קְהָת (qe.hat)
qe.hat
Kohath
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Qeḥat, transliterated as Kohath, identifies the second son of Levi and brother of Gershon and Merari. The etymology suggests a meaning related to "alliance" or "assembly," reflecting his role as the progenitor of one of the three main Levitical clans. This family line is central to the organization of Israel’s worship, particularly regarding the care of the sanctuary.
Kohath appears in genealogical records starting with the migration to Egypt and continues through the wilderness period. His descendants, known as Kohathites, were assigned specific duties involving the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, such as the ark and the table of showbread. These responsibilities are detailed extensively in Numbers 3 and 4, highlighting their distinct role within the priestly service.
The name recurs frequently in the books of Chronicles, tracing the lineage through generations to ensure accurate record-keeping for temple duties. By linking back to this ancestral figure, these texts emphasize continuity and order in Israel’s religious life. The Kohathite clan remained a vital part of the community until the establishment of the permanent temple in Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Kohath represents a lineage defined by sacred trust. As the second son of Levi, his family was chosen to handle the most holy items in the tabernacle, such as the ark and the table of showbread. This role required strict obedience and reverence, reminding us that approaching God demands respect for His holiness.
Numbers 4:15 highlights the seriousness of this duty. The Kohathites carried these objects but were forbidden from touching them directly, lest they die. This boundary shows that God’s presence is both a gift and a mystery. It invites us to consider how we approach divine things with care rather than casual familiarity.
Today, this history encourages believers to value order and reverence in worship. Whether in ancient Israel or modern faith communities, maintaining a sense of the sacred helps preserve the integrity of our spiritual lives. It reminds us that some things are too holy for common handling.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kohath18×
- and/ Kohath3×
- of/ Kohath1×
- and/ [belonged] to/ Kohath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְהָ֖ת8×
- קְהָ֔ת3×
- וּ/קְהָ֖ת3×
- קְהָת֙2×
- קְהָ֑ת2×
- קְהָ֥ת1×
- קְהָ֜ת1×
- קְהָ֗ת1×
- לִ/קְהָ֕ת1×
- וְ/לִ/קְהָ֗ת1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 4:15
“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it; but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. The sons of Kohath shall carry these things belonging to the Tent of Meeting.
This verse establishes the critical boundary that Kohathites could carry sacred objects but not touch them, emphasizing the danger and holiness involved in their service.
-
Genesis 46:11
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
This genealogical record introduces Kohath as one of Levi’s three sons, establishing his foundational role in the tribal structure that would later serve in the tabernacle.
-
Numbers 3:29
The families of the sons of Kohath shall encamp on the south side of the tabernacle.
The placement of Kohath’s families on the south side of the tabernacle illustrates the organized spatial order God prescribed for Israel’s worship community.