Numbers 4:20
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבֹ֧אוּ
But they shall not go in
H935
יָבֹ֧אוּ
But they shall not go in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 7
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לִרְא֛וֹת
to see
H7200
לִרְא֛וֹת
to see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כְּבַלַּ֥ע
are covered
H1104
כְּבַלַּ֥ע
are covered
Strong's:
H1104
Word #:
4 of 7
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Samuel 6:19And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.Exodus 19:21And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.Leviticus 10:2And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.Numbers 4:15And 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.Numbers 4:19But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
Historical Context
This command prevented Kohathites from satisfying curiosity about the sacred objects they transported but could never use. They carried the ark containing the law they were not priests to administer. This illustrates the veil that stood between God and man until Christ rent it (Matthew 27:51).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's restriction on seeing holy things teach us about revealed versus secret things?
- What presumptuous curiosity might we have about divine mysteries not yet revealed?
- How has Christ's work unveiled what was previously hidden from God's people?
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Analysis & Commentary
The prohibition 'they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die' establishes boundaries around divine mysteries. The Hebrew bala (when...are being covered) indicates even momentary glimpsing brought death. This teaches that God reveals only what He chooses; presumptuous curiosity about divine secrets is deadly. The severity underscores human finitude before infinite holiness. New Testament revelation unveils what was hidden (Ephesians 3:3-5), but only at God's appointed time and through His appointed means.