Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Numbers 3:31►

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.

King James Bible
And their chargeshall 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 dutyincluded 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 dutiesincluded 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 dutiesinvolved 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 responsibilityinvolved 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 responsibilitiesinvolved 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.

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 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.

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 Version
And 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.

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
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 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 1917
and 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 chargewas 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.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

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. ...

1 Kings 8:6-9
Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. / For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. / The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. ...

Hebrews 9:4
containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

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. ...

Exodus 37:10-16
He also made the table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. / He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it. / And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. ...

1 Kings 7:48
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence;

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 37:17-24
Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. / There were 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 extended from the lampstand. ...

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; ...

Hebrews 9:2
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.

Exodus 26:1-14
“You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. / Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size. / Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well. ...

Exodus 36:8-19
All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. / Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size. / And he joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well. ...

Exodus 40:3-5
Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. / Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps. / Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:21-27
Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him. / Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. / He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him. ...

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
Thisshall 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 arkof shittim wood: two cubits and a halfshall 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 arkof shittim wood: two cubits and a halfwas 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 altarof shittim wood: the length of itwas a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit;it was foursquare; and two cubitswas the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same…

and the hanging

Exodus 26:31-33
And thou shalt make a vailof 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 vailof 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 Wherewith

Jump to Next

Numbers 3

1.The sons of Aaron
5.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

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

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
This refers to the Table of Showbread, which held the bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's provision and fellowship with Israel. The table was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, signifying purity and divinity. The bread is a type of Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), who sustains and nourishes believers.

the lampstand
The golden lampstand, or menorah, provided light in the holy place, representing God's guidance and the light of His truth. It was crafted from a single piece of gold, illustrating unity and perfection. The lampstand points to Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12), illuminating the path to God.

the altars
This includes both the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense. The burnt offering altar was for sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. The incense altar represented prayer and intercession. Both altars foreshadow Christ's sacrificial death and His role as our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25).

the articles of the sanctuary used with them
These articles included various utensils and tools necessary for the rituals and sacrifices, such as bowls, pans, and censers. Each item had a specific purpose, underscoring the order and precision in worship. They highlight the meticulous nature of God's instructions and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and obedience.

and the curtain
The curtain, or veil, separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, signifying the barrier between God and humanity due to sin. Only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. The tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes the removal of this barrier, granting believers direct access to God through Jesus.

all the service for these items
The Kohathites were tasked with the transportation and care of these sacred objects during Israel's wilderness journey. This service required strict adherence to God's commands, reflecting the seriousness of worship and the need for holiness. It underscores the theme of servanthood and dedication in the life of a believer, as seen in Christ's example (Mark 10:45).

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Kohathites
A 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 Responsibility
The 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).

• InRevelation 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 inNumbers 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Their duties
וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם(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 NIV
Numbers 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.)