Bible Strands
Numbers 4:19
In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The text records divine instruction given to Moses regarding the Kohathite Levites during the tabernacle’s relocation. Aaron and his sons are commanded to enter and assign each Levite his specific duty and load.
The words — חָיוּ (cha.Yu) translates as “they will live,” and יָמֻתוּ (ya.Mu.tu) translates as “they will die,” establishing the life-or-death stakes of the command.
The thread — This directive depends on the prior order for Aaron’s sons to cover the sanctuary before the camp moves (Numbers 4:15) and directly supports the surrounding warnings against excluding the Kohathite clans (Numbers 4:18) and viewing the holy objects (Numbers 4:20).
Why it lands — The passage requires strict adherence to assigned roles and regulated access when handling sacred responsibilities. It demands that readers recognize holiness is approached through divine appointment, not personal initiative.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Numbers 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.