Bible Figure
Kohath
son of Levi and patriarchal founder of the Kohathites
Kohath was a son of Levi and ancestor of the Kohathite Levitical clans, including the families of Moses and Aaron.
Biography
Genesis 46 and Exodus 6 list Kohath among Levi's sons. Through his son Amram came Aaron and Moses. In the wilderness, the Kohathites were assigned responsibility for carrying the sanctuary's most holy objects after the priests had covered them, but they were forbidden to touch the holy things directly. The clan received Levitical towns after Israel entered Canaan.
Biblical Significance
Kohath is foundational to the priestly and Levitical genealogy because Aaron and Moses descended through him. The Kohathites' duties emphasize both the privilege and danger associated with the holiness of the sanctuary.