Numbers 4:20
Numbers 4:20 in Multiple Translations
But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.
But they themselves are not to go in to see the holy place, even for a minute, for fear of death.
But they must not go in and look at the things that are most holy, even for just a moment, otherwise they'll die.”
But let them not goe in, to see when the Sanctuarie is folden vp, lest they die.
and they go not in to see when the holy thing is swallowed, that they have died.'
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.”
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
Let not others by any curiosity see the things that are in the sanctuary before they be wrapped up, otherwise they shall die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 4:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹא
יָבֹ֧אוּ
לִ/רְא֛וֹת
כְּ/בַלַּ֥ע
אֶת
הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ
וָ/מֵֽתוּ
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָבֹ֧אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לִ/רְא֛וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כְּ/בַלַּ֥ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Art | N-ms
וָ/מֵֽתוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:20
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָבֹ֧אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִ/רְא֛וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כְּ/בַלַּ֥ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
וָ/מֵֽתוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 4:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 4:20
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:20
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 4:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:20
- Sermons on Numbers 4:20
Context — The Duties of the Kohathites
18“Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites.
19In 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.
20But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”
21And the LORD said to Moses, 22“Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Hebrews 10:19–20 | Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, |
Numbers 4:20 Summary
[This verse is saying that the Kohathites, a group of people who helped the priests, were not allowed to look at the special objects used in worship, or they would die. This shows how important it is to respect and obey God's rules, even if we don't fully understand them, as seen in Psalm 119:34 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By following God's commands, we can avoid harm and live a life that honors Him. We can apply this principle to our own lives by being careful to obey God's commands and trust in His goodness and love for us, as stated in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Kohathites not allowed to look at the holy objects?
The Kohathites were not allowed to look at the holy objects because they were not priests and were not sanctified to handle or see these sacred items, as seen in Numbers 4:20 and supported by the concept of priestly sanctification in Leviticus 8:12 and Exodus 30:30.
What would happen if the Kohathites looked at the holy objects?
If the Kohathites looked at the holy objects, even for a moment, they would die, as stated in Numbers 4:20, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the severity of disobedience, similar to the consequence of disobedience in Deuteronomy 17:12.
How does this verse relate to the bigger picture of the Israelites' relationship with God?
This verse highlights the Israelites' need to reverence and obey God, recognizing His holiness and power, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Exodus 19:21-25, where the people are warned to keep their distance from the holy things to avoid death.
What does this teach us about our own relationship with God?
This verse teaches us that we must approach God with reverence and respect, recognizing His holiness and power, and that disobedience can have severe consequences, as seen in Hebrews 10:31 and Psalm 111:9, where we are reminded of God's majesty and the importance of trusting in Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to show more reverence and respect for God's holiness?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in my daily life, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable?
- What are some 'holy objects' or sacred things in my life that I need to handle with care and reverence, such as my relationship with God or my interactions with others?
- In what ways can I prioritize obedience to God's commands, even when it seems restrictive or limiting, and trust that His ways are better than my own?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:20
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered,.... They were not to be present while they were packing up, test they should see any of them with their eyes; they were not to go in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:20
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Cut ye not off ... - a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:20
Numbers 4:20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.Ver. 20. But they shall not go in to see.] The men of Bethshemesh paid for their peeping. Search not into God’ s secrets: hic oportet mirari, non rimari Remember that saying of Xenocrates the philosopher: Nihil interesse, pedesne quisquam, an oculos in aliena domo ponat, It is as great unmannerliness to pry into another man’ s house as to press into it. Plutarch, De Curiosit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:20
(20) But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered.—Better, But they shall not go in to see the holy things (or, the sanctuary) for a moment. The Levites were not per-mitted to enter the holy place in which the priests ministered, much less the Holy of Holies. Whether this rule was or was not relaxed at the time of the removal of the Tabernacle, as the prohibition against entrance into the Holy of Holies must have been in regard to the priests, the Levites were not permitted in any case to look upon the Ark and the other holy things until they were covered.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 4:20
Verse 20. When the holy things are covered] Literally, כבלע keballa, when they are swallowed down; which shows the promptitude with which every thing belonging to the holy of holies was put out of sight, for these mysteries must ever be treated with the deepest reverence; and indeed without this they could not have been to them the representatives of heavenly realities. See the concluding note.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:20
1–20. The Kohathites and their duties.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 4:20
to see when the holy things are covered - Render: to see the holy things for an instant. The expression means Iiterally” as a gulp,” i. e. for the instant it takes to swallow.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:20
20. They shall not… see… lest they die — There is here a very expressive Hebrew word, ëáìò, as a gulp, a swallowing. “They shall not see for a single instant the holy things.” Dr. A.
Sermons on Numbers 4:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God Is Training a Holy Remnant by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the scarcity of true men of God who walk with God, seek His face, and speak His word without manipulation or greed. He highlights the need fo |
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Shocking Youth Message Stuns Hearers by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher questions why so many people claim to have encountered Jesus Christ but are not permanently changed. He emphasizes the importance of genuine transforma |
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(1 Samuel) the Holiness of God by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human fascination with the supernatural and the desire to know something beyond our earthly existence. He relates this to the modern fasc |
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Praise and Fear the Lord by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, David delivers a psalm to thank the Lord, emphasizing the importance of worshiping Him in the beauty of holiness. He encourages the people to declare God's glory am |
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Steadying the Ark of God by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true worship and the need for personal responsibility in carrying out God's work. He criticizes the idea of putting on a r |
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Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings about a mother bird teaching her baby bird to fly. He uses this story as a parable to illustrate the co |
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Uzzah and the Ark of God by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing things God's way and humbling ourselves before Him. It highlights the need for true preaching that moves hearts, not just teaching, a |