20 But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die."

Other Translations of Numbers 4:20

King James Version

20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

English Standard Version

20 but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die."

The Message

20 But the Kohathites themselves must not go in to look at the holy things, not even a glance at them, or they will die." Duties of the Gershonites

New King James Version

20 But they shall not go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, lest they die."

New Living Translation

20 The Kohathites must never enter the sanctuary to look at the sacred objects for even a moment, or they will die."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 4:20

Commentary on Numbers 4:4-20

(Read Numbers 4:4-20)

The Kohathites were to carry the holy things of the tabernacle. All the holy things were to be covered; not only for security and respect, but to keep them from being seen. This not only marked the reverence due to holy things, but the mystery of the things signified by those types, and the darkness of the dispensation. But now, through Christ, the case is altered, and we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace.