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Numbers 4:15

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the holy objects when the camp is ready to move, then the sons of Kohath may come to carry them. But they must not touch any holy thing, or they will die. These are the items that the sons of Kohath are responsible for carrying in the tabernacle.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is establishing that only the priests could handle the holy objects directly, while the Kohathites could carry them once properly covered, emphasizing the sacred nature of worship items.

📚 Historical Context

This instruction was given during Israel's wilderness journey when they carried the portable tabernacle from place to place. The Kohathites were one of the three clans of Levites, and they had the honor and responsibility of transporting the most sacred items of worship. The strict protocol protected both the holiness of God's presence and the lives of those who served.

Explore Similar Verses

Numbers 4:16
Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, was responsible for the oil that kept the lamps burning, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the special anointing oil. He also had to oversee the entire tabernacle and everything in it—all the holy things and sacred objects in the sanctuary.
Numbers 4:25
They are responsible for carrying the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting, along with its covering and the protective leather covering that goes over the top, and the curtain that hangs at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Numbers 3:38
But those who camp in front of the tabernacle toward the east, right in front of the tent of meeting on the eastern side, will be Moses and Aaron and his sons. They are responsible for taking care of the sanctuary on behalf of all the Israelites. Any outsider who comes too close will be put to death.

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Translation & Methodology Sources

The original manuscript text provided is based on the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain. Our modern English simplifications are generated via proprietary philological synthesis, cross-referenced against Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and the Textus Receptus to ensure unwavering theological and etymological precision.

Read our full translation methodology →