Lexical Summary Qehath: Kohath Original Word: קְהָת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kohath From an unused root meaning to ally oneself; allied; Kehath, an Israelite -- Kohath. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a son of Levi NASB Translation Kohath (31), Kohath's (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs קְהָת30 proper name, masculine Kaaq: son of Levi Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16; Numbers 3:17; 1 Chronicles 5:27; 1 Chronicles 6:1; 1 Chronicles 23:6, compare Exodus 6:18; Numbers 26:58 and ׳בֶּןקֿ Numbers 16:1; 1 Chronicles 6:23; ׳בְּנֵי ק Exodus 6:18 4t. Chronicles; as a division of Levites Numbers 3:19,29 9t.; מִשְׁמְּחוֺת ׳ק ׳ב Joshua 21:20,26; 1 Chronicles 6:51, ׳ק ׳מִשְׁמַּחַת לִב v.1 Chronicles 6:55. — Van d. H. has קֳהָת Numbers 3:19 7t. Topical Lexicon Genealogical Overview Kohath is the second of Levi’s three sons, born during Israel’s sojourn in Egypt (Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16–18). Through his sons—Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—he became grandfather to prominent figures such as Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Exodus 6:20), as well as to Korah (Numbers 16:1). The clan descending from him is consistently called “the Kohathites.” Place within the Levitical Census and Camp At Sinai the LORD distinguished the Kohathites for special service. Their males from one month and up numbered 8,600 (Numbers 3:28). When Israel camped, the Kohathite tents lay on the south side of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:29). Among the three Levitical divisions, Kohath held the central duties, flanked by Gershon to the west and Merari to the north. Holy Charge of the Sanctuary Furnishings Numbers 4 assigns the Kohathites the unique task of transporting the most sacred objects once Aaron and his sons had covered them: “The sons of Kohath shall come to carry them, so that they will not touch the holy objects and die” (Numbers 4:15). This charge imbued the clan with a constant reminder of God’s holiness. Means of Transport Unlike Gershon and Merari, who received carts and oxen (Numbers 7:7–8), the Kohathites bore their burden on their shoulders (Numbers 7:9). The absence of wagons highlighted both the sanctity of their load and the sufficiency of divine strength for holy service. Warnings and Guardrails Numbers 4:18–20 stresses protective instruction: Aaron must first wrap the furnishings lest the Kohathites “look at the holy things, even for a moment, lest they die” (4:20). The requirement preserved life while reinforcing reverence. Historical Incidents Involving Kohathites 1. Rebellion of Korah – A descendant of Kohath, Korah led a revolt against Aaronic priesthood (Numbers 16). The earth’s opening judgment upon him and his followers served as a sober reminder that privileged service offers no license for self-exaltation. Notable Individuals • Elizaphan son of Uzziel—appointed over the Kohathites (Numbers 3:30). Typological and Theological Significance The Kohathites model the balance of nearness and awe. They carried the emblem of God’s presence yet never saw it uncovered. Their shoulder-borne load prefigures the Messiah who “carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4) and whose yoke is easy (Matthew 11:30). Moreover, the clan’s history warns the church that sacred privilege must be matched by humble obedience (1 Peter 5:5). Legacy in Worship and Psalmody A cluster of psalms is attributed to “the sons of Korah” (Psalms 42; 44–49; 84–85; 87–88). These descendants of Kohath sing of longing for God’s courts, confidence in His kingship, and hope in redemption—echoing their heritage of proximity to the holy place. Continuity into the New Covenant Hebrews 9 reflects on the tabernacle furniture once borne by Kohathites to illustrate Christ’s high-priestly work. What they could not touch, believers now approach “by a new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20). The clan’s ancient service thus foreshadows the gospel’s consummation in Jesus Christ. Summary Kohath occupies a pivotal role in Israel’s worship history: guardian of the sanctuary’s heart, witness to judgment and revival, progenitor of prophets, musicians, and psalmists. His lineage reminds every generation that access to God is a holy trust, calling servants to faithful, reverent ministry. Forms and Transliterations וְלִקְהָ֗ת וּקְהָ֖ת ולקהת וקהת לִקְהָ֕ת לקהת קְהָ֑ת קְהָ֔ת קְהָ֖ת קְהָ֗ת קְהָ֜ת קְהָ֥ת קְהָת֙ קהת keHat likHat liq·hāṯ liqhāṯ qə·hāṯ qəhāṯ ū·qə·hāṯ ukeHat ūqəhāṯ velikHat wə·liq·hāṯ wəliqhāṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 46:11 HEB: לֵוִ֑י גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹן קְהָ֖ת וּמְרָרִֽי׃ NAS: of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. KJV: of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. INT: of Levi Gershon Kohath and Merari Exodus 6:16 Exodus 6:18 Exodus 6:18 Numbers 3:17 Numbers 3:19 Numbers 3:27 Numbers 3:29 Numbers 4:2 Numbers 4:4 Numbers 4:15 Numbers 4:15 Numbers 7:9 Numbers 16:1 Numbers 26:57 Numbers 26:58 Joshua 21:5 Joshua 21:20 Joshua 21:20 Joshua 21:26 1 Chronicles 6:1 1 Chronicles 6:2 1 Chronicles 6:16 1 Chronicles 6:18 1 Chronicles 6:22 32 Occurrences |
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