And the sons of Kohath by their clans: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While this verse simply lists names, it highlights that even within the Levites, there were specific family lines (Amram, Izhar, Hebron, Uzziel) responsible for distinct roles in serving God. This reveals that detailed organization and specific assignments were central to God's plan for worship, even among those already set apart.
And the sons of Kohath by their clans: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes during a census of the Levites, who were set apart by God to serve Him at the Tabernacle. After listing the three main divisions of Levites (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari), the text now breaks down the Kohathite division into its ancestral family lines. This detail is crucial because the Kohathites, particularly the lineage of Amram (which includes Moses and Aaron), were entrusted with the most sacred duties related to carrying the Ark and other holy items of the Tabernacle.
This verse lists four specific families within the Kohath clan. But why are these particular names important? They're not just names; they're the roots of some of Israel's most significant figures.
Numbers 3:19 names the four main families descending from Kohath, the second son of Levi:
These families were foundational to the Levitical service, especially those directly involved with the Tabernacle's sacred objects. The lineage of Amram, in particular, highlights the intertwined roles of leadership and priesthood within the same family.
The listing of these Kohathite families isn't just an academic exercise. It's part of God's plan to establish a dedicated tribe for a unique purpose.
The entire tribe of Levi was set apart for God's service, replacing the firstborn in a special dedication. This meant:
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c. 1446 BC
Israelites Leave Egypt
Following their liberation from slavery, the Israelites embark on their journey to the Promised Land under Moses' leadership. This event sets the stage for the organization of the tribes and the establishment of the Tabernacle.
c. 1445 BC
Tabernacle Construction Begins
God commands Moses to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle, the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God among His people. The Levites are designated for its service.
c. 1445 BC— this verse
Levitical Census Ordered
God instructs Moses to take a census of the Levites to organize them for their specific duties in and around the Tabernacle. This census details the families within the tribe.
c. 1445 BC
Kohathites Assigned Sacred Duties
The descendants of Kohath are specifically tasked with carrying the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant. This highlights their critical, sensitive role.
This passage also lists the sons of Kohath, directly paralleling the lineage provided in Numbers, reinforcing the ancestral lines of this Levitical family.
Numbers 3:27-31This section further details the responsibilities of the Kohathites, showing how these specific family lines were assigned their sacred duties within the Tabernacle, highlighting the practical application of this genealogical listing.
1 Chronicles 6:16-23This passage from Chronicles recounts the lineage of the Levites, including the sons of Kohath, demonstrating the enduring importance of these family lines throughout Israel's history and their role in worship.
Hebrews 12:22-24While not a direct genealogical link, this New Testament passage speaks of the heavenly Jerusalem and the 'assembly of the firstborn,' drawing a spiritual parallel to the ordered service of the Levites and the people of God, suggesting a continuity of divine purpose.
gillNumbers 3:19: "And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel."
And the sons of Kohath, by their families,.... Who was the second son of Levi: Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel; so in Exodus 6:18; and from whom were named the family of the Amramites, to which Moses and Aaron belonged; and the families of the Izeharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites, as they are called, Numbers 3:27.
calvinNumbers 3:1-51: "These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai."
And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.
Mortuus est autem Nadab et Abihu eoram Jehova, quando obtulerunt ignem externum coram Jehova in deserto Sinai: et filii non fuerunt eis,…
While this verse simply lists names, it highlights that even within the Levites, there were specific family lines (Amram, Izhar, Hebron, Uzziel) responsible for distinct roles in serving God. This reveals that detailed organization and specific assignments were central to God's plan for worship, even among those already set apart.
This passage comes during a census of the Levites, who were set apart by God to serve Him at the Tabernacle. After listing the three main divisions of Levites (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari), the text now breaks down the Kohathite division into its ancestral family lines. This detail is crucial because the Kohathites, particularly the lineage of Amram (which includes Moses and Aaron), were entrusted with the most sacred duties related to carrying the Ark and other holy items of the Tabernacle.
This passage comes during a census of the Levites, who were set apart by God to serve Him at the Tabernacle. After listing the three main divisions of Levites (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari), the text now breaks down the Kohathite division into its ancestral family lines. This detail is crucial because the Kohathites, particularly the lineage of Amram (which includes Moses and Aaron), were entrusted with the most sacred duties related to carrying the Ark and other holy items of the Tabernacle.
"And the sons of Kohath by their clans: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel." — While this verse simply lists names, it highlights that even within the Levites, there were specific family lines (Amram, Izhar, Hebron, Uzziel) responsible for distinct roles in serving God. This re…
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Last reviewed October 2026