Numbers 3:27
And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
and the family
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
and the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 13
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
and the family
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
and the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 13
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַיִּצְהָרִ֔י
of the Izeharites
H3325
הַיִּצְהָרִ֔י
of the Izeharites
Strong's:
H3325
Word #:
5 of 13
a jitsharite or descendant of jitshar
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
and the family
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
and the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
6 of 13
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַֽחֶבְרֹנִ֔י
of the Hebronites
H2276
הַֽחֶבְרֹנִ֔י
of the Hebronites
Strong's:
H2276
Word #:
7 of 13
chebronite (collectively), an inhabitant of chebron
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
and the family
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
and the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
8 of 13
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הָעָזִּֽיאֵלִ֑י
of the Uzzielites
H5817
הָעָזִּֽיאֵלִ֑י
of the Uzzielites
Strong's:
H5817
Word #:
9 of 13
an uzzielite (collectively) or descendants of uzziel
Historical Context
The Levitical census occurred in the wilderness of Sinai during the second year after the Exodus (Numbers 1:1). The three Levite clans—Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merahlites—descended from Levi's sons, creating a structured priesthood to serve approximately 600,000 fighting men plus women and children.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereign assignment of service roles encourage you in your specific calling?
- What does the careful organization of tabernacle service teach about corporate worship?
- How should we view church service as sacred duty rather than mere volunteerism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse identifies the Kohathite clan descended from Kohath, one of Levi's three sons. The Hebrew mishpachot (families/clans) emphasizes tribal organization under divine order. The Kohathites received the most sacred duty—caring for the holy things of the tabernacle—demonstrating God's sovereign distribution of service roles. This principle applies to New Testament ministry gifts, where God appoints each member according to His purpose (1 Corinthians 12:18). The specific naming of clans shows God's attention to detail in organizing worship.