Numbers 4:5
Numbers 4:5 in Multiple Translations
Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it.
¶ And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:
when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall go in, and his sons, and they shall take down the veil of the screen, and cover the ark of the testimony with it,
When all the people go forward, Aaron is to go in with his sons, and take down the veil of the curtain, covering the ark of witness with it;
Whenever you move camp, Aaron and his sons will go in, take down the veil, and place it over the Ark of the Testimony.
When the hoste remoueth, then Aaron and his sonnes shall come and take downe the couering vaile, and shall couer the Arke of the Testimonie therewith.
that Aaron and his sons have come in, in the journeying of the camp, and have taken down the vail of the hanging, and have covered with it the ark of the testimony;
When the camp moves forward, Aaron shall go in with his sons; and they shall take down the veil of the screen, cover the ark of the Testimony with it,
And when the camp moveth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:
When the camp is to set forward, Aaron and his sons shall go into the tabernacle of the covenant, and the holy of holies, and shall take down the veil that hangeth before the door, and shall wrap up the ark of the testimony in it,
When you Israelis move to another location, Aaron and his sons must enter the tent to take down the curtain that separates the Very Holy Place from the other part of the Sacred Tent. They must cover the sacred chest with that curtain.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:5
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 4:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בָ֨א
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
וּ/בָנָי/ו֙
בִּ/נְסֹ֣עַ
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה
וְ/הוֹרִ֕דוּ
אֵ֖ת
פָּרֹ֣כֶת
הַ/מָּסָ֑ךְ
וְ/כִ֨סּוּ
בָ֔/הּ
אֵ֖ת
אֲרֹ֥ן
הָ/עֵדֻֽת
וּ/בָ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וּ/בָנָי/ו֙
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp | Suff
בִּ/נְסֹ֣עַ
nâçaʻ
H5265
to set out
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Art | N-cs
וְ/הוֹרִ֕דוּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Hiphil-3cp
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פָּרֹ֣כֶת
pôreketh
H6532
curtain
N-fs
הַ/מָּסָ֑ךְ
mâçâk
H4539
covering
Art | N-ms
וְ/כִ֨סּוּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-3cp
בָ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲרֹ֥ן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
הָ/עֵדֻֽת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
testimony
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:5
וּ/בָ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
וּ/בָנָי/ו֙
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בִּ/נְסֹ֣עַ
nâçaʻ
H5265
"to set out"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
וְ/הוֹרִ֕דוּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3cp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
אֵ֖ת
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.
פָּרֹ֣כֶת
pôreketh
H6532
"curtain"
N-fs
This word refers to a curtain or veil, like a screen that separates one area from another. In the Bible, it is used to describe the veil in the Temple that separated the holy place from the most holy place.
Definition: curtain, veil
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: vail. See also: Exodus 26:31; Exodus 40:22; 2 Chronicles 3:14.
הַ/מָּסָ֑ךְ
mâçâk
H4539
"covering"
Art | N-ms
This term means a cover or veil, like the screen of the tabernacle, used for hiding or protection.
Definition: 1) covering, rag, screen 1a) covering 1b) screen (of the tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covering, curtain, hanging. See also: Exodus 26:36; Exodus 40:8; Psalms 105:39.
וְ/כִ֨סּוּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-3cp
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
בָ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת
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.
אֲרֹ֥ן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
הָ/עֵדֻֽת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
"testimony"
Art | N-fs
This word means a testimony or witness, often referring to God's laws or instructions. It is used in several books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's guidance. The word emphasizes the importance of following God's laws.
Definition: testimony
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. See also: Exodus 16:34; Numbers 17:19; Psalms 19:8.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 4:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:5
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:5
- Sermons on Numbers 4:5
Context — The Duties of the Kohathites
3men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.
4This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things.
5Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it.
6They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. 7Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 27:51 | At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. |
| 2 | Hebrews 9:3 | Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, |
| 3 | Exodus 40:3 | Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. |
| 4 | Numbers 10:14 | First, the divisions of the camp of Judah set out under their standard, with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Isaiah 25:7 | On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; |
| 7 | Exodus 25:10–22 | And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. Set the mercy seat atop the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. |
| 8 | Numbers 3:27–32 | From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items. The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. |
| 9 | Exodus 26:31–33 | Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. |
| 10 | Exodus 36:35 | Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. |
Numbers 4:5 Summary
[This verse is talking about how Aaron and his sons had to carefully cover the ark of the Testimony with a special veil when the Israelites were getting ready to move to a new place. This was a way of protecting the ark and showing respect for God's presence, as we see in Exodus 25:22 and Numbers 7:89. Just like the Israelites had to be careful with the ark, we need to be careful with the things that are precious to God, like our hearts and our relationships with Him (Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:5). By doing so, we can trust that God will be with us and guide us, just as He was with the Israelites in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 32:8).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of covering the ark of the Testimony with the veil of the curtain?
Covering the ark with the veil of the curtain was a way of protecting the holy object from being seen by those who were not authorized to see it, as stated in Numbers 4:5, and it also symbolized the separation between God and humanity, as seen in Exodus 26:33 and Leviticus 16:2.
Why did Aaron and his sons have to take down the veil of the curtain and cover the ark of the Testimony?
Aaron and his sons had to take down the veil and cover the ark because they were the only ones authorized to handle the holy objects, as stated in Numbers 3:10 and Numbers 18:1-7, and it was their responsibility to prepare the tabernacle for transport.
What does the ark of the Testimony represent in the Bible?
The ark of the Testimony represents the presence of God among the Israelites, as stated in Exodus 25:22 and Numbers 7:89, and it was a symbol of God's covenant with His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:26 and 1 Kings 8:9.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of the instructions given to the Kohathites on how to transport the holy objects, as stated in Numbers 4:4, and it emphasizes the importance of handling these objects with care and respect, as seen in Numbers 4:6-7 and Numbers 4:15.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'cover' or 'veil' something in a spiritual sense, and how can we apply this concept to our own lives?
- How can we, like Aaron and his sons, take responsibility for handling the 'holy things' in our lives with care and respect?
- What does the ark of the Testimony represent in our lives today, and how can we honor God's presence in our midst?
- In what ways can we, like the Israelites, prepare ourselves for 'transport' or transition in our lives, and how can we trust God to be with us every step of the way?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:5
And when the camp setteth forward,.... Upon the cloud's removing and the trumpets blowing: Aaron shall come, and his sons; into the holy place: and they shall take down the covering vail: the vail
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:5
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: This shall be the service ... The Kohathites are mentioned first, from their close
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:5
For upon this necessary occasion the inferior priests are allowed to come into the holy of holies, which otherwise was peculiar to the high priest, . The covering veil; the second veil; of which see , &c. ; where, with the ark was covered while the tabernacle stood, . And cover the ark; because the Levites, who were to carry the ark, might neither see nor immediately touch it.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:5
Numbers 4:5 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:Ver. 5. And when the camp setteth forward.] Which was not till the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle, by the Lord, who went before them. Semper memento illud Pythagoricum, Eπονθεω, Let God lead us, and we cannot miscarry. Boetius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:5
(5) Aaron shall come, and his sons . . . —Under ordinary circumstances the high priest himself might only enter the most holy place on one day in the year. At the time of the moving of the camp, however, the Divine Presence seems to have departed from the Holy of Holies, and to have ascended in the cloud which gave the signal for the removal. The covering vail.—Better, the vail of the hanging or curtain—viz., that which separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. (Comp. Numbers 3:31.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:5
1–20. The Kohathites and their duties.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:5
5. The covering vail — That which separated the holy from the most holy place. It was this vail that was rent at the crucifixion of Christ. In Hebrews 9:3, it is called the second vail.
Sermons on Numbers 4:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On the Covering of the Holy Vessels Numbers 4 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the coverings of the holy vessels in Numbers 4, emphasizing how each item reflects different aspects of Christ's nature and ministry. |
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(Exodus) Exodus 26:15-37 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the veils in the tabernacle. The inner veil, made of blue, purple, and scarlet, represents the humanity of Christ and is h |
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(Exodus) Exodus 38 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and significance of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle was made up of various coverings and furniture, each representin |
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Freedom Cd - Track 10 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, John Welsh shares his personal testimony of how he was delivered from a life of homosexuality and drug addiction. He emphasizes that God's love and sacrifice on the |
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Gods Order in Christ - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony in the church and in the world. He highlights that the cross of the Lord Jesus is the key to overcoming |
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Gods Order in Christ - Part 4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher references the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Mark and the twelfth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. He highlights the request of the scribes and P |
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K-067d the Holocaust 4 of 4 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a community who ignored the warning of a Jewish man who had escaped from a concentration camp. The man tried to warn them about the |