King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:27 Mean?

Numbers 3:27 in the King James Version says “And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and t...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 3:27 · KJV

Context

25

And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

26

And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

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.

28

In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

29

The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereign assignment of service roles encourage you in your specific calling?
  2. What does the careful organization of tabernacle service teach about corporate worship?
  3. How should we view church service as sacred duty rather than mere volunteerism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְלִקְהָ֗ת1 of 13

“And of Kohath”

H6955

kehath, an israelite

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת2 of 13

“and the family”

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

הַֽעַמְרָמִי֙3 of 13

“of the Amramites”

H6020

an amramite or descendant of amram

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת4 of 13

“and the family”

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

הַיִּצְהָרִ֔י5 of 13

“of the Izeharites”

H3325

a jitsharite or descendant of jitshar

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת6 of 13

“and the family”

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

הַֽחֶבְרֹנִ֔י7 of 13

“of the Hebronites”

H2276

chebronite (collectively), an inhabitant of chebron

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת8 of 13

“and the family”

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

הָעָזִּֽיאֵלִ֑י9 of 13

“of the Uzzielites”

H5817

an uzzielite (collectively) or descendants of uzziel

אֵ֥לֶּה10 of 13
H428

these or those

הֵ֖ם11 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת12 of 13

“and the family”

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

הַקְּהָתִֽי׃13 of 13

“of the Kohathites”

H6956

a kohathite (collectively) or descendants of kehath

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 3:27 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 3:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 26:23Numbers 3:191 Chronicles 23:12

Test Your Knowledge

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