Numbers 4:19

17 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

18 “Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites.

In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry.

20 But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”

21 And the LORD said to Moses,

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry.
KJV
But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
WEB
but do this to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint everyone to his service and to his burden;
ASV
but thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;
DARBY
but this shall ye do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they draw near unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;
BLB
And this do in regard to them, that they may live and not die, when they approach the holy of holies: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint every man to his service and his task;
ÅB
men gjør slik med dem for at de skal leve og ikke dø når de kommer nær til de høyhellige ting: Aron og hans sønner skal gå inn og sette enhver av dem til sin tjeneste og til det han skal bære;
OTB
For å sikre at de lever og ikke dør når de nærmer seg de helligste tingene, gjør dette for dem: Aron og hans sønner skal gå inn og tildele hver mann hans arbeid og hva han skal bære.
B1930
men gjør således med dem forat de skal leve og ikke dø når de kommer nær til de høihellige ting: Aron og hans sønner skal gå inn og sette enhver av dem til sin tjeneste og til det han skal bære;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Numbers 4:15

    When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.

    Read in context