Numbers 4:20 kjva — But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

King James Version with Apocrypha

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

— Numbers 4:20, King James Version with Apocrypha

Read in Another Translation

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Numbers 4:20 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Numbers 4 — Context

17

And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

18

Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:

19

But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

20

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

21

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

22

Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;

23

From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 4:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Numbers 4:20 say?
Numbers 4:20 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.”
Where is Numbers 4:20 in the Bible?
Numbers 4:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Numbers, chapter 4, verse 20.
Who wrote Numbers?
Numbers is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Numbers about?
Numbers records Israel's forty years of wilderness wandering — two censuses (hence the name), rebellions, the failure at Kadesh-Barnea, and the slow journey to the plains of Moab. It is a sober portrait of human unbelief and God's patient faithfulness across a generation.
What are the major themes of Numbers?
Numbers explores themes including Wilderness, Faithfulness, Rebellion, Guidance, Provision. These themes shape the meaning and context of Numbers 4:20.
What translation should I read Numbers 4:20 in?
Numbers 4:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Numbers 4:20?
Numbers 4:20 reads (KJVA): “But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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