Topical Encyclopedia
Kohath is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as one of the sons of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. Kohath's lineage is particularly important in the context of the Levitical priesthood and the service of the Tabernacle. His descendants, known as the Kohathites, played a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of the Israelites.
Genealogy and FamilyKohath was the second son of Levi, as recorded in
Genesis 46:11: "The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." Kohath had four sons: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel (
Exodus 6:18). Amram, Kohath's son, is notably the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, making Kohath the grandfather of these central biblical figures (
Exodus 6:20).
Role and DutiesThe Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle. According to
Numbers 4:4-15, their duties included the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. These items were to be covered by Aaron and his sons before the Kohathites could carry them, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of their charge.
Numbers 4:15 states, "After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their accessories, the camp is then ready to move. The Kohathites are to come and do the carrying, but they must not touch the holy things, or they will die." This passage underscores the gravity and reverence associated with their responsibilities.
Inheritance and CitiesThe Kohathites, like other Levites, did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, they were given specific cities to dwell in, scattered among the tribes of Israel.
Joshua 21:4-5 details the allocation of cities to the Kohathites, including Hebron in Judah, which was designated as a city of refuge.
Significance in Israelite WorshipThe Kohathites' role in the transportation and care of the Tabernacle's sacred objects highlights their integral part in the worship and religious practices of ancient Israel. Their duties required a high level of sanctity and obedience to God's commands, reflecting the broader Levitical emphasis on holiness and service.
LegacyKohath's legacy is primarily seen through his descendants, particularly Moses and Aaron, who were pivotal in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and establishing the priestly and legal systems that would define Israelite society. The Kohathites' service in the Tabernacle set a precedent for the later Temple service in Jerusalem, continuing their influence in Israel's religious life.
In summary, Kohath is a foundational figure in the Levitical lineage, with his descendants playing a vital role in the spiritual and communal life of Israel. His account and the duties of the Kohathites serve as a testament to the importance of obedience, reverence, and dedication in the service of God.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Kohathcongregation; wrinkle; bluntness
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Kohath(assembly), second of the three sons of Levi, from whom the three principal divisions of the Levites derived their origin and their name. (Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16) In the journeyings of the tabernacle of the sons of Kohath (Kohathites) had charge of the most holy portions of the vessels. (Numbers 4:1) ... Of the personal history of Kohath we know nothing, except that he came down to Egypt with Levi and Jacob, (Genesis 46:11) that his sister was Jochebed, (Exodus 6:20) and that he lived to the age of 133 years. (Exodus 6:18) (B.C. about 1491.)
ATS Bible Dictionary
KohathSon of Levi, Genesis 46:11, and father of the Kohathites, who were appointed to carry the ark and sacred utensils of the tabernacle during the journeyings of the Israelites in the desert, Exodus 6:16 24; Numbers 4:4-15.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Assembly, the second son of Levi, and father of Amram (
Genesis 46:11). He came down to Egypt with Jacob, and lived to the age of one hundred and thirty-three years (
Exodus 6:18).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KOHATH; KOHATHITESko'-hath, ko'-hath-its (qehath, qohathi; Kaath): Second son of Levi, and ancestor of Moses and Aaron (Genesis 46:11 Exodus 6:16-20 Numbers 3:17 1 Chronicles 6:1, etc.). The Kohathites formed one of the three divisions of the tribe of Levi; the other two being the Gershonites and the Merarites (Numbers 3:17). The Kohathites consisted of four families, the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites (Numbers 3:19, 27, etc.). Their place in the wilderness was on the southern side of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:29), and their number is given (from a month old) as 8,600 (Numbers 3:28). Their special charge was "the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the screen, and all the service thereof" (Numbers 3:31; compare Numbers 7:9). After the conquest 23 cities were assigned them by lot (Joshua 21:4, 5). In David's time and after, Heman, a Kohathite, and his family had a prominent place in the service of the music of the sanctuary (1 Chronicles 6:33; 16:41 ; 25:1); David likewise divided the Levites into courses (the Kohathites, 1 Chronicles 23:12-20; 1 Chronicles 24:20-25). We read of the Kohathites in the reign of Jehoshaphat at Engedi (2 Chronicles 20:19), and in connection with the cleansing of the temple under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:12, 14).
James Orr
Strong's Hebrew
6956. Qehathi -- descendant of Kohath... 6955, 6956. Qehathi. 6957 . descendant of
Kohath. Transliteration: Qehathi
Phonetic Spelling: (ko-haw-thee') Short Definition: Kohathites.
... 6955. Qehath -- a son of Levi
... 6954, 6955. Qehath. 6956 . a son of Levi. Transliteration: Qehath Phonetic
Spelling: (keh-hawth') Short Definition: Kohath. ... Kohath. ...
Library
Princely Service.
... 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.". ...
The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance.
... And Kohath was born in my thirty-fifth year, towards the east. ... Therefore I called
his name Kohath, which meaneth, beginning of majesty and instruction. ...
Doubtful Fragments on the Pentateuch.
... the chief of the prophets, and first of the apostles, or those who were sent to
the children of Israel, viz., Moses the son of Amram, the son of Kohath, of the ...
Jewish Chronology.
... [1060] [Vol. ii. p. 306, this series.]. [1061] That is, Kohath (see Genesis 46:11).
[1062] That is, Tera (see Genesis 11:26). [1063] Genesis 11:16. ...
Chapter xlvi
... and Shaul, the son of the Canaanitish woman. And the sons of Levi: Gershon,
Kohath and Merari. And the sons of Judah: Er and Onan ...
The Prayer of Jabez
... confidence. When the sons of Kohath carried the ark, and touched it with their
hands, they did rightly; but when Uzzah touched it he died. ...
Against Jovinianus.
... the name of the Lord: [4395] "Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among
those who call upon his name." For [4396] Levi begat Kohath, Kohath begat ...
Thesaurus
Kohath (30 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
KOHATH; KOHATHITES.
...Kohath (30 Occurrences).
Genesis 46:11 The sons of Levi: Gershon,
Kohath, and Merari.
...Kohath's (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kohath's (3 Occurrences). Exodus 6:18 And the
sons of Kohath: Amram and Izhar and Hebron and Uzziel: and ...
Amram (14 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Kindred of the High; ie, "friend of Jehovah.".
(1.) The son of Kohath, the son of Levi. He married Jochebed ...
Izhar (10 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Oil, one of the sons of Kohath, and grandson of Levi
(Exodus 6:18, 21; Numbers 16:1). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IZHAR. ...
Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)
Ko'hathites. Kohathites, Ko'hathites. Kohath's . Multi-Version Concordance
Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences). Numbers 3:27 Of Kohath...
Uzziel (17 Occurrences)
... Strength of God. (1.) One of the sons of Kohath, and uncle of Aaron (Exodus 6:18;
Leviticus 10:4). (2.) A Simeonite captain (1 Chronicles 4:39-43). ...
Kohathite (18 Occurrences)
... Numbers 3:27 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 ...
Merar'i (32 Occurrences)
... Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. ... Numbers 3:17 And
these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. ...
Kohathites (18 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The descendants of Kohath. ... Samuel was of this division.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KOHATH; KOHATHITES. ...
Uz'ziel (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 6:18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the
years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. (See RSV). ...
Resources
Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses' father? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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