbers 4:10 (structural): Parallel instruction in the same section about covering the altar and its utensils before transport (same procedure applied to different cultic furniture).
- Exodus 25:31-40 (verbal): Detailed description of the lampstand (menorah) and its lamps/utensils — provides background for what is being covered in Num 4:9.
- Leviticus 24:2-4 (thematic): Regulations for the continual lighting and arrangement of the lampstand and its oil — relates to the service and vessels (oil containers, lamps) mentioned in Num 4:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall take a cloth of blue and cover the lampstand with its lamps, its tongs, its snuffers, and its basins, and all the vessels of oil with which they serve it.
- They shall take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand with its lamps, its snuffers, its basins, its tongs, and all the vessels of the service with which they minister to it.
Num.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כליה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- מכסה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחש: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונתנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- המוט: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 25:12-15 (verbal): Gives the original construction detail for the ark including rings and staves — directly parallels the instruction to have staves for carrying the holy object.
- Exodus 26:14 (verbal): Uses the same term tachash (badger/skin) for an outer covering of the tabernacle tent, paralleling the material specified for covering sacred furniture in Num 4:10.
- Exodus 40:20-21 (structural): Narrates placing the testimony into the ark and setting the staves and mercy seat in place when the tabernacle is erected — a situational parallel for handling and covering the ark.
- 1 Chronicles 15:15 (verbal): Describes the Levites carrying the ark with the poles on their shoulders 'as Moses commanded,' echoing the Mosaic prescription in Numbers for placing staves for transport.
- 2 Samuel 6:3-7 (thematic): Recounts the transport of the ark (and the incident of Uzzah) and highlights the importance and danger tied to proper handling of sacred objects — thematically related to the precautions in Num 4:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall put it and all its utensils into a badger-skin covering and put it on its pole.
- And they shall put it and all its vessels in a covering of tachash skin, and shall put it upon a carrying-pole.
Num.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יפרשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תכלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכסו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- במכסה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחש: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- את: PRT,acc
- בדיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 30:1-6 (structural): Original instructions for the altar of incense (construction, placement and use). Numbers 4:11 refers to the same altar and treats its handling for transport.
- Exodus 26:14 (verbal): Commands a covering of 'tachash' skins for the tabernacle (Hebrew tachash/skin cover). The same term and covering-material function appear in Num 4:11.
- Numbers 4:5-8 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter prescribing that other holy objects (the veil, the table) be wrapped in a blue cloth and covered with a leather/tachash skin—same procedure applied to the incense altar in v.11.
- Exodus 37:25-28 (verbal): Bezalel’s workshop account repeats the altar-of-incense details from Exodus 30. This passage parallels Numbers' reference by describing the same furnishing and its fittings.
Alternative generated candidates
- On the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue and cover it with a badger-skin covering and put in it its poles.
- And upon the altar of gold they shall spread a blue cloth and cover it with a covering of tachash skin, and shall put its poles in place.
Num.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- השרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישרתו: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בקדש: PREP
- ונתנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- בגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תכלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכסו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- במכסה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחש: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונתנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- המוט: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 4:6 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter giving the same formula: cover the holy objects with a blue cloth, a badger-skin, and put them on a bar for transport.
- Numbers 4:14 (verbal): Another near-duplicate instruction in the Kohathite transport regulations repeating the covering/placement language for sacred vessels.
- Exodus 25:14 (verbal): Describes the use of poles inserted through rings for carrying sacred furniture (the ark), echoing the prescription to put objects 'on a bar' for transport.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): Explains that the LORD set apart the Levites to carry the ark and to minister before the LORD—thematic background for the Levites' transport responsibilities in Numbers 4:12.
- 1 Chronicles 15:15 (allusion): Narrates the Kohathites carrying the ark with poles 'on their shoulders' as commanded by Moses—an historical application/allusion to the transport instructions in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall take all the service utensils with which they minister in the sanctuary and put them into a cloth of blue and cover them with a badger-skin covering and put them on the pole.
- They shall take all the instruments of the ministers with which they minister in the sanctuary, and shall put them in a blue cloth and cover them with a covering of tachash skin, and shall put them upon a carrying-pole.
Num.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודשנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ופרשו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- בגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארגמן: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:14 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same Kohathite instructions: describes putting the altar's instruments upon it, wrapping it with a covering (badger/ram skins) and preparing it for transport—closely parallels the act of covering the altar with a cloth.
- Exodus 26:1 (verbal): Specifies the use of blue, purple (argaman) and scarlet in the tabernacle fabrics; connects the mention of a purple cloth here with the broader tabernacle textile program.
- Exodus 25:4-5 (thematic): Lists materials for the tabernacle including blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen and goats' hair/rams' skins—provides background for the use of colored cloths and coverings for sacred furniture.
- Leviticus 16:18-19 (thematic): Describes the priestly cleansing/atoning for the altar (sprinkling and purging) as part of its sanctification — thematically related to preparing and treating the altar as a consecrated object.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 (thematic): After the failed transport of the ark, David instructs that Levites carry the ark properly and prepares the Levites for transport—parallels the Numbers instructions about Levites covering and handling sacred furnishings when they are moved.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall remove the ashes from the altar and spread on it a purple cloth.
- And they shall set apart the altar of burnt offering and spread upon it a cloth of purple.
Num.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישרתו: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- המחתת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- המזלגת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- היעים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המזרקת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כל: DET
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ופרשו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- כסוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחש: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בדיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 27:3-5 (verbal): Lists the same instruments of the bronze altar (firepans, fleshhooks/forks, shovels, basins) — a near-verbatim catalogue of the altar utensils used in Numbers 4:14.
- Numbers 4:5-6 (structural): Immediate context: commands to cover the holy things with a blue cloth and a skin covering before the Kohathites handle them — same covering language and procedure as v.14.
- Numbers 4:15 (thematic): Direct continuation of the transport instructions: Kohathite carriers must not touch the holy things but carry them covered, on pain of death — reinforces the prohibitions implied in v.14.
- 2 Samuel 6:6-7 (allusion): Narrative example of the danger of improperly touching/handling holy objects (Uzzah struck down for touching the ark) — echoes the warning behind the covered-transport rules of Numbers 4:14.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 (thematic): Instructions and corrective action regarding the proper carrying of the ark (priests must carry it on poles) and the earlier failure — parallels the concern for prescribed procedures when moving sacred furnishings described in Numbers 4:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall put on it all its utensils with which they minister to it—the firepans, the forks, the shovels, the basins—every utensil of the altar; and they shall put on it a badger-skin covering and put in it its poles.
- And they shall put on it all its vessels with which they minister to it—the pans, the forks, the shovels, the basins—every vessel of the altar; and they shall spread a covering of tachash skin over it and put its poles in place.
Num.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לכסת: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בנסע: PREP
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואחרי: CONJ
- כן: ADV
- יבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשאת: VERB,qal,inf
- ולא: CONJ
- יגעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- אל: NEG
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומתו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperf,3,_,pl
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- משא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:5-12 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: detailed instructions that the Kohathites must not touch or even look at the holy things while they are being carried, and that Aaron must cover them first.
- Numbers 3:30 (structural): Earlier assignment of the Kohathite clan to bear the most holy objects of the tabernacle, establishing the tribal responsibility reflected in Num. 4:15.
- Exodus 25:12-15 (verbal): Prescribes the use of poles placed in the rings of the ark so the holy object is carried without being touched or removed — a practical precedent for noncontact transport of sacred things.
- 2 Samuel 6:6-7 (thematic): Narrative example of the lethal consequence when a man (Uzzah) touched the ark while it was being moved — parallels the warning that touching holy things brings death.
- 1 Samuel 6:19 (thematic): The men of Beth-shemesh are struck down for looking into the ark; another instance emphasizing the danger and divine sanction associated with improper contact or exposure to holy objects.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Aaron and his sons shall come and cover the holy things and all the holy vessels when the camp sets out; and afterward the Kohathites shall come to carry them, but they shall not touch the holy things lest they die. These are the burden of the Kohathites in the tent of meeting.
- And Aaron and his sons shall be to cover the holy things and all the vessels of the sanctuary when the camp journeys; afterward the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them, but they shall not touch the holy things lest they die. These are the burdens of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.
Num.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ופקדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אלעזר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המאור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וקטרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הסמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומנחת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התמיד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושמן: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- המשחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- פקדת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- כל: DET
- המשכן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בקדש: PREP
- ובכליו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,poss,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 27:20-21 (verbal): Commands offering of olive oil for the lamp and states that Aaron and his sons shall keep it — parallels “oil for the light” and priestly care of the lamp.
- Exodus 30:22-33 (verbal): Gives the recipe and holy-use rules for the anointing oil and the incense; parallels the mention of incense (keteret hasamim) and the oil of anointing and their reserved sacred use.
- Leviticus 8:10-12 (verbal): Moses takes the anointing oil and anoints the tabernacle and its vessels and pours oil on Aaron — parallels anointing oil and the consecration/oversight of the tabernacle and its vessels.
- Numbers 18:7 (thematic): Declares that Aaron and his sons shall keep the charge of the sanctuary and the altar — parallels the statement that Eleazar is to oversee the holy things and all that is in the tabernacle.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall be over the oil for the light, and the fragrant incense, and the regular grain offering, and the anointing oil; he shall be in charge of the service of the sanctuary and all that is in it, and of the holy things and their utensils.
- And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall have charge of the oil for the light, and of the incense of the sweet spices, and the regular grain offering, and the anointing oil; he shall be in charge of the tabernacle and of all that is in it, and of the holy things and of their vessels.
Num.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Num.4.21 (verbal): Immediate repetition of the same formula — 'And the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying' — introducing a parallel set of instructions within the same chapter (continuing regulations for the Kohathites).
- Num.3.6 (thematic): Another instruction introduced with God speaking to Moses and Aaron concerning the Levites' duties: both verses legislate priestly/Levitical organization and service for the tabernacle.
- Num.8.5 (thematic): 'And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying' introduces the purification and presentation of the Levites. The theme of assigning and regulating Levites for tabernacle service closely parallels Num 4:17–21.
- Exod.25.1 (structural): A formulaic divine address ('And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying') that introduces instructions for the tabernacle's construction and furnishings — the broader legislative context to which Num 4's detailed service regulations belong.
- Lev.1.1 (structural): Leviticus opens with a similar priestly legislative formula ('And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him...'), establishing the same genre of direct divine commands about cultic/priests' matters as found in Numbers 4:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And YHWH spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
- And YHWH spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
Num.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תכריתו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- הקהתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מתוך: PREP
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 4:2 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: census instructions for the Kohathite clan (context for the command not to 'cut off' the Kohathites).
- Numbers 3:27–37 (structural): Lists the Kohathite families and their duties among the Levites; provides the genealogical and functional background that explains why the Kohathites must not be cut off. (Same narrative block organizing Levite clans.)
- Numbers 18:6–7 (thematic): God explains that He has taken the Levites for service to the tabernacle and set them apart from Israel—theme of preserving and protecting Levite families and their office. Connects to the protection of the Kohathite clan.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (allusion): States that the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to minister before the LORD and to bless in His name—echoes the notion of Levites as a distinct, protected group within Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3–6 (thematic): David's later numbering and organization of the Levites (including Kohathites) into service divisions; reflects continuity in preserving Levite family lines and roles across Israel's history.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not cut off the clan of the Kohathite family from among the Levites.
- Do not cut off the tribe of the family of the Kohathites from among the Levites.
Num.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וזאת: CONJ+DEM,f,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- וחיו: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- ימתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בגשתם: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הקדשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עבדתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3fs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- משאו: NOUN,m,sg,poss:3,m
Parallels
- Exodus 28:42-43 (verbal): Gives the explicit instruction to make linen undergarments for Aaron and his sons and to have them wear these garments when entering the tent/ministering so that they do not incur guilt and die—language and function closely parallel Numbers 4:19.
- Leviticus 16:2-4 (thematic): God warns that anyone who enters the Holy of Holies improperly will die and prescribes that the high priest (Aaron) put on special linen garments before entering—same concern for life-preserving priestly dress and restricted access.
- Exodus 30:20-21 (thematic): Requires priests to wash hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting so they will not die when approaching the holy place—another precautionary ritual measure to prevent death during cultic service, complementary to wearing proper garments.
- Leviticus 8:6-9 (structural): Narrates Moses clothing Aaron and his sons with the consecrated garments during their ordination—parallels the procedural act in Numbers 4:19 that Aaron and his sons must don priestly vestments before ministering.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus shall you do to them so that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy: Aaron and his sons shall come and set each man to his service and to his burden.
- Thus shall you do to them, that they may live and not die when they come near the holy things: Aaron and his sons shall come and set each man of them to his service and to his burden.
Num.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לראות: VERB,qal,inf
- כבלע: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומתו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperf,3,_,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 4:15 (verbal): Immediate parallel instruction about the Kohathites: holy things must be covered and the carriers must not touch or look upon them, lest they die — nearly identical wording and context.
- Numbers 3:10 (verbal): Earlier, similar charge concerning the Levites’ handling of the sanctuary and vessels: they must not come near the holy things lest they die; Aaron and his sons are responsible for service.
- Exodus 30:20–21 (thematic): Priests are commanded to wash before entering the tent of meeting so they will not die — a related rule requiring purification/precaution when approaching holy space to avoid death.
- 2 Samuel 6:6–7 (thematic): Narrative example (Uzzah) where improper handling/approach to the ark results in immediate death, illustrating the lethal danger of unauthorized contact with sacred objects.
- Leviticus 10:1–2 (thematic): The deaths of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire show the recurring legal/theological principle that improper approach to the holy leads to divine judgment and death.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall not come in to look upon the holy things lest they die.
- They shall not come in to look upon the holy things when they are covered, lest they die.
And YHWH spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
Take a census of the heads of the families of the Kohathites among the Levites, by their clans, by their fathers' households.
From thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, all who enter into the service to do the work in the tent of meeting.
This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: concerning the holy things.
When the camp is to set out, Aaron and his sons shall come and take down the veil, and they shall cover therewith the Ark of the Testimony.
They shall put over it a covering of badger skin, and spread over that a cloth of fine blue, and put in it its poles. And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue and set upon it the dishes, the bowls, the flagons, and the bowls for pouring; and the showbread shall be on it.
They shall cover them with a scarlet cloth, and cover it with a covering of badger skin, and put in it its poles.
They shall take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand and its lamps and its snuffers and its tongs and its basins and all the vessels of oil with which they serve it.
They shall put it and all its vessels into a covering of badger skin and put it on the pole. And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badger skin, and put in it its poles.
They shall take all the utensils of the ministry with which they minister in the sanctuary and put them in a cloth of blue and cover them with a covering of badger skin and put them on the pole.
They shall take away the ashes from the altar and spread upon it a cloth of purple.
They shall put upon it all its utensils with which they minister at it—the pan, the shovel, the forks, the basins, every utensil of the altar—and they shall spread over it a covering of badger skin and put in it its poles. And Aaron and his sons shall have the charge of covering the holy and the holy vessels when the camp sets out; afterward the Kohathites shall come to carry, but they must not touch the holy things lest they die—these are the charges of the Kohathites at the tent of meeting. And Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall have charge of the oil for the light, and of the incense of perfume, and of the continual grain offering, and of the anointing oil; he shall have oversight of all the tabernacle and of all that is in it, in the sanctuary and in its vessels. And YHWH spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
Do not cut off the clan of the Kohathites from among the Levites. Thus shall you do to them that they may live and not die when they approach the holy: Aaron and his sons shall come and set each man of them to his service and to his burden.
They shall not go in to look upon the holy things, lest they die.