Numbers 4:20 nasb — but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."

NASB

"but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die.""

— Numbers 4:20, NASB

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Numbers 4:20 in Other Translations

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Numbers 4 — Context

17

Then the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

18

"Do not let the tribe of the families of the Kohathites be cut off from among the Levites.

19

"But do this to them that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each of them to his work and to his load;

20

but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die."

21

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

22

"Take a census of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers' households, by their families;

23

from thirty years and upward to fifty years old, you shall number them; all who enter to perform the service to do the work in the tent of meeting.

Numbers 4:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Numbers 4:20 say?
Numbers 4:20 in the NASB reads: “but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will 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 (NASB): “but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will 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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