And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

NUMBERS 4:15KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 4:15 (KJV)

What does Numbers 4:15 mean?

Numbers 4:15 explains that after Aaron and his sons have finished carefully covering the sanctuary and its sacred objects, the sons of Kohath are responsible for carrying these items as the Israelites travel, but they must not touch the holy things themselves or they will die. This verse sets strict boundaries for handling the most sacred parts of the tabernacle during transport.

God is speaking to Moses about the duties of the Levites as the Israelites prepare to move camp. Aaron and his sons, who are priests, must first cover the sanctuary and its vessels to protect them and those who will carry them. Only after this covering is done can the sons of Kohath, another branch of the Levite tribe, come and carry the items, but without direct contact, showing the seriousness and danger of mishandling what is holy.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 4:15

  • קָדֵשׁ (qodesh, H6944) — "sanctuary" or "holy thing": This word is used for both the sanctuary itself and the sacred objects. The repetition emphasizes the extreme holiness and the need for careful handling.
  • נָשָׂא (nasa, H5375) — "to bear" or "to carry": The sons of Kohath are not just moving objects; they are entrusted with a sacred responsibility, highlighting the weight of their role.
  • נָגַע (naga, H5060) — "to touch": The warning not to touch the holy things is strong and literal. The word carries the sense of even accidental contact, stressing the danger and the need for reverence.

Why Numbers 4:15 matters

  • Numbers 4:15 clarifies that even those assigned to carry the holiest objects are not allowed to touch them directly, correcting any idea that Levites had unlimited access to sacred things.
  • The verse highlights the careful organization and division of duties among the Levites, showing the seriousness with which God’s instructions about holiness and worship were to be followed.
  • This verse connects to the broader passage by explaining why such detailed instructions were necessary: to protect the people and preserve the holiness of the tabernacle as the Israelites traveled.

Where else these words appear

“Kohath” Hebrew H6955 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 7:9 But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:16 The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

“burden” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
  • Isaiah 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

“forward” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.

“touch” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:21 And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even.
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.