Numbers 4:20

KJV

But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

KJV (with Strong's)

But they shall not go in {H935} to see {H7200} when the holy things {H6944} are covered {H1104}, lest they die {H4191}.

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."

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.”

American Standard Version

but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:20 serves as a severe divine prohibition concerning the Kohathite Levites' interaction with the most sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle. It strictly forbids them from entering the holy space to view these consecrated items, particularly during the critical process when the priests were covering them for transport. This command underscores the absolute holiness of God and the extreme danger of approaching His presence or sacred objects without strict adherence to His divinely ordained protocols, with the dire consequence for transgression being immediate death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 4:20 is situated within a highly detailed section of the book of Numbers (Numbers 4:1-49) that meticulously outlines the specific duties and responsibilities of the three major Levitical clans—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—regarding the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journey. The Kohathites, to whom this verse specifically applies, were assigned the most solemn and dangerous task: carrying the holiest furnishings of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars. Prior to their handling of these items, Aaron and his sons, the priests, were commanded to meticulously cover each sacred object with specific cloths and coverings, as detailed in [Numbers 4:5-15](/numbers/4-5 "Numbers 4:5-15 - Priestly Covering of Holy Objects"). Numbers 4:20 acts as a final, emphatic warning, reinforcing the sanctity of this process and the perilous nature of unauthorized access or even observation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, serving as the central hub of Israelite worship and communal life in the wilderness. Its design and the rituals surrounding it were meticulously prescribed by God to teach Israel about His absolute holiness, His transcendence, and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sacred spaces and objects were often guarded with strict protocols, but Israel's Tabernacle laws were unique in their divine origin and the severity of their enforcement, emphasizing a God who is both immanent and utterly distinct from His creation. The concept of ritual purity and defilement was paramount, and any unauthorized or improper contact with the holy could result in immediate divine judgment, as tragically exemplified by the deaths of [Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire") or the men of Beth Shemesh for [looking into the Ark of the Covenant](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19-20 - The Men of Beth Shemesh Struck Down"). This verse, therefore, highlights the profound reverence required in God's presence and the mediatorial role of the priesthood in bridging the gap between a holy God and a sinful people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go in (Hebrew, בּוֹא, _bo'_):** This verb signifies physical entry or approach. In this context, it denotes an unauthorized penetration into the sacred space where the holy things were being prepared for transport. It implies a crossing of a boundary that was strictly forbidden to the Kohathites at that specific moment, underscoring the danger of presumptuous access.
* **To see (Hebrew, רָאָה, _ra'ah'_):** This verb refers to visual perception. The prohibition is not merely against touching the holy objects, but even against looking at them uncovered or during the priestly covering process. This emphasizes the extreme sanctity of the items and the profound danger associated with even visual contact outside of God's prescribed order, highlighting that God's holiness is so potent it can be lethal even through sight.
* **Lest they die (Hebrew, פֶּן־יָמֻתוּ, _pen-yamutu'_):** This phrase is a stark and unambiguous warning of the immediate and divinely imposed consequence for violating the command. It signifies a direct, fatal judgment from God, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the severity of the transgression and God's unwavering commitment to His holy boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they shall not go in":** This clause identifies the subject ("they," referring to the Kohathites, as established by the preceding verses in [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites")) and issues a clear, absolute prohibition against their physical entry into the inner sanctuary where the holy objects resided. This restriction was crucial because the Kohathites, though Levites, were not priests and thus lacked the specific authorization to enter the sacred space when the holy items were exposed.
* **"to see when the holy things are covered":** This specifies the forbidden action (seeing) and the critical timing of the prohibition. The "holy things" refer to the consecrated furnishings of the Tabernacle (Ark, Table, Lampstand, Altars). The phrase "when they are covered" indicates the precise moment of danger: during the process where the priests were meticulously covering these items. The Kohathites were not to observe this sacred act, nor were they to see the items before they were fully veiled, reinforcing that even a glimpse of the uncovered holy objects was perilous.
* **"lest they die":** This final clause states the immediate and severe consequence of disobedience. It is a direct divine judgment, emphasizing that violation of this sacred boundary would result in instant death, underscoring the absolute holiness of God and the non-negotiable nature of His commands regarding His presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. Primarily, it uses **Prohibition**, a direct and absolute command ("shall not go in," "shall not see") to establish clear boundaries for the Kohathites' interaction with the sacred. This is immediately followed by a **Consequence Clause** ("lest they die"), which explicitly states the dire and irreversible outcome of violating the prohibition, serving as a powerful deterrent and emphasizing the severity of God's holiness. The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche** by focusing on "seeing" as a representation of any unauthorized or presumptuous interaction, implying that even visual proximity without proper mediation was dangerous. Furthermore, the entire context of the Tabernacle's design and the laws surrounding it, including this verse, functions as **Symbolism**, where the covered holy objects symbolize the ineffable and unapproachable holiness of God, and the strict protocols symbolize the absolute necessity of divine mediation for sinful humanity to approach a holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:20 powerfully communicates foundational theological truths about God's absolute holiness, the necessity of divine protocol in worship, and the inherent danger of presumptuousness in His presence. It underscores that God is not to be approached casually or on human terms, but solely according to His revealed will. The strictures highlight the infinite chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, emphasizing that even those dedicated to His service (the Levites) required mediation (the priests) to avoid fatal contact with His sacred presence. This principle of mediated access is crucial, demonstrating God's simultaneous desire for relationship and His demand for reverence, ensuring His glory and the safety of His people.

* [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - Moses and the Burning Bush")
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Disobedience")
* [1 Samuel 6:19-20](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19-20 - The Lord Strikes Down the Men of Beth Shemesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific commands of Numbers 4:20 regarding the Tabernacle no longer apply literally to believers under the New Covenant, the profound principles embedded within it remain eternally relevant. This verse serves as a timeless reminder of God's enduring holiness and the reverence due to Him. It challenges any tendency towards a casual or flippant approach to God, His Word, or spiritual matters. Though believers now enjoy unprecedented access to God's presence through Christ, this access is a gift of immense grace, not a license for presumption. We are called to approach God with both confidence and awe, understanding that our "boldness" is rooted in Christ's sacrifice, not in our own merit or disregard for His majesty. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep sense of respect for the sacred, to appreciate the immense privilege of our access to God, and to live lives that reflect His holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Numbers 4:20 challenge our modern understanding of approaching God, particularly in an era that sometimes emphasizes familiarity over reverence?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, treat God, His Word, or spiritual disciplines with a casualness that diminishes His holiness?**
* **How does the New Testament concept of "bold access" to God's throne of grace (e.g., [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")) reconcile with the Old Testament's strict warnings about God's holiness and the danger of unauthorized approach?**

### FAQ

**Why was the penalty for seeing the holy things so severe (death)?**

Answer: The severity of the penalty for violating this command underscores several critical theological points. First, it emphasizes God's absolute and unapproachable holiness. The holy objects were not merely ceremonial items but tangible representations of God's presence, and any unauthorized access or viewing was an affront to His divine majesty. Second, it was crucial for establishing and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the covenant relationship. God was teaching Israel the profound difference between the holy and the common, and the dire consequences served as a powerful deterrent against defilement and irreverence. Finally, it highlighted the necessity of divine mediation; only the priests, acting according to God's specific instructions, could safely handle and prepare the holy things, thus protecting the people from God's consuming holiness. The immediate death penalty reinforced that approaching God must always be on His terms, not human terms, and that His holiness is not to be trifled with.

**Who were the Kohathites, and what were their specific duties regarding the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The Kohathites were one of the three main clans of the Levites, descended from Kohath, a son of Levi. Their specific and highly sensitive duty, as detailed in [Numbers 4:1-20](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites"), was to transport the most sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle. This included the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars of Incense and Burnt Offering, and other holy vessels. Unlike the Gershonites and Merarites, who carried the Tabernacle coverings, frames, and pillars, the Kohathites were responsible for the inner, most holy items. Crucially, they were not permitted to touch these items directly or even see them uncovered. Before they could carry them, Aaron and his sons, the priests, had to meticulously cover each item with specific cloths and coverings ([Numbers 4:5-15](/numbers/4-5 "Numbers 4:5-15 - Priestly Covering of Holy Objects")), after which the Kohathites would then bear them on their shoulders.

**Does this command from Numbers 4:20 apply to believers today in the same literal way?**

Answer: No, the command in [Numbers 4:20](/numbers/4-20 "Numbers 4:20 - Prohibition for Kohathites") does not apply to believers today in the same literal way. The Old Covenant Tabernacle and its specific rituals, including the Levitical duties and prohibitions, served as a "shadow" of the greater spiritual realities fulfilled in Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Tabernacle") and [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")). With Christ's perfect sacrifice and His establishment of the New Covenant, the physical Tabernacle and its regulations have been superseded. However, the underlying theological principles of God's absolute holiness, the necessity of reverence, and the danger of presumptuousness remain eternally true. While we no longer face physical death for improper access, the spiritual principles call us to approach God with awe, respect, and gratitude for the access we now have through Christ, recognizing that His holiness has not diminished but has been perfectly satisfied and revealed in His Son.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 4:20, with its stark warning against unauthorized access to God's holy presence, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate mediation provided by Jesus Christ. The strict requirement for the holy things to be covered by the priests before the Levites could even approach them illustrates humanity's inability to stand directly before a holy God without a mediator. The death penalty for violation underscores the infinite chasm created by sin between God and humanity. This need for a covering and a mediator finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ. He is the great High Priest who, unlike the Levitical priests, entered the true heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). His death on the cross tore the temple veil from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed. Through Christ, believers now have "boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Bold Access Through Jesus' Blood")). The terrifying "lest they die" of the Old Covenant is transformed into the gracious "that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")) in the New, all made possible by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and mediatorial work of the Lamb of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 6:19

¶ And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter.

Exodus 19:21

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

Numbers 4:19

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:

Leviticus 10:2

And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

Numbers 4:15

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.

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,