King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:19 Mean?

Numbers 3:19 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

Numbers 3:19 · KJV


Context

17

And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

18

And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.

19

And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

20

And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

21

Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The listing of Kohath's sons 'by their families' establishes the genealogical line that included both Aaron (the priestly line) and Moses (the prophetic/civil leader), showing God's sovereign distribution of offices within the same extended family. The Kohathites received the most sacred responsibility—transporting the holy furnishings (ark, table, lampstand, altars)—demonstrating that even among Levites, God distinguished levels of service and responsibility according to His purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Kohathites descended from Levi's second son Kohath (Exodus 6:18). They camped on the south side of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:29) and transported the holiest items, though they could not touch or look upon them (Numbers 4:15, 20) without dying, requiring priests to cover these items first.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Kohathites' specially sacred responsibility illustrate that even among those called to service, God assigns different levels of responsibility?
  2. What does this teach us about recognizing that roles in God's kingdom vary in responsibility and honor while all remain service to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וּבְנֵ֥י1 of 7

And the sons

H1121

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

קְהָ֖ת2 of 7

of Kohath

H6955

kehath, an israelite

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם3 of 7

by their families

H4940

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

עַמְרָ֣ם4 of 7

Amram

H6019

amram, the name of two israelites

וְיִצְהָ֔ר5 of 7

and Izehar

H3324

jitshar, an israelite

חֶבְר֖וֹן6 of 7

Hebron

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

וְעֻזִּיאֵֽל׃7 of 7

and Uzziel

H5816

uzziel, the name of six israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 3:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 3:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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