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Numbers 4:20

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

19 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.

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,

22 “Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans,

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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
But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”
KJV
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
WEB
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.”
ASV
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.
DARBY
but they shall not go in and see for a moment the holy things, lest they die.
BLB
they shall not go in to watch the holy things being covered, lest they die.”
ÅB
men selv må de ikke gå inn og se på de hellige ting, enn ikke et øyeblikk, for at de ikke skal dø.
OTB
Men Kehatittene må ikke nærme seg og se på de hellige tingene, selv ikke kort, for at de ikke skal omkomme."
B1930
men selv må de ikke gå inn og se på de hellige ting, enn ikke et øieblikk, forat de ikke skal dø.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Samuel 6:19

    But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.

    Read in context

  • Exodus 19:21

    and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 4:19

    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.

    Read in context

  • Leviticus 10:2

    So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.

    Read in context

  • 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

  • Revelation 11:19

    Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.

    Read in context

  • Hebrews 10:19–20

    Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

    Read in context