1 Chronicles 6 17

1 Chronicles 6:17 kjv

And these be the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 6:17 nkjv

These are the names of the sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 6:17 niv

These are the names of the sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 6:17 esv

And these are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 6:17 nlt

The descendants of Gershon included Libni and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 17 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:17 lists the immediate descendants of Gershon, the firstborn son of Levi, establishing the genealogical foundation for one of the three major divisions of the Levites: the Gershonites. This verse explicitly states their names as Libni and Shimei, marking the continuity and specific branches of this important Levitical family, crucial for their defined roles in the tabernacle and later temple service within God's ordered worship.

1 Chronicles 6 17 Context

First Chronicles chapter 6 primarily focuses on the extensive and detailed genealogy of the tribe of Levi, particularly those appointed for the sacred service of the tabernacle and later the temple. This chapter systematically lists the descendants of Levi through his three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, along with their assigned responsibilities and territorial allotments. Verse 17 specifically appears within the section devoted to Gershon's lineage, providing the foundational names for the Gershonite clan.

Historically, the book of Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile, addressing a post-exilic community. For this returned remnant, genealogies were incredibly significant. They served to re-establish identity, validate claims to land inheritance, and crucially, confirm the legitimacy of those serving in the restored temple. Knowing who was truly a Levite, and from which specific family they descended, was vital for maintaining the divinely ordained structure of worship and for asserting continuity with Israel's past covenants. Thus, this verse contributes to the Chronicler's larger purpose of encouraging hope and faithful worship by demonstrating God's faithful preservation of His people and their divinely appointed roles.

1 Chronicles 6 17 Word analysis

• And these are the names: This phrase introduces a specific listing, emphasizing precise documentation and the importance of individual identification within the genealogy. It signifies order, validation, and historical continuity, aligning with the Chronicler's meticulous approach to records.
• of the sons of Gershom: Here, "Gershom" (Hebrew: גֵּרְשׁוֹם, Gēršōm or more accurately Gēršôn - for Levi's son, transliterated "Gershon" in most modern versions for clarity) refers to the first of Levi's three sons (Exod 6:16). He is distinct from Moses' son, who was also named Gershom (Exod 2:22). The name Gershon (גֵּרְשׁוֹן) itself might mean "sojourner," hinting at the Levites' initial landless status, dedicated fully to the service of the tabernacle and then the temple, living among the tribes as divinely appointed. The term "sons" indicates direct descent and the beginning of a sub-branch of the Levitical lineage, foundational for later generations and their inherited sacred duties.
• Libni, and Shimei: These are the direct sons of Gershon/Gershom and serve as the patriarchal heads for two significant families within the Gershonite clan. "Libni" (Hebrew: לִבְנִי, Libnī) could be related to the Hebrew word for "white" (לָבָן, lāḇān), perhaps subtly linking to the purity or linen associated with sacred service. "Shimei" (Hebrew: שִׁמְעִי, Šim‘ī) means "my fame" or "he who hears," a common biblical name. The mention of these specific individuals is not arbitrary but validates the ancestry of numerous future Levitical servants and highlights God's particular attention to the ordered execution of His worship through appointed lines.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And these are the names of the sons of Gershom": This phrase functions as a direct enumeration, stressing the importance of clear and verifiable lineage for the Levites. In a culture where identity and rights were tied to genealogy, such a listing was fundamental for legitimizing the individuals' claims to temple service and upholding the established divine order. It implies meticulous record-keeping as part of God's provident care for His people's worship.
• "Libni, and Shimei": These two names establish the primary sub-divisions of the Gershonite Levites. These specific family lines would carry out particular responsibilities related to the sacred tabernacle and temple objects. The inclusion of both names underscores the comprehensiveness of the genealogical record and provides distinct anchors for tracing later priestly and musical families. Their presence validates the chain of heritage necessary for continued authorized ministry within the restored community.

1 Chronicles 6 17 Bonus section

The Chronicler's extensive focus on genealogies, particularly for the Levites, serves as a theological statement about God's preservation of His people's identity and calling, even through challenging times like the Babylonian exile. The inclusion of "Libni and Shimei" highlights not only general tribal lineage but also specific family branches from which further, more prominent Levitical figures and courses of service would arise (e.g., in music or gatekeeping). The distinction between Gershon (Levi's son, relevant here) and Gershom (Moses' son, whose lineage is mentioned elsewhere) is crucial for accurate biblical understanding and underscores the precision employed in the Chronicler's record. This detailed attention to "who's who" in the divine economy reflects God's meticulous nature and His deep care for the proper execution of His worship and the continuity of His covenant promises through His appointed servants.

1 Chronicles 6 17 Commentary

First Chronicles 6:17 is a concise but significant genealogical entry, grounding the Gershonite Levites in their precise ancestry. Its inclusion reflects the Chronicler's primary purpose: to meticulously establish the legitimate lines of Israel after the exile, particularly those ordained for sacred service. For a community rebuilding its identity and its temple, this exact detailing of Levitical lineage—connecting them back to Levi himself through Gershon—provided the authoritative basis for resuming and validating sacred duties.

The verse, though appearing simple, reinforces the divine principle of order in worship. God did not leave the conduct of His tabernacle and temple service to chance or convenience but established specific families for specific roles. The Gershonites, descendants of Libni and Shimei, had particular charges related to the tabernacle coverings and court hangings (Num 3:25-26). By carefully documenting this, the Chronicler affirmed that the renewed worship was rooted in biblical precedent and divine command, providing continuity and confidence to the post-exilic community. This verse underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen people and their roles through generations, laying the groundwork for Israel's return to covenant faithfulness.