Numbers 3:27

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.

And of Kohath {H6955} was the family {H4940} of the Amramites {H6020}, and the family {H4940} of the Izeharites {H3325}, and the family {H4940} of the Hebronites {H2276}, and the family {H4940} of the Uzzielites {H5817}: these are the families {H4940} of the Kohathites {H6956}.

K'hat fathered the clans of 'Amram, Yitz'har, Hevron and 'Uzi'el; these were the K'hat clans.

From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites.

And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 3:27

Numbers 3:27 is part of a detailed account in the book of Numbers concerning the organization and duties of the Levites, the tribe set apart by God for service in the Tabernacle. Following the general census of the other Israelite tribes, Numbers chapters 1-2, this chapter focuses specifically on the Levites, who were not numbered among the fighting men but were consecrated for a sacred purpose. Verse 27 specifically lists the four main families descended from Kohath, one of Levi's three sons (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari), detailing the internal structure of this important Levitical clan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Organization: This verse, along with the surrounding chapters, highlights God's meticulous attention to detail in the organization of His people and their worship. Every family and individual had a specific, God-ordained role in the life of the Israelite camp and the Tabernacle service, reflecting God's emphasis on order and structure in His kingdom.
  • Specific Roles and Responsibilities: The Kohathites, identified here by their sub-families (Amramites, Izeharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites), had the most solemn and dangerous responsibility among the Levites. Their unique task was to carry the most holy articles of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars, after the priests had covered them. This required precision and reverence.
  • Holiness and Proximity to God: Their proximity to the sacred vessels underscored the holiness of God and the seriousness of their service. While they carried these items, they were strictly forbidden from touching them directly or even looking at them uncovered, lest they die (Numbers 4:15, 2 Samuel 6:7).

Linguistic Insights

The names listed in this verse are Hebrew patronymics, indicating descent from a particular ancestor. For example, "Amramites" refers to the descendants of Amram, Kohath's son, who was the father of Moses and Aaron. While the individual meanings of these names (e.g., Amram meaning "exalted people") are interesting, the primary significance in this context is their function in identifying distinct family units within the larger Kohathite clan, each with specific duties in the Tabernacle. This meticulous naming reinforces the precise and organized nature of God's instructions for His people.

Practical Application

Numbers 3:27, though seemingly a simple listing, reminds us of several timeless truths. First, God delights in order and intentionality in service. Every member of God's spiritual house has a unique and vital role, just as the Kohathites had theirs. No task is insignificant when performed for the Lord. Second, it emphasizes the importance of reverence for God's presence and His holy things. While we no longer have a physical Tabernacle, the principle of approaching God with awe and respect remains. Finally, it highlights the concept of delegated responsibility within the community of faith, where different individuals and groups are called to specific tasks for the common good and the glory of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 26:23

    Of the Amramites, [and] the Izharites, the Hebronites, [and] the Uzzielites:

  • Numbers 3:19

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

  • 1 Chronicles 23:12

    The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
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