Numbers 4:34
New International Version
Moses, Aaron and the leaders of the community counted the Kohathites by their clans and families.

New Living Translation
So Moses, Aaron, and the other leaders of the community listed the members of the Kohathite division by their clans and families.

English Standard Version
And Moses and Aaron and the chiefs of the congregation listed the sons of the Kohathites, by their clans and their fathers’ houses,

Berean Standard Bible
So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the Kohathites by their clans and families,

King James Bible
And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

New King James Version
And Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families and by their fathers’ house,

New American Standard Bible
So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation counted the sons of the Kohathites by their families and by their fathers’ households,

NASB 1995
So Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families and by their fathers’ households,

NASB 1977
So Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers’ households,

Legacy Standard Bible
So Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families and by their fathers’ households,

Amplified Bible
So Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families (clans) and by their fathers’ households,

Christian Standard Bible
So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the community registered the Kohathites by their clans and their ancestral families,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the community registered the Kohathites by their clans and their ancestral houses,

American Standard Version
And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

English Revised Version
And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the community registered the Kohathites by their families and households.

International Standard Version
Moses, Aaron, and the congregational leaders numbered the descendants of Kohath according to their tribes and ancestral houses

NET Bible
So Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the community numbered the Kohathites by their families and by clans,

New Heart English Bible
Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the Kohathites by their clans and families,

World English Bible
Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation counted the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers’ houses,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Moses numbers—Aaron also, and the princes of the congregation—the sons of the Kohathite, by their families, and by the house of their fathers,

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses numbereth -- Aaron also, and the princes of the company -- the sons of the Kohathite, by their families, and by the house of their fathers,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses shall review, and Aaron, and the chiefs of the assembly, the sons of the Kohathites, according to their families, and according to the house of their fathers,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So Moses and Aaron and the princes of the synagogue reckoned up the sons of Caath, by their kindreds and the houses of their fathers,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, Moses and Aaron, and the leaders of the assembly, took a census of the sons of Kohath, by the kinships and houses of their fathers,

New American Bible
So Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the community enrolled the Kohathites, by clans and ancestral houses,

New Revised Standard Version
So Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation enrolled the Kohathites, by their clans and their ancestral houses,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses and Aaron and the chiefs of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, by the house of their fathers,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe and Ahron and the Leaders of the assembly numbered the sons of Qahath by their families for the house of their fathers.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses and Aaron and the rulers of Israel took the number of the sons of Caath according to their families, according to the houses of their lineage;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Numbering of the Levite Clans
34So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the Kohathites by their clans and families, 35everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.…

Cross References
Numbers 1:2-3
“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. / You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.

Numbers 3:15-16
“Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.” / So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded.

Numbers 26:2
“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by the houses of their fathers—all those twenty years of age or older who can serve in the army of Israel.”

Exodus 30:12-14
“When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered. / Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD. / Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD.

1 Chronicles 23:3
The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000.

1 Chronicles 23:24
These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 23:27
For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted,

2 Chronicles 31:16-17
In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions— / and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their responsibilities and divisions.

Ezra 3:8
In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD.

Nehemiah 7:5
Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

Matthew 10:1-2
And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. / These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;

Luke 9:1-2
Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases. / And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Acts 1:13-14
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. / With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them

Acts 15:22
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,


Treasury of Scripture

And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

Numbers 4:2
Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,

Jump to Previous
Aaron Chief Chiefs Clans Community Company Congregation Counted Families Fathers Hand House Households Houses Kohathite Kohathites Ko'hathites Leaders Numbered Numbereth Numbering Princes
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Aaron Chief Chiefs Clans Community Company Congregation Counted Families Fathers Hand House Households Houses Kohathite Kohathites Ko'hathites Leaders Numbered Numbereth Numbering Princes
Numbers 4
1. The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service
4. The duty of the Kohathites
16. The charge of Eleazar
17. The office of the priests
21. The duty of the Gershonites
29. Of the Merarites
34. The number of the Kohathites
38. Of the Gershonites
42. And of the Merarites














So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation
Moses and Aaron were the primary leaders of Israel during the Exodus. Moses, as the prophet and lawgiver, and Aaron, as the high priest, were responsible for spiritual and civil leadership. The "leaders of the congregation" refers to the heads of the tribes or elders who assisted in governance. This structure reflects the theocratic leadership model where God’s law was central, and leaders were chosen to implement it. This phrase highlights the importance of organized leadership in maintaining order and fulfilling God’s commands.

numbered the Kohathites
The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Kohath, a son of Levi. Their specific role was to care for the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, and the altars. This census was crucial for organizing the duties and responsibilities of the Levites. The act of numbering signifies preparation and readiness for service, emphasizing the importance of each individual's role in the community. This also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of the body of Christ, where each member has a specific function (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

by their clans and families
The organization by clans and families underscores the importance of family and tribal identity in Israelite society. This structure ensured that duties were passed down through generations, maintaining continuity and tradition. It also reflects the covenantal promise to Abraham, where God promised to make his descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2). The emphasis on family and clan highlights the communal nature of worship and service to God, where each family had a role in the larger purpose of the nation. This organization is a precursor to the New Testament church, where believers are seen as a family united in Christ (Ephesians 2:19).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He is responsible for conveying God's laws and instructions to the people.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and the first high priest of Israel. He plays a crucial role in the religious leadership and the execution of priestly duties.

3. Leaders of the Congregation
These are the heads of the tribes of Israel, who assist Moses and Aaron in administrative and spiritual matters.

4. Kohathites
A clan within the tribe of Levi, specifically tasked with the care and transportation of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle.

5. Clans and Families
The organizational structure of the Israelite community, emphasizing the importance of family and tribal identity in their society.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Order and Structure
God values order and structure within His people, as seen in the detailed organization of the Levites. This reflects His nature and the importance of discipline in our spiritual lives.

Roles and Responsibilities in the Community
Each member of the community has a specific role, just as the Kohathites had theirs. Understanding and fulfilling our God-given roles is crucial for the health of the church.

Faithfulness in Service
The Kohathites were entrusted with sacred duties. Similarly, we are called to be faithful stewards of the responsibilities God has given us, no matter how small or large.

Leadership and Accountability
Moses, Aaron, and the leaders exemplify the need for godly leadership and accountability in guiding the community according to God's commands.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 4:34?

2. How does Numbers 4:34 emphasize the importance of obedience in serving God?

3. What role does accountability play in the duties assigned in Numbers 4:34?

4. How can we apply the concept of assigned duties to church service today?

5. How does Numbers 4:34 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts?

6. What lessons on stewardship can be drawn from the census in Numbers 4:34?

7. Why did God command a census of the Levites in Numbers 4:34?

8. How does Numbers 4:34 reflect God's organization of Israelite society?

9. What is the significance of the Levites' role in Numbers 4:34?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4?

11. Why did Korah rebel against Moses and Aaron?

12. Numbers 20:1 - Why is Miriam's death recorded so briefly, with no details about her mourning or burial, unlike other prominent figures?

13. Does the harsh divine reaction in Numbers 12:9-10 conflict with other biblical portrayals of God's mercy, suggesting an inconsistency in the text's depiction of God's character?

14. How does the portrayal of Aaron's role in Exodus 32 align with other biblical depictions of him, and does it reveal inconsistencies across different texts?
What Does Numbers 4:34 Mean
So Moses

Moses, the servant God trusted “face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10), again demonstrates prompt obedience. Earlier God had said, “Take a census of the Kohathites” (Numbers 4:2), and Moses takes that word literally. This consistent faithfulness frames Moses as a model leader—never substituting personal ideas for God’s commands (Exodus 40:16). For readers, the phrase underscores how divine directives move from revelation to action through obedient servants (Hebrews 3:2–5).


Aaron

Aaron joins his brother because priestly oversight is essential. As high priest, he guards the holiness of tabernacle service (Exodus 28:1; Leviticus 16:32–33). His presence guarantees the census will align with ceremonial purity laws, since the Kohathites will carry the most sacred objects (Numbers 4:15). The verse quietly reminds us that spiritual work must be supervised by those God appoints, not by self-appointed voices (Hebrews 5:4).


and the leaders of the congregation

The tribal chiefs (compare Numbers 1:4; 7:2) stand alongside Moses and Aaron, showing that accountability is shared, not isolated. Their involvement:

• Confirms transparency—everyone can verify the count (2 Corinthians 8:21).

• Unites the whole nation behind its worship responsibilities (Deuteronomy 29:10–12).

• Prevents favoritism; the census is witnessed by leaders from every tribe.

God’s pattern values cooperative leadership while maintaining clear authority lines.


numbered the Kohathites

“Numbered” is more than arithmetic. It sets apart every qualified Kohathite male (ages 30–50, Numbers 4:3) for hands-on service: carrying the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and utensils once Aaron’s sons cover them (Numbers 4:4–15). Cross references amplify the gravity of this task—Uzzah’s fatal mishandling of the ark (2 Samuel 6:6–7) stresses why exact rosters matter. Counting ensures:

• No unqualified person touches holy items (Numbers 1:51).

• Enough manpower exists for the journey (Deuteronomy 10:8).

Literal record-keeping protects life and honors God’s holiness.


by their clans and families

God organizes ministry through households (Genesis 18:19). Listing “by their clans and families” safeguards inheritance lines (Numbers 27:1–7) and keeps service responsibility embedded in everyday life. Each father teaches the next generation its calling (Psalm 78:5–7). In the broader biblical story, this pattern prepares Israel for Messiah’s traced lineage (Matthew 1:1). Orderly families strengthen orderly worship.


summary

Numbers 4:34 illustrates obedient, orderly leadership. Moses acts on God’s word; Aaron provides priestly oversight; tribal leaders supply accountability; every Kohathite is counted for specific, holy work; and all is organized by family. The verse shows that sacred service thrives when God’s people follow His instructions exactly, value teamwork, and honor family structure—principles still vital for faithful ministry today.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Moses,
מֹשֶׁ֧ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

Aaron,
וְאַהֲרֹ֛ן (wə·’a·hă·rōn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

and the leaders
וּנְשִׂיאֵ֥י (ū·nə·śî·’ê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5387: An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mist

of the congregation
הָעֵדָ֖ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

numbered
וַיִּפְקֹ֨ד (way·yip̄·qōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

the Kohathites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

by their clans
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

and families,
אֲבֹתָֽם׃ (’ă·ḇō·ṯām)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father


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OT Law: Numbers 4:34 Moses and Aaron and the princes (Nu Num.)
Numbers 4:33
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