King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:17 Mean?

Numbers 4:17 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Numbers 4:17 · KJV


Context

15

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.

16

And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

17

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

18

Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:

19

But 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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's concern that the Kohathite tribe 'be not cut off from among the Levites' reveals His desire to preserve those set apart for sacred service, despite the mortal danger involved. The Hebrew karat (cut off) often indicates judgment, but here God provides protective instructions to prevent it. This demonstrates divine mercy within judgment—God establishes both the threat and the means of escape. He preserves His servants through obedience to prescribed order, foreshadowing how Christ keeps us from spiritual death through His mediatorial work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Kohathites' strategic importance to tabernacle worship meant their preservation was vital. Later Kohathite descendants included Samuel the prophet and king David's musicians. God's concern for preserving this tribe shows His providential oversight in maintaining the structures of worship and prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God demonstrate both severity and kindness in His dealings with His people?
  2. What protective commands has God given that we tend to view as burdensome?
  3. How does Christ preserve us from the judgment we deserve?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 7

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 7

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 7

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽל5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֖ן6 of 7

and unto Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 4:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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