Kohath

Lore & Background

Kohath is a central figure in the Levitical genealogy, being one of the three sons of Levi (Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16; Numbers 3:17). His descendants, the Kohathites, were numbered among the Levites (Numbers 26:57) and included notable figures such as Amram (father of Moses and Aaron) and Korah (Numbers 16:1; Numbers 26:58). The Kohathites were assigned specific duties in the tabernacle: they were responsible for bearing the most holy things on their shoulders after Aaron and his sons had covered them (Numbers 4:4, 15; Numbers 7:9).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Kohath primarily through his genealogical position and the role of his descendants. He is consistently listed as the second son of Levi (Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16; Numbers 3:17), and his four sons are named in multiple sources (Exodus 6:18; Numbers 3:19). The Kohathites are distinguished from other Levite families by their specific service: they carried the sanctuary's most holy items, but only after they were covered, and they were not to touch them directly on pain of death (Numbers 4:15). They were also given no wagons for transport, as they bore the items on their shoulders (Numbers 7:9). The camp of the Kohathites was on the south side of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:29).

Did You Know?

• Kohath's sons include Amram, who is the father of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:18; Numbers 26:58).
• Korah, who led a rebellion, was a grandson of Kohath through Izhar (Numbers 16:1).
• The Kohathites were not given wagons for transport because they carried the sanctuary items on their shoulders (Numbers 7:9).
• The Kohathites camped on the south side of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:29).