Kohath

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Qəhāt; meaning uncertain (name preserved in Levite genealogy)
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period (Israel’s tribal formation in Egypt)
• Main References: Exodus 6:16–20; Numbers 3:17–32; 1 Chronicles 6:1–15; 23:6, 12–13
• Key Connections: Son of Levi; father of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel; grandfather of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam; ancestor of the Kohathites

Who was Kohath?

Kohath was a son of Levi listed among the foundational ancestors of Israel’s Levite clans.
His descendants formed the Kohathite branch, a central line within the Levites.
Through Amram, Kohath was the grandfather of Moses and Aaron, linking him to Israel’s early leadership.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Named in Levi’s family line as part of Israel’s recorded tribal genealogy (Exodus 6:16–20).
• Event 2: His clan, the Kohathites, was assigned duties connected to the sanctuary furnishings after Aaron’s sons covered them (Numbers 3:27–31; 4:4–15).
• Event 3: His line is preserved in later Levitical records associated with priestly and temple service (1 Chronicles 6:1–15; 23:12–13).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Kohath’s legacy is chiefly genealogical, showing how Israel’s worship responsibilities were organized through enduring family lines.

Key Verse

"The Kohathites were to take care of the most holy things." — Numbers 3:31, NIV