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⇱ Numbers 7:9 But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.

Bible > Numbers > Chapter 7 > Verse 9
◄ Numbers 7:9 ►
New International Version
But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.

New Living Translation
But he gave none of the wagons or oxen to the Kohathite division, since they were required to carry the sacred objects of the Tabernacle on their shoulders.

English Standard Version
But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because they were charged with the service of the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.

Berean Standard Bible
But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.

King James Bible
But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.

New King James Version
But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because theirs was the service of the holy things, which they carried on their shoulders.

New American Standard Bible
But he did not give any to the sons of Kohath, because theirs was the service of the holy objects, which they carried on the shoulder.

NASB 1995
But he did not give any to the sons of Kohath because theirs was the service of the holy objects, which they carried on the shoulder.

NASB 1977
But he did not give any to the sons of Kohath because theirs was the service of the holy objects, which they carried on the shoulder.

Legacy Standard Bible
But he did not give any to the sons of Kohath because theirs was the service of the holy objects, which they carried on the shoulder.

Amplified Bible
But to the sons of Kohath he gave nothing, because they were assigned the care of the holy things which they carried on their shoulders [when the tabernacle was moved].

Christian Standard Bible
But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since their responsibility was service related to the holy objects carried on their shoulders.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since their responsibility was service related to the holy objects carried on their shoulders.

American Standard Version
But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged unto them; they bare it upon their shoulders.

Contemporary English Version
But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were in charge of the sacred objects that had to be carried on their shoulders.

English Revised Version
But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonged unto them; they bare it upon their shoulders.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Moses gave none of these gifts to the Kohathites, because they took care of the holy things. They had to carry the holy things on their own shoulders.

Good News Translation
But Moses gave no wagons or oxen to the Kohathites, because the sacred objects they took care of had to be carried on their shoulders.

International Standard Version
But he gave none of them to the descendants of Kohath, because their responsibility was to carry the holy things on their shoulders.

NET Bible
But to the Kohathites he gave none, because the service of the holy things, which they carried on their shoulders, was their responsibility.

New Heart English Bible
But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.

Webster's Bible Translation
But to the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging to them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.

World English Bible
But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but he has not given [any] to the sons of Kohath, for the service of the holy place [is] on them, [which] they carry on the shoulder.

Young's Literal Translation
and to the sons of Kohath he hath not given, for the service of the sanctuary is on them: on the shoulder they bear.

Smith's Literal Translation
And to the sons of Kohath, he gave not, for the service of the holy place upon them, they shall lift up upon the shoulder.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But to the sons of Caath he gave no wagons or oxen: because they serve in the sanctuary and carry their burdens upon their own shoulders.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But to the sons of Kohath he gave no wagons or oxen, because they serve in the Sanctuary and they carry their burdens on their shoulders.

New American Bible
He gave none to the Kohathites, because they were responsible for maintenance of the sacred objects that had to be carried on their shoulders.

New Revised Standard Version
But to the Kohathites he gave none, because they were charged with the care of the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulders.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary assigned to them was that they should carry upon their shoulders.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he did not give to the sons of Qahath, because of the labor of the sanctuary delivered to them, and they carry upon their shoulders.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the holy things belonged unto them: they bore them upon their shoulders.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But to the sons of Caath he gave them not, because they have the ministrations of the sacred things: they shall bear them on their shoulders.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Offerings of Dedication
…8and he gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen, as their service required, all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. 9But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible. 10When the altar was anointed, the leaders approached with their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar.…

Cross References
Exodus 25:14
Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it.

Exodus 25:15
The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed.

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

Deuteronomy 31:9
So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.

1 Chronicles 15:2
Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.”

1 Chronicles 15:15
And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.

Joshua 3:3
and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it.

Joshua 3:6
And he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them.

1 Samuel 6:15
And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest containing the gold objects, and they placed them on the large rock. That day the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD.

1 Kings 8:3-4
When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark, / and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up.

2 Chronicles 5:4-5
When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark, / and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up.

Hebrews 9:4
containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

Hebrews 9:6
When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties.

Acts 7:44
Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.

Acts 7:45
And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David,


Numbers 3:31
And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

Numbers 4:4-16
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: …

2 Samuel 6:6,13
And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it…

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Backs Bare Bear Belonged Belonging Bore Care Carried Carry Charged Holy Kohath Kohathites Moses Objects Sanctuary Service Shoulder Shoulders Theirs
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Backs Bare Bear Belonged Belonging Bore Care Carried Carry Charged Holy Kohath Kohathites Moses Objects Sanctuary Service Shoulder Shoulders Theirs
Numbers 7
1. The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle
10. Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar
89. God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat














But he did not give any to the Kohathites
The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Kohath, the second son of Levi. Their specific role was to care for the most sacred objects of the tabernacle. Unlike the Gershonites and Merarites, who received oxen and carts to transport their assigned parts of the tabernacle, the Kohathites were not given any because their task required a different method of transport. This distinction highlights the unique holiness and sanctity of the items they were responsible for, emphasizing the reverence required in handling sacred objects.

since they were to carry on their shoulders
The Kohathites were tasked with carrying the most sacred items, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars. These items were to be carried on their shoulders using poles, as prescribed in Exodus 25:14 and Numbers 4:15. This method of transport underscores the sacredness of these objects, as they were not to be treated as common cargo. The act of carrying these items on their shoulders symbolizes the weight of responsibility and the honor of bearing the presence of God.

the holy objects
The holy objects refer to the sacred furnishings and instruments used in the tabernacle worship. These items were consecrated and set apart for divine service, representing God's presence among His people. The holiness of these objects required that they be handled with utmost care and respect, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy (Leviticus 19:2).

for which they were responsible
The Kohathites had a divinely appointed responsibility to care for and transport these sacred items. This responsibility was not just a duty but a calling, reflecting the broader biblical principle of stewardship. Each group within the Levites had specific roles, and the Kohathites' role was crucial for maintaining the sanctity and proper function of the tabernacle. This division of labor within the Levites illustrates the importance of each member of the community fulfilling their God-given role, a theme echoed in the New Testament regarding the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received instructions from God regarding the distribution of the offerings from the leaders of Israel.

2. Kohathites
A division of the Levites, descendants of Kohath, who were responsible for carrying the most sacred objects of the tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, containing the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred items.

4. Levites
The tribe set apart for religious duties, including the care and transport of the tabernacle and its furnishings.

5. Offerings of the Leaders
The leaders of Israel brought offerings to the tabernacle, which included oxen and carts for transporting the tabernacle's components.
Teaching Points
Sacred Responsibility
The Kohathites were entrusted with the most sacred objects, emphasizing the importance of reverence and responsibility in serving God.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The specific instructions given to the Kohathites highlight the necessity of following God's commands precisely, especially in matters of worship.

Carrying the Burden
The Kohathites carried the holy things on their shoulders, symbolizing the personal responsibility and dedication required in serving God.

Division of Labor in Ministry
The distribution of tasks among the Levites illustrates the importance of recognizing and respecting different roles within the body of Christ.

Holiness and Proximity to God
The Kohathites' role underscores the concept of holiness and the privilege of being close to God's presence, which requires purity and dedication.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 7:9?

2. Why were the Kohathites not given carts according to Numbers 7:9?

3. How does Numbers 7:9 emphasize the importance of obedience to God's instructions?

4. What does Numbers 7:9 teach about the responsibilities of the Kohathites?

5. How can we apply the Kohathites' dedication to our service in the church?

6. In what ways does Numbers 7:9 connect to the broader theme of stewardship?

7. Why were the Kohathites not given carts or oxen in Numbers 7:9?

8. How does Numbers 7:9 reflect God's specific instructions for different tribes?

9. What does Numbers 7:9 reveal about the responsibilities of the Kohathites?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 7?

11. In 1 Chronicles 15:2, where David insists only the Levites may carry the Ark, how do we reconcile this claim with any instances where non-Levites handled it or transported it in other texts?

12. Could Isaiah 52:11’s exhortation for ritual purity conflict with other Old Testament laws that detail different cleansing practices?

13. Numbers 10:33–36: How does the Ark of the Covenant traveling alongside them here reconcile with other passages where the Ark seems to remain stationary?

14. In 1 Chronicles 15:13, David suggests God’s anger struck them down for improper Ark transport—why would a just God enact such severe punishment over ritual details?
What Does Numbers 7:9 Mean
But he did not give any

“[Moses] gave the carts and oxen to the Gershonites and Merarites, but,” Scripture states, “he did not give any to the Kohathites” (Numbers 7:6-9). The contrast is intentional: other Levites received wagons, yet this clan is singled out for different treatment. The narrative reminds us that God’s instructions are precise and varied according to role (compare Numbers 4:24-28 for Gershon and Numbers 4:31-32 for Merari). The absence of carts isn’t neglect; it is obedience to divine order.

to the Kohathites

The Kohathites—descendants of Levi’s son Kohath—were designated guardians of the tabernacle’s most sacred furnishings (Numbers 3:29-31).

• They camped on the south side of the sanctuary, nearest the articles they would handle.

• Their lineage produced notable servants, including Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Exodus 6:16-20).

Being entrusted with holy things was both an honor and a weighty calling (Numbers 4:15; Deuteronomy 10:8).

since they were to carry on their shoulders

God had earlier commanded that the ark and other sanctified pieces be borne on poles, “on their shoulders” (Numbers 4:4-15; Exodus 25:14). Carts could wobble, break, or be driven by animals that might stumble. Shoulder-bearing kept the load steady and the carriers mindful. When Israel later violated this method—using a cart for the ark—disaster struck (2 Samuel 6:3-7). The Kohathites’ job description, therefore, demanded both physical strength and spiritual attentiveness (1 Chronicles 15:15).

the holy objects

The inventory they moved included:

• The Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-22)

• The Table of the Presence with its utensils (Exodus 25:23-30)

• The Golden Lampstand and lamps (Exodus 25:31-40)

• The Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10)

• The bronze altar’s sacred tools (Numbers 4:14)

Each item symbolized God’s presence, provision, and atonement. Touching them directly meant death (Numbers 4:15), underscoring reverence.

for which they were responsible

Responsibility here speaks of stewardship. God appointed the Kohathites “to attend to the needs of the sanctuary” (Numbers 18:3). Their careful obedience protected the entire community from judgment (Numbers 8:19). In carrying what was holy, they modeled personal holiness for the nation (Leviticus 11:44-45).

summary

Numbers 7:9 highlights that God tailors assignments to His servants. The Kohathites received no carts because their sacred duty required intimate, hands-on care of the holiest objects. Obedience down to transport details safeguarded worship, manifested reverence, and preserved life.

Verse 9. - Upon their shoulders. For which purpose poles or bearing-frames had been provided, as implying more honour and care than the use of carriages. The death of Uzzah seems to have been the melancholy consequence of neglecting this rule (2 Samuel 6:3, 7, as compared with 1 Chronicles 15:13).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But he did not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

give
נָתָ֑ן (nā·ṯān)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

any to the Kohathites,
וְלִבְנֵ֥י (wə·liḇ·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

since
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they were to carry
יִשָּֽׂאוּ׃ (yiś·śā·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

on their
עֲלֵהֶ֔ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

shoulders
בַּכָּתֵ֖ף (bak·kā·ṯêp̄)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3802: The shoulder, side-piece, lateral projection of anything

the holy objects
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙ (haq·qō·ḏeš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

for which they were responsible.
עֲבֹדַ֤ת (‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind


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OT Law: Numbers 7:9 But to the sons of Kohath he (Nu Num.)