To Kohath belonged the clan of the Amramites and the clan of the Izharites and the clan of the Hebronites and the clan of the Uzzielites; these are the clans of the Kohathites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While this verse lists the sons of Kohath, the truly remarkable part is that this family line includes Moses, Aaron, and all the priests. This means the very people who would lead worship and serve in the holiest parts of the Tabernacle descended from this specific branch of Levi, highlighting their unique role and divine appointment.
To Kohath belonged the clan of the Amramites and the clan of the Izharites and the clan of the Hebronites and the clan of the Uzzielites; these are the clans of the Kohathites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a census of the Levites, detailing their genealogical divisions to prepare for their sacred duties at the Tabernacle. The verses immediately preceding establish that the Levites were chosen by God to serve Him in place of all the firstborn sons of Israel, highlighting the special honor and responsibility given to this tribe. This particular verse focuses on the Kohathite division, listing its four main family branches, which are significant because they include the lineage of Moses and Aaron and were entrusted with the most sacred items of the sanctuary.
Did you know that the Levites, the priestly tribe, were further organized into specific family lines? This verse names the four main branches descended from Kohath, one of Levi's sons.
The book of Numbers systematically lists the descendants of Levi. In chapter 3, we see how the tribe was divided into three main groups: Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites, each named after Levi's sons. This specific verse focuses on the Kohathites, detailing their four primary family clans:
These four families were the direct descendants of Kohath's sons and formed the core of the Kohathite division within the Levites. Their role was crucial in the service of the Tabernacle.
Why did the Kohathites, especially the Amramites, hold such a prominent place among the Levites? Their assigned duties were uniquely sacred.
The Kohathite families, particularly the Amramites, were entrusted with the most sacred tasks related to the Tabernacle. While all Levites served God, the Kohathites had the weighty responsibility of transporting and maintaining the most holy items.
Ask a follow-up
The Most Holy Things
This included the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary. These were items of immense spiritual significance, requiring careful handling and reverence.
Connection to the Priesthood
Crucially, the lineage of Moses and Aaron, who were the priests, came from the Amramite clan. This means the very leaders of Israel's worship were part of the Kohathite division, underscoring their central role and the immense privilege and responsibility they carried.
Understand the original words
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
A group or family unit tracing descent from a common ancestor. In Israel, this structure was vital for maintaining tribal identity, inheritance, and organized service to the Lord.
This passage isn't just a list; it reveals the intricate organization of the Levites, highlighting the Kohathites' significant role. Their lineage, including Moses and Aaron, was entrusted with the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, a responsibility tied to their divine appointment after the Exodus and directly relevant to their service during the wilderness wanderings and the subsequent settlement in Canaan.
~1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This event is foundational, marking the beginning of their journey as a nation and God's establishment of His covenant with them.
~1445 BC
The Tabernacle is Erected
Following God's instructions given on Mount Sinai, the Israelites construct the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that will house God's presence among them.
~1445 BC— this verse
Levitical Census and Organization
God commands Moses and Aaron to take a census of the Levites, who are set apart to serve God and assist the priests in the Tabernacle's ministry. This includes organizing them into families and assigning their duties.
~1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, begin their military conquest of the Promised Land, Canaan.
~1300s-1200s BC
Levitical Cities Apportioned
Following the conquest, the land of Canaan is divided among the tribes. The Levites, who were not given a territorial inheritance, are allocated 48 cities throughout the land, with specific responsibilities tied to these cities.
This passage lists the sons of Kohath, directly paralleling the families that stemmed from him in Numbers 3:27 and highlighting their lineage.
Numbers 4:2This verse immediately follows the listing of the Kohathite families, assigning them the critical task of carrying the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle, emphasizing their unique and weighty responsibility.
1 Chronicles 23:6This passage recounts David's organization of the Levites, explicitly mentioning the divisions of the Kohathites and their roles, showing the enduring significance of these family lines from the time of the Tabernacle.
Hebrews 9:4This New Testament passage mentions the Ark of the Covenant, which was under the charge of the Kohathites, connecting the Old Testament priestly service to the foreshadowing of Christ's greater work.
pooleNumbers 3:27: "And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites."
This family had many privileges above the others; of that were Moses and Aaron, and all the priests; they had the chief place about the tabernacle, and the care of the most holy things here below, Numbers 3:31 ; and in the land of Canaan they had twenty-three cities, which were almost as man…
gillNumbers 3:27: "And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites."
And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites,.... So called from Amram, the first son of Kohath, and father of Aaron and Moses; so that Moses and Aaron, and their children, are included in this family: and the family of Izeharites; of which family was Korah, Numbers 16:1, and the family of…
While this verse lists the sons of Kohath, the truly remarkable part is that this family line includes Moses, Aaron, and all the priests. This means the very people who would lead worship and serve in the holiest parts of the Tabernacle descended from this specific branch of Levi, highlighting their unique role and divine appointment.
This passage is part of a census of the Levites, detailing their genealogical divisions to prepare for their sacred duties at the Tabernacle. The verses immediately preceding establish that the Levites were chosen by God to serve Him in place of all the firstborn sons of Israel, highlighting the special honor and responsibility given to this tribe. This particular verse focuses on the Kohathite division, listing its four main family branches, which are significant because they include the lineage of Moses and Aaron and were entrusted with the most sacred items of the sanctuary.
This passage is part of a census of the Levites, detailing their genealogical divisions to prepare for their sacred duties at the Tabernacle. The verses immediately preceding establish that the Levites were chosen by God to serve Him in place of all the firstborn sons of Israel, highlighting the special honor and responsibility given to this tribe. This particular verse focuses on the Kohathite division, listing its four main family branches, which are significant because they include the lineage of Moses and Aaron and were entrusted with the most sacred items of the sanctuary.
"To Kohath belonged the clan of the Amramites and the clan of the Izharites and the clan of the Hebronites and the clan of the Uzzielites; these are the clans of the Kohathites." — While this verse lists the sons of Kohath, the truly remarkable part is that this family line includes Moses, Aaron, and all the priests. This means the very people who would lead worship and serve i…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026