Lexical Summary
Qehath: Kohath
Original Word:קְהָת
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Qhath
Pronunciation:keh-HATH
Phonetic Spelling:(keh-hawth')
KJV: Kohath
NASB:Kohath, Kohath's
Word Origin:[from an unused root meaning to ally oneself]
1. allied
2. Kehath, an Israelite
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
Definitiona son of Levi
NASB TranslationKohath (31), Kohath's (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
30Kaaq: 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
Numbers 16:1;
1 Chronicles 6:23;
Exodus 6:18 4t. Chronicles; as a division of Levites
Numbers 3:19,29 9t.;
Joshua 21:20,26;
1 Chronicles 6:51, v.1 Chronicles 6:55. — Van d. H. has
Numbers 3:19 7t.
Topical Lexicon
Genealogical OverviewKohath 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 Ark of the Covenant,
• the Table of the Presence,
• the lampstand of pure gold,
• the altars,
• the vessels of ministry,
• and the veil and screen.
“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.
2. Custody of the Ark at Beth Shemesh –1 Samuel 6 records seventy men struck down for an unauthorized look into the Ark, underscoring that Kohathite responsibilities, when neglected or usurped, endanger the nation.
3. Reforms under King David – David organized the Levites “of the sons of Kohath” for temple worship and gatekeeping (1 Chronicles 15:5;1 Chronicles 26:1). Their dignified role in transporting the Ark to Jerusalem restored biblical order after the disaster at Perez-uzza (1 Chronicles 13:9–10; 15:2).
4. Revival under Hezekiah – During the cleansing of the temple, “the Levites arose… of the sons of Kohath” (2 Chronicles 29:12), showing that centuries later the clan remained zealous to obey.
5. Deliverance under Jehoshaphat – As the king’s choir advanced with praise, “the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:19), revealing their musical contribution to Israel’s faith and victory.
Notable Individuals
• Elizaphan son of Uzziel—appointed over the Kohathites (Numbers 3:30).
• Heman the singer—descended from Kohath through Korah; he became chief musician in the temple (1 Chronicles 6:33).
• Samuel the prophet—born of Elkanah, a Kohathite lineage (1 Chronicles 6:33–38). His ministry bridged judges and monarchy.
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 wəliqhāṯ
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
Parallel Texts
