Numbers 4 18

Numbers 4:18 kjv

Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:

Numbers 4:18 nkjv

"Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites;

Numbers 4:18 niv

"See that the Kohathite tribal clans are not destroyed from among the Levites.

Numbers 4:18 esv

"Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites,

Numbers 4:18 nlt

"Do not let the Kohathite clans be destroyed from among the Levites!

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 18 Meaning

Numbers 4:18 serves as a severe warning and instruction to Moses and Aaron, emphasizing their crucial responsibility in safeguarding the Kohathites. It commands them to prevent the destruction or "cutting off" of this Levitical family, which would occur if the Kohathites were to improperly handle or even gaze upon the most sacred articles of the Tabernacle without the requisite coverings. The verse underscores the extreme holiness of God and the deadly consequences of unauthorized or careless approach to His presence and holy things, thereby highlighting the absolute necessity of strict adherence to divine protocol.

Numbers 4 18 Context

Numbers chapter 4 meticulously details the specific duties of the three Levitical clans—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—in transporting the various components of the Tabernacle during Israel's nomadic journey through the wilderness. The chapter provides instructions on how the sacred elements are to be dismantled, covered, and carried. Verse 18 follows immediately after precise instructions given to Aaron and his sons on how to cover the most holy items (Ark of the Covenant, Table of Showbread, Menorah, altars) before the Kohathites are permitted to approach and carry them (Numbers 4:5-15). This command is thus a crucial preventative measure, placing the responsibility on the leadership to ensure the Kohathites do not incur divine judgment for mishandling what is consecrated. The historical context underscores a divinely ordained order and the constant awareness of God's holy presence in the camp, which demanded meticulous obedience to prevent spiritual and physical annihilation. This emphasis served as a strong counterpoint to surrounding pagan cultures, where deities might be approached with less fear or ritualistic precision.

Numbers 4 18 Word analysis

• Cut ye not off: (KJV) / Do not cut off: (NIV/ESV).
  • Hebrew: כָּרַת (karat). This is a hiphil (causative) imperative form, meaning "do not cause to be cut off" or "do not allow them to be cut off." It implies a responsibility to prevent destruction, not to execute it.
  • This term refers to causing the physical and spiritual destruction or extermination of a group. It denotes a severe divine judgment leading to perishing or being banished.
  • The command places the responsibility on Moses and Aaron to administer and supervise properly, lest the Kohathites bring judgment upon themselves by transgression. Their failure to ensure compliance would be tantamount to allowing the Kohathites' destruction.
• the tribe of the families:
  • Hebrew: מַטֵּה מִשְׁפְּחוֹת (maṭṭê mišpəḥôt).
  • "Tribe" (מַטֵּה) here refers to the distinct division or branch of the Levites, in this case, the Kohathites.
  • "Families" (מִשְׁפְּחוֹת) emphasizes the internal subdivisions and collective identity of the clans within that larger branch. It underscores that the command applies to every individual within these specific family units.
• of the Kohathites:
  • Hebrew: קְהָתִי (qəhātî).
  • The descendants of Kohath, one of Levi's sons, were specifically tasked with carrying the most sacred, inner furniture and articles of the Tabernacle (the Ark, Table, Menorah, Altars). This was the highest and most perilous responsibility among all Levites.
  • Their proximity to God's immediate presence required extreme caution and strict adherence to protocol.
• from among the Levites:
  • Hebrew: מִקֶּרֶב הַלְוִיִּם (miqqereḇ halĕwiyyîm).
  • This phrase indicates that the Kohathites hold a privileged, set-apart position within the broader Levitical tribe. The warning is specifically against their removal or elimination from this esteemed, yet dangerous, service role due to impurity or disobedience.

• "Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites": This entire phrase serves as a direct, imperative charge to Moses and Aaron, establishing their culpability in ensuring the Kohathites' safety. Their leadership function involved meticulous adherence to divine law concerning the Tabernacle to prevent their subordinates' demise. It implies that failure in leadership—such as inadequate instruction, oversight, or enforcement of God's precise commands—would directly lead to the spiritual and physical decimation of the Kohathites through divine judgment. The emphasis is on prevention, requiring Moses and Aaron to actively ensure proper procedures are followed.

Numbers 4 18 Bonus section

• The extreme precision in Tabernacle instructions across Exodus and Numbers, culminating in such a stark warning, highlights that God's presence is not merely benevolent but also consuming. It demands reverent, precise obedience.
• The vulnerability of even those specifically chosen for sacred service (the Kohathites) to divine judgment underscores that privilege does not exempt from consequences if disobedience occurs. Proximity to holiness necessitates greater purity, not less.
• This verse, along with others detailing divine punishment for religious error (e.g., Nadab and Abihu, Uzzah), served as a constant reminder in ancient Israel that ritual and devotion were not superficial but dealt with the very essence of life and death, reinforcing the fear of God.
• The verse indirectly champions careful training and clear communication of divine standards within religious leadership. Moses and Aaron's charge was to impart specific knowledge and oversee its meticulous execution to safeguard their people.

Numbers 4 18 Commentary

Numbers 4:18 is a vital injunction illustrating the terrifying holiness of God and the exacting demands placed upon those who minister in His presence. It's not a command for Moses and Aaron to physically eliminate the Kohathites, but a grave directive to prevent their demise by enforcing the strict Tabernacle protocols. The very specific dangers the Kohathites faced—death for even gazing upon the uncovered sacred objects (Num 4:20)—underlined God's absolute purity. The responsibility thus falls squarely on leadership to diligently teach, guide, and ensure compliance, recognizing that negligence in holy matters can result in lethal consequences for those under their care. This principle remains potent, underscoring that careless handling of spiritual truths or sacred duties, particularly by leaders, endangers the flock. For instance, poor teaching might lead congregants into spiritual error; lax discipline in a church might allow harmful practices to flourish; or a leader's failure to maintain holiness might invite God's displeasure on the community they lead.