²⁷ To Kohath^(A) belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites and Uzzielites;^(B) these were the Kohathite^(C) clans. ²⁸ The number of all the males a month old or more^(D) was 8,600.^[a] The Kohathites were responsible^(E) for the care of the sanctuary.^{(F) 29} The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side^(G) of the tabernacle. ³⁰ The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan^(H) son of Uzziel. ³¹ They were responsible for the care of the ark,^(I) the table,^(J) the lampstand,^(K) the altars,^(L) the articles^(M) of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain,^(N) and everything related to their use.^{(O) 32} The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar^(P) son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible^(Q) for the care of the sanctuary.^(R)

² “Take a census^(A) of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans and families. ³ Count^(B) all the men from thirty to fifty years of age^(C) who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.

⁴ “This is the work^(D) of the Kohathites^(E) at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things.^{(F) 5} When the camp is to move,^(G) Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain^(H) and put it over the ark of the covenant law.^{(I) 6} Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather,^[a](J) spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles^(K) in place.

⁷ “Over the table of the Presence^(L) they are to spread a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls, and the jars for drink offerings;^(M) the bread that is continually there^(N) is to remain on it. ⁸ They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with the durable leather and put the poles^(O) in place.

⁹ “They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand that is for light, together with its lamps, its wick trimmers and trays,^(P) and all its jars for the olive oil used to supply it. ¹⁰ Then they are to wrap it and all its accessories in a covering of the durable leather and put it on a carrying frame.^(Q)

¹¹ “Over the gold altar^(R) they are to spread a blue cloth and cover that with the durable leather and put the poles^(S) in place.

¹² “They are to take all the articles^(T) used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame.^(U)

¹³ “They are to remove the ashes^(V) from the bronze altar^(W) and spread a purple cloth over it. ¹⁴ Then they are to place on it all the utensils^(X) used for ministering at the altar, including the firepans,^(Y) meat forks,^(Z) shovels^(AA) and sprinkling bowls.^(AB) Over it they are to spread a covering of the durable leather and put the poles^(AC) in place.

¹⁵ “After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move,^(AD) only then are the Kohathites^(AE) to come and do the carrying.^(AF) But they must not touch the holy things^(AG) or they will die.^(AH) The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting.