Numbers 4:15

Authorized King James Version

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִלָּ֣ה

H3615

have made an end

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

אַֽהֲרֹן

H175

And when Aaron

aharon, the brother of moses

בְנֵֽי

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לְכַסֹּ֨ת

H3680

of covering

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ

H6944

any holy thing

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּלֵ֣י

H3627

and all the vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#10

הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ

H6944

any holy thing

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#11

בִּנְסֹ֣עַ

H5265

is to set forward

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

#12

הַֽמַּחֲנֶה֒

H4264

as the camp

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

#13

וְאַֽחֲרֵי

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#14

כֵ֗ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#15

יָבֹ֤אוּ

H935

shall come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#16

בְנֵֽי

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#17

קְהָ֖ת

H6955

of Kohath

kehath, an israelite

#18

לָשֵׂ֔את

H5375

to bear

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#19

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#20

יִגְּע֥וּ

H5060

it but they shall not touch

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#21

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ

H6944

any holy thing

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#23

וָמֵ֑תוּ

H4191

lest they die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#24

אֵ֛לֶּה

H428

these or those

#25

מַשָּׂ֥א

H4853

These things are the burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

#26

בְנֵֽי

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#27

קְהָ֖ת

H6955

of Kohath

kehath, an israelite

#28

בְּאֹ֥הֶל

H168

in the tabernacle

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

#29

מוֹעֵֽד׃

H4150

of the congregation

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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Numbers 4:15

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources