Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, September 14th, 2025
the Week of Proper 19 / Ordinary 24
the Week of Proper 19 / Ordinary 24
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Read the Bible
New Revised Standard
Numbers 4:20
But the Kohathites must not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment; otherwise they will die.
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Concordances:
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- CondensedParallel Translations
Hebrew Names Version
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die."
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die."
King James Version
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
Lexham English Bible
But they must not go and look for a moment at the holy objects."
But they must not go and look for a moment at the holy objects."
New Century Version
The Kohathites must not enter and look at the holy things, even for a second, or they will die."
The Kohathites must not enter and look at the holy things, even for a second, or they will die."
New English Translation
But the Kohathites are not to go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, or they will die."
But the Kohathites are not to go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, or they will die."
Amplified Bible
"But the Kohathites shall not go in to see the holy things, even for an instant, or they will die."
"But the Kohathites shall not go in to see the holy things, even for an instant, or they will die."
New American Standard Bible
but they shall not come in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."
but they shall not come in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."
Geneva Bible (1587)
But let them not goe in, to see when the Sanctuarie is folden vp, lest they die.
But let them not goe in, to see when the Sanctuarie is folden vp, lest they die.
Legacy Standard Bible
but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."
but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."
Complete Jewish Bible
but the descendants of K'hat are not to go in and look at the holy things as they are being covered; if they do, they will die." Haftarah B'midbar: Hoshea (Hosea) 2:1(1:10)–2:22(20) B'rit Hadashah suggested readings for Parashah B'midbar: Luke 2:1–7; 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 Adonai said to Moshe, "Take a census of the descendants of Gershon also, by clans and families; count all those between thirty and fifty years old, all who will enter the corps doing the work of serving in the tent of meeting. "The Gershon families are to be responsible for serving and for transporting loads. They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, its covering, the fine leather covering above it, the screen for the entrance to the tent of meeting, the tapestries for the courtyard, and the screen for the entrance to the courtyard by the tabernacle and around the altar, along with the ropes and all the utensils they need for their service; and they are to do the work connected with these things. Aharon and his sons are to supervise all the work of the Gershon clan in transporting loads and serving, and to assign them who is to carry what. This is how the Gershon families are to serve in the tent of meeting, and they are to be under the direction of Itamar the son of Aharon the cohen. "As for the descendants of M'rari, take a census by clans and families of all those between thirty and fifty years old, all who will be in the corps doing the work of serving in the tent of meeting. "Their service for the tent of meeting will be to carry the frames, crossbars, posts and sockets of the tabernacle; also the posts for the surrounding courtyard, with their sockets, tent pegs, ropes and other accessories, and everything having to do with their service. You are to assign particular loads to specific persons by name. This is how the M'rari families are to serve in the tent of meeting, directed by Itamar the son of Aharon the cohen." (S: ii) Moshe, Aharon and the community leaders took a census of the descendants of K'hat by their clans and families, all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of the corps serving in the tent of meeting. Registered by their families, they numbered 2,750. These are the ones counted from the K'hat families of all those serving in the tent of meeting, whom Moshe and Aharon enumerated, in keeping with the order given by Adonai through Moshe. (A: ii) The census of the descendants of Gershon, by their clans and families, all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of the corps serving in the tent of meeting, yielded 2,630, registered by their clans and families. These are the ones counted from the families of the descendants of Gershon of all those serving in the tent of meeting, whom Moshe and Aharon enumerated, in keeping with the order given by Adonai . The census of the families of the descendants of M'rari, by their clans and families, all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of the corps serving in the tent of meeting, yielded 3,200, registered by their families. These are the ones counted from the families of the descendants of M'rari, whom Moshe and Aharon enumerated, in keeping with the order given by Adonai through Moshe. The census of the L'vi'im, whom Moshe, Aharon and the leaders of Isra'el enumerated by their clans and families, all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of those working to serve and working to carry loads in the tent of meeting, yielded a total of 8,580 persons. According to Adonai 's order they were appointed by Moshe, each one to his specific service or work. They were also enumerated, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
but the descendants of K'hat are not to go in and look at the holy things as they are being covered; if they do, they will die." Haftarah B'midbar: Hoshea (Hosea) 2:1(1:10)–2:22(20) B'rit Hadashah suggested readings for Parashah B'midbar: Luke 2:1–7; 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 Adonai said to Moshe, "Take a census of the descendants of Gershon also, by clans and families; count all those between thirty and fifty years old, all who will enter the corps doing the work of serving in the tent of meeting. "The Gershon families are to be responsible for serving and for transporting loads. They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, its covering, the fine leather covering above it, the screen for the entrance to the tent of meeting, the tapestries for the courtyard, and the screen for the entrance to the courtyard by the tabernacle and around the altar, along with the ropes and all the utensils they need for their service; and they are to do the work connected with these things. Aharon and his sons are to supervise all the work of the Gershon clan in transporting loads and serving, and to assign them who is to carry what. This is how the Gershon families are to serve in the tent of meeting, and they are to be under the direction of Itamar the son of Aharon the cohen. "As for the descendants of M'rari, take a census by clans and families of all those between thirty and fifty years old, all who will be in the corps doing the work of serving in the tent of meeting. "Their service for the tent of meeting will be to carry the frames, crossbars, posts and sockets of the tabernacle; also the posts for the surrounding courtyard, with their sockets, tent pegs, ropes and other accessories, and everything having to do with their service. You are to assign particular loads to specific persons by name. This is how the M'rari families are to serve in the tent of meeting, directed by Itamar the son of Aharon the cohen." (S: ii) Moshe, Aharon and the community leaders took a census of the descendants of K'hat by their clans and families, all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of the corps serving in the tent of meeting. Registered by their families, they numbered 2,750. These are the ones counted from the K'hat families of all those serving in the tent of meeting, whom Moshe and Aharon enumerated, in keeping with the order given by Adonai through Moshe. (A: ii) The census of the descendants of Gershon, by their clans and families, all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of the corps serving in the tent of meeting, yielded 2,630, registered by their clans and families. These are the ones counted from the families of the descendants of Gershon of all those serving in the tent of meeting, whom Moshe and Aharon enumerated, in keeping with the order given by Adonai . The census of the families of the descendants of M'rari, by their clans and families, all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of the corps serving in the tent of meeting, yielded 3,200, registered by their families. These are the ones counted from the families of the descendants of M'rari, whom Moshe and Aharon enumerated, in keeping with the order given by Adonai through Moshe. The census of the L'vi'im, whom Moshe, Aharon and the leaders of Isra'el enumerated by their clans and families, all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of those working to serve and working to carry loads in the tent of meeting, yielded a total of 8,580 persons. According to Adonai 's order they were appointed by Moshe, each one to his specific service or work. They were also enumerated, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
Darby Translation
but they shall not go in and see for a moment the holy things, lest they die.
but they shall not go in and see for a moment the holy things, lest they die.
Easy-to-Read Version
If you don't do this, the Kohathite men might go in and look at the holy things. If they look at these things, even for a moment, they must die."
If you don't do this, the Kohathite men might go in and look at the holy things. If they look at these things, even for a moment, they must die."
English Standard Version
but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die."
but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die."
George Lamsa Translation
But they shall not go in to observe when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
But they shall not go in to observe when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
Good News Translation
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Christian Standard Bible®
The Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects as they are covered or they will die.”
The Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects as they are covered or they will die.”
Literal Translation
And they shall not go in to see when the holy thing is covered, that they may not die.
And they shall not go in to see when the holy thing is covered, that they may not die.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
But they shal not go in, presumptuously to loke vpo ye Sanctuary, lest they die.
But they shal not go in, presumptuously to loke vpo ye Sanctuary, lest they die.
American Standard Version
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.
Bible in Basic English
But they themselves are not to go in to see the holy place, even for a minute, for fear of death.
But they themselves are not to go in to see the holy place, even for a minute, for fear of death.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
But let them not go in, to see when the holy thinges are folden vp, lest they dye.
But let them not go in, to see when the holy thinges are folden vp, lest they dye.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
but they shall not go in to see the holy things as they are being covered, lest they die.'
but they shall not go in to see the holy things as they are being covered, lest they die.'
King James Version (1611)
But they shall not goe in to see when the holy things are couered, lest they die.
But they shall not goe in to see when the holy things are couered, lest they die.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
And so they shall by no means go in to look suddenly upon the holy things, and die.
And so they shall by no means go in to look suddenly upon the holy things, and die.
English Revised Version
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.
Berean Standard Bible
But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die."
But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die."
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Othere men se not bi ony curiouste tho thingis that ben in the seyntuarie, bifore that tho ben wlappid; ellis thei schulen die.
Othere men se not bi ony curiouste tho thingis that ben in the seyntuarie, bifore that tho ben wlappid; ellis thei schulen die.
Young's Literal Translation
and they go not in to see when the holy thing is swallowed, that they have died.'
and they go not in to see when the holy thing is swallowed, that they have died.'
Update Bible Version
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, or they will die.
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, or they will die.
Webster's Bible Translation
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
World English Bible
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die."
but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die."
New King James Version
But they shall not go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, lest they die."
But they shall not go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, lest they die."
New Living Translation
The Kohathites must never enter the sanctuary to look at the sacred objects for even a moment, or they will die."
The Kohathites must never enter the sanctuary to look at the sacred objects for even a moment, or they will die."
New Life Bible
But they must not go in to see the holy objects even for a short time, or they will die."
But they must not go in to see the holy objects even for a short time, or they will die."
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
but they shall not enter to see, for a moment, that which is holy, else should they die.
but they shall not enter to see, for a moment, that which is holy, else should they die.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Let not others by any curiosity see the things that are in the sanctuary before they be wrapped up, otherwise they shall die.
Let not others by any curiosity see the things that are in the sanctuary before they be wrapped up, otherwise they shall die.
Revised Standard Version
but they shall not go in to look upon the holy things even for a moment, lest they die."
but they shall not go in to look upon the holy things even for a moment, lest they die."
New American Standard Bible (1995)
but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."
but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."
Contextual Overview
1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 2 Take a census of the Kohathites separate from the other Levites, by their clans and their ancestral houses, 3 from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who qualify to do work relating to the tent of meeting. 4 The service of the Kohathites relating to the tent of meeting concerns the most holy things. 5 When the camp is to set out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and take down the screening curtain, and cover the ark of the covenant with it; 6 then they shall put on it a covering of fine leather, and spread over that a cloth all of blue, and shall put its poles in place. 7 Over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the plates, the dishes for incense, the bowls, and the flagons for the drink offering; the regular bread also shall be on it; 8 then they shall spread over them a crimson cloth, and cover it with a covering of fine leather, and shall put its poles in place. 9 They shall take a blue cloth, and cover the lampstand for the light, with its lamps, its snuffers, its trays, and all the vessels for oil with which it is supplied; 10 and they shall put it with all its utensils in a covering of fine leather, and put it on the carrying frame.
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
they shall: Numbers 4:15, Numbers 4:19, Exodus 19:21, Leviticus 10:2, 1 Samuel 6:19, Hebrews 10:19, Hebrews 10:20, Revelation 11:19
the holy things: Hakkodesh, "the holy," or "sanctuary," i.e., the ark, as the Jews generally understand it; and with good reason, as any one may be convinced, who compares 1 Kings 8:8, with 2 Chronicles 5:9, where that which is called the holy in the former, is called the ark in the latter.
Reciprocal: Numbers 4:18 - General Numbers 18:3 - only they 2 Samuel 6:6 - put forth 1 Chronicles 15:2 - None ought to Ezra 8:28 - the vessels
Cross-References
Genesis 4:2
Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground.
Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground.
Genesis 4:4
and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
Genesis 4:5
but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
Genesis 4:9
Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?"
Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?"
Genesis 4:10
And the Lord said, "What have you done? Listen; your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!
And the Lord said, "What have you done? Listen; your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!
Genesis 4:11
And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.
And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.
Genesis 4:12
When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength; you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."
When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength; you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."
Genesis 4:21
His brother's name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe.
His brother's name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe.
Genesis 25:27
When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents.
When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents.
John 8:44
You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered,.... They were not to be present while they were packing up, test they should see any of them with their eyes; they were not to go in until they were quite covered out of sight; which may signify the hiding of the mysteries of grace in those things under the former dispensation, when even the Levites themselves were not admitted to a sight of them; see Ephesians 3:4;
lest they die; by the immediate hand of God.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
to see when the holy things are covered - Render: to see the holy things for an instant. The expression means Iiterally” as a gulp,” i. e. for the instant it takes to swallow.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Numbers 4:20. When the holy things are covered — Literally, כבלע keballa, when they are swallowed down; which shows the promptitude with which every thing belonging to the holy of holies was put out of sight, for these mysteries must ever be treated with the deepest reverence; and indeed without this they could not have been to them the representatives of heavenly realities. See the concluding note.
