Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. New Living Translation These four clans were responsible for the care of the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the various articles used in the sanctuary, the inner curtain, and all the equipment related to their use. English Standard Version And their guard duty involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, and the screen; all the service connected with these. Berean Standard Bible Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items. Berean Literal Bible And their duty was the ark, and the table, and the lampstand, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary in which they ministered, and the screen, and all its service. King James Bible And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof. New King James Version Their duty included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the screen, and all the work relating to them. New American Standard Bible Now their duties included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they minister, the curtain, and all the service concerning them; NASB 1995 Now their duties involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all the service concerning them; NASB 1977 Now their duties involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all the service concerning them; Legacy Standard Bible Now their responsibility involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all the service concerning them; Amplified Bible Now their responsibilities involved the ark, the table [on which the bread of the Presence was placed], the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, and the curtain, and all the service concerning them. Berean Annotated Bible Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items. Christian Standard Bible Their duties involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the sanctuary utensils that were used with these, and the screen —and all the work relating to them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Their duties involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the sanctuary utensils that were used with these, and the screen—and all the work relating to them. American Standard Version And their charge shall be 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. Contemporary English Version Their duties at the tent included taking care of the sacred chest, the table for the sacred bread, the lampstand, the altars, the objects used for worship, and the curtain in front of the most holy place. The Kohathites were responsible for setting these things up and taking them down. English Revised Version And their charge shall be 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation They were in charge of the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the utensils used in the holy place, and the screen. They took care of all these things. Good News Translation They were responsible for the Covenant Box, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils the priests use in the Holy Place, and the curtain at the entrance to the Most Holy Place. They were responsible for all the service connected with these items. International Standard Version Their duties pertained to the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, and all the curtains in use. NET Bible Their responsibilities included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the curtain, and all their service. New Heart English Bible Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all its service. Webster's Bible Translation And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the hanging, and all the service of it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTheir duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items. World English Bible Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, the screen, and all its service. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd their charge [is] the Ark, and the table, and the lampstand, and the altars, and the vessels of the holy place with which they serve, and the veil, and all its service. Berean Literal Bible And their duty was the ark, and the table, and the lampstand, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary in which they ministered, and the screen, and all its service. Young's Literal Translation And their charge is the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they serve, and the vail, and all its service. Smith's Literal Translation And their watches, the ark, and the table, and the chandelier, and the altar, and the vessels of the holy place which they shall serve in them, and the covering and all its works. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they shall keep the ark, and the table and the candlestick, the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary, wherewith they minister, and the veil, and all the furniture of this kind. Catholic Public Domain Version And they shall take care of the ark, and the table and the lampstand, the altars and the vessels of the Sanctuary, by which they minister, and the veil, and all the articles of this kind. New American Bible Their responsibility was the ark, the table, the menorah, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, the veil, and everything pertaining to their maintenance. New Revised Standard Version Their responsibility was to be the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, and the screen—all the service pertaining to these. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd their charge shall be the ark and the table and the candlestick and the altars and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister and the curtain of the door and all the service thereof. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And their charge: the Ark and the table and the menorahs and the altar and the implements of holiness with which they serve, and the door curtain and all its service. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and their charge the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith the priests minister, and the screen, and all that pertaineth to the service thereof; Brenton Septuagint Translation And their charge was the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and all the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they do holy service, and the veil, and all their works. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Kohathites…30and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. 31Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain— all the service for these items. 32The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.… Cross References Their duties were the ark, Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. 1 Chronicles 15:2 Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.” the table, Exodus 25:23-30 You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. / And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. … Leviticus 24:5-9 You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, / and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. / And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. … the lampstand, Exodus 25:31-40 Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. / There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. … Exodus 27:20-21 And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. / In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come. the altars, Exodus 27:1-8 “You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. / Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. / Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans. … Exodus 30:1-10 “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. / It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. / Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it. … the articles of the sanctuary used with them, 1 Kings 7:50 the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple. 2 Chronicles 4:19-22 Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of God: the golden altar; the tables on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed; / the flowers, lamps, and tongs of gold—of purest gold; … and the curtain— Exodus 26:31-33 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. / Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. / And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Hebrews 10:19-20 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, / by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, all the service for these items. Numbers 4:4-15 This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things. / Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. / They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. … 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. … Exodus 25:10-22 And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. / Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. … Exodus 37:1-9 Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. / And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. … Treasury of Scripture And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof. the ark Numbers 4:4-16 This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: … Exodus 25:10-40 And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof… Exodus 31:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, the altars Exodus 37:1-8 And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it: … Exodus 30:1-10 And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it… Exodus 37:25-29 And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same… and the hanging Exodus 26:31-33 And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: … Exodus 36:35,36 And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work… Jump to Previous Altars Ark Articles Belongs Candlestick Care Charge Curtain Duties Hanging Holy Involved Lamp Minister Ministered Ministering Pertaineth Pertaining Priests Related Responsible Sanctuary Screen Serve Service Stand Table Thereof Used Utensils Vail Veil Vessels WherewithJump to Next Altars Ark Articles Belongs Candlestick Care Charge Curtain Duties Hanging Holy Involved Lamp Minister Ministered Ministering Pertaineth Pertaining Priests Related Responsible Sanctuary Screen Serve Service Stand Table Thereof Used Utensils Vail Veil Vessels WherewithNumbers 3 1. The sons of Aaron5. The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn 14. Are numbered by their families 21. The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites 27. Of the Kohathites 33. Of the Merarites 38. The place and charge of Moses and Aaron 40. The firstborn are freed by the Levites 44. The balances are refunded Their duties were the ark The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with Israel. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a jar of manna. The Kohathites, a Levitical clan, were responsible for its care, emphasizing the holiness and reverence required in handling sacred objects. The Ark prefigures Christ as the embodiment of God's presence among His people (John 1:14). the table the lampstand the altars the articles of the sanctuary used with them and the curtain all the service for these items Persons / Places / Events 1. The KohathitesA division of the Levites responsible for the care of the most sacred objects in the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant. 2. The Tabernacle The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, containing sacred items used in worship and sacrifice. 3. The Ark of the Covenant A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel. 4. The Table of Showbread A table in the Tabernacle where the bread of the Presence was placed, symbolizing God's provision. 5. The Lampstand (Menorah) A seven-branched lampstand in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the light of God and His presence among His people. Teaching Points Sacred ResponsibilityThe Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the most sacred items, reminding us of the importance of handling the things of God with reverence and responsibility. Symbolism of the Tabernacle Each item in the Tabernacle had symbolic meaning, pointing to God's presence, provision, and light. As believers, we are called to be stewards of God's presence in our lives. Service and Worship The Kohathites' duties were acts of service and worship. Our daily tasks, when done for God's glory, can also be acts of worship. God's Order and Structure The specific roles assigned to the Levites reflect God's order and structure in worship. This teaches us the value of organization and purpose in our spiritual lives. Christ as Fulfillment The items in the Tabernacle foreshadow Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant, provision, and light. Our faith should be centered on Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 3:31?2. What responsibilities did the Kohathites have according to Numbers 3:31? 3. How can we faithfully steward our God-given responsibilities today? 4. What connections exist between Numbers 3:31 and the role of church leaders? 5. How does understanding Numbers 3:31 enhance our appreciation for God's order and structure? 6. In what ways can we apply the Kohathites' dedication to our own service? 7. What is the significance of the Kohathites' responsibilities in Numbers 3:31 for modern believers? 8. How does Numbers 3:31 reflect the importance of sacred objects in worship? 9. Why were the Kohathites chosen to care for the ark and sacred items in Numbers 3:31? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3? 11. What events occur in the biblical book of Exodus? 12. What are the three biblical tabernacles? 13. Exodus 27:1–8: How could the Israelites feasibly construct and transport such a large bronze-covered acacia wood altar during prolonged desert wanderings? 14. Numbers 10:33-36: How does the Ark of the Covenant traveling alongside them here reconcile with other passages where the Ark seems to remain stationary? What Does Numbers 3:31 Mean The ark• Koathite duty began with the most sacred object in Israel’s camp: “And they are to make an ark of acacia wood… and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark” (Exodus 25:10–16). • The ark signified the very throne of God among His people (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 80:1) and was never to be touched (Numbers 4:15; 2 Samuel 6:6–7). • By assigning the ark to the Kohathites, the Lord showed that holiness demands ordered, reverent service. Hebrews 9:3–5 reminds us that the ark foreshadowed Christ’s atoning work, reinforcing the verse’s simple message: real people literally carried a real piece of furniture that pointed to a real Savior. The table • Next comes “the table,” the Table of the Bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:23–30). • Twelve loaves were set out “before the LORD continually” (Leviticus 24:5–9), picturing ongoing fellowship between God and His covenant people. • Jesus later declared, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). The table’s constant transport by the Kohathites underscores the truth that God’s provision travels with His people wherever He leads. The lampstand • The golden lampstand (menorah) provided continual light inside the Holy Place (Exodus 25:31–40). • “The lamps on the pure gold lampstand are to burn continually before the LORD” (Leviticus 24:4). • In Revelation 1:12–13 the glorified Christ walks among seven lampstands, a scene reaching back to this very object. Moving the lampstand safely ensured that Israel would never be without the light God ordained. The altars • Numbers 3:31 includes both the bronze altar of burnt offering (Exodus 27:1–8) and the golden altar of incense (Exodus 30:1–10). • These altars maintained Israel’s worship life—sacrifice outside, intercession inside. Luke 1:8–11 shows Zechariah ministering at the incense altar centuries later, proving the lasting significance of what the Kohathites once carried. The articles of the sanctuary used with them • Pans, snuffers, bowls, forks, firepans, and poles (Exodus 25:29; 27:3; 30:27). • Though “smaller,” they were indispensable. 2 Timothy 2:20 draws a parallel: different vessels, same household, each set apart for honorable use. • The inclusion of these details in Numbers 3:31 highlights that every utensil—no matter how ordinary—matters when it serves a holy purpose. The curtain • The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy (Exodus 26:31–33). • Its transport signified preserving the boundary between God’s glory and human sinfulness. When Christ died, “the veil of the temple was torn in two” (Matthew 27:51), showing that the barrier the Kohathites once guarded was finally removed. All the service for these items • Numbers 4:4–15 spells out the practical side: covering, disassembling, carrying on shoulders, and never looking inside. • Moses gave no carts to the Kohathites (Numbers 7:9) because these objects were to be borne personally—a vivid picture that ministry cannot be outsourced to lifeless wheels. • 1 Chronicles 23:13 confirms that this “service” was lifelong, worshipful labor. summary Numbers 3:31 assigns the Kohathites hands-on responsibility for every piece of holy furniture in God’s dwelling place—from the ark itself to the simplest utensil. Each item points forward to Christ and underscores how God values reverent, ordered, and wholehearted service. Literal objects, literal duties, lasting lessons: when the Lord entrusts His presence and His worship to His people, nothing is insignificant and everything is sacred. Hebrew Their dutiesוּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם (ū·miš·mar·tām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function [were] the ark, הָאָרֹ֤ן (hā·’ā·rōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 727: A chest, ark the table, וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ (wə·haš·šul·ḥān) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7979: A table, a meal the lampstand, וְהַמְּנֹרָ֣ה (wə·ham·mə·nō·rāh) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4501: A chandelier the altars, וְהַֽמִּזְבְּחֹ֔ת (wə·ham·miz·bə·ḥōṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4196: An altar the articles וּכְלֵ֣י (ū·ḵə·lê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus of the sanctuary הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ (haq·qō·ḏeš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity used with them, יְשָׁרְת֖וּ (yə·šā·rə·ṯū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to and the curtain— וְהַ֨מָּסָ֔ךְ (wə·ham·mā·sāḵ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4539: A covering, screen all וְכֹ֖ל (wə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the service [for these items]. עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃ (‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5656: Work of any kind Links Numbers 3:31 NIVNumbers 3:31 NLT Numbers 3:31 ESV Numbers 3:31 NASB Numbers 3:31 KJV Numbers 3:31 BibleApps.com Numbers 3:31 Biblia Paralela Numbers 3:31 Chinese Bible Numbers 3:31 French Bible Numbers 3:31 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 3:31 Their duty shall be the ark (Nu Num.) |
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