Numbers 3:27 (KJV)

What does Numbers 3:27 mean?

Numbers 3:27 lists the main family groups that descended from Kohath, one of the sons of Levi: the Amramites, Izeharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites. These groups together made up the larger clan known as the Kohathites within the tribe of Levi.

In this part of the book, God is instructing Moses about the organization of the Levites, who were set apart for special duties related to the tabernacle. By naming these specific families, the verse shows how the Levites were divided into smaller groups for their work, with each family having its own responsibilities.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 3:27

• Kohath (קְהָת, qehath): This is the name of Levi’s son, whose descendants formed the Kohathite clan. The verse emphasizes their lineage to show their special role among the Levites.
• Family (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpachah): This word means a family group or clan. It highlights the importance of organizing the Levites by their extended families for their duties.
• Amramites (עַמְרָמִי, amrami), Izeharites (יִצְהָרִי, yitzhari), Hebronites (חֶבְרוֹנִי, hevroni), Uzzielites (עֻזִּיאֵלִי, uzieli): These are the names of the four main family groups descended from Kohath’s sons. Each name connects the group to its ancestor, showing the structure within the Kohathite clan.

Why Numbers 3:27 matters

• This verse helps clarify how the Levites were organized, which is important for understanding later passages about their specific duties and roles in Israel’s worship.
• By naming each family, Numbers 3:27 shows that service in the tabernacle was not random but carefully assigned by lineage, reflecting order and responsibility.
• This organization sets the stage for later stories in the Bible where certain families, like the Kohathites, are given special tasks, such as caring for the most sacred objects in the tabernacle.