Numbers 3 17

Numbers 3:17 kjv

And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

Numbers 3:17 nkjv

These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Numbers 3:17 niv

These were the names of the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

Numbers 3:17 esv

And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari.

Numbers 3:17 nlt

Levi had three sons, whose names were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Numbers 3 verses

Numbers 3 17 Meaning

Numbers 3:17 identifies the three foundational male offspring of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. These individuals served as the patriarchs for the three major family divisions within the tribe of Levi, through whom all Levitical service to the Tabernacle would later be organized and assigned, establishing the specific genealogical basis for their sacred duties in Israel.

Numbers 3 17 Context

Numbers 3:17 is a pivotal verse within Numbers Chapter 3, which focuses entirely on the tribe of Levi and their role in Israel’s worship. Coming immediately after the general census of the other Israelite tribes and the detailed setup of the camp around the Tabernacle (Num 1-2), this chapter introduces the distinct count and purpose of the Levites. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not numbered for military service (Num 1:47), but were uniquely dedicated to serving the Tabernacle (Num 1:50-53) and assisting the Aaronic priesthood (Num 3:6-10). This specific verse, by naming Levi's three direct sons, establishes the genealogical foundation for the division of responsibilities within the Tabernacle service, detailed further in Num 3:21-37 and comprehensively in Numbers chapter 4. Historically, in the ancient Near East, lineage was crucial for identity, roles, and privileges, and this emphasis underscores God’s precise ordering of the covenant community’s worship life, providing a structure that distinguishes true worship from chaotic or arbitrary practices.

Numbers 3 17 Word analysis

• And: וְ (ve-) – A conjunction meaning "and." It links this verse to the preceding context, signifying a continuation or a direct consequence regarding the Levites' set-apart status.
• these: אֵלֶּה (ʾēlleh) – A demonstrative pronoun, pointing back to the Levites, specifically introducing the sub-divisions of Levi’s lineage that follow. It emphasizes that what follows are the established and recognized parts of the tribe.
• were: A simple past tense verb, indicating a factually established reality. It implies a divine decree or ancient origin for these family divisions.
• the sons of Levi: בְּנֵי לֵוִי (bənê Lēwî) – Signifies direct male descendants and foundational progenitors. Levi (לֵוִי (Lēwî)) means "attached" or "joined" (Gen 29:34). Though Levi’s early life involved violence, his tribe was later divinely "joined" to God in a special role, serving in the Tabernacle as atonement for Israel’s firstborn. This lineage determines sacred identity and function.
• by their names: בִּשְׁמֹתָם (bišmōṯām) – Literally "by their names." This phrase underscores the importance of precise identification and individual designation within the divine order, essential for tracking lineage and assigned responsibilities.
• Gershon: גֵּרְשׁוֹן (Gēršōn) – Likely meaning "sojourner" or "drive out." As the eldest, his descendants, the Gershonites, were responsible for the lighter, textile components of the Tabernacle: curtains, coverings, and hangings (Num 3:25-26).
• and: וְ (ve-) – Standard conjunction, linking the three brothers.
• Kohath: קְהָת (Qəhāṯ) – Meaning possibly "assembly" or "gathering." His descendants, the Kohathites, were charged with the heaviest and holiest components, including the Ark of the Covenant and altars (Num 3:31, 4:4-15). Their duties were the most sacred, with severe penalties for mishandling. Moses and Aaron were descendants of Kohath (Exod 6:18-20).
• and: וְ (ve-) – Standard conjunction.
• Merari: מְרָרִי (Mərārî) – Meaning possibly "bitter" or "strong/firm." His descendants, the Merarites, were responsible for the sturdy, structural components: boards, bars, pillars, and their sockets (Num 3:36-37, 4:29-32). Their role involved heavy lifting and assembling the Tabernacle's framework.

Words-group analysis

• "And these were the sons of Levi by their names": This phrase establishes a foundational genealogy crucial for the subsequent organization of sacred duties. It emphasizes that the specific individuals mentioned are the recognized source for the Levitical divisions. This distinct identification sets apart the tribe of Levi, distinguishing their role and census from the general population, underscoring their unique divine appointment and God’s meticulous planning for the ordering of His people's worship.

Numbers 3 17 Bonus section

The listing of Levi’s three sons here, while not their first mention, uniquely functions in Numbers to form the administrative and functional backbone of the Levitical service, preceding the detailed descriptions of their duties, their census (Num 3:21-37), and their camping positions around the Tabernacle. This careful delineation underscores God's meticulous nature in ordering His worship. The unique exception of Levi from the general census and their designation for Tabernacle service highlights a profound divine substitution: the entire tribe was consecrated to the Lord in place of the firstborn of Israel, emphasizing the concept of redemption and dedicated service to God's holy presence among His people. This hierarchical structure, from Levi to his sons and then their families, ensured accountability and divine order in all aspects of approaching and serving God.

Numbers 3 17 Commentary

Numbers 3:17 provides the essential genealogical anchor for the Levitical assignments detailed throughout the rest of the book of Numbers. It emphasizes the foundational role of Levi's three direct sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—as the heads of the major divisions responsible for the Tabernacle service. This is not merely a dry genealogical record but a crucial preamble to understanding how Israel's worship system was divinely ordered. Each son’s lineage carried specific responsibilities for the sacred articles, framework, or coverings of the Tabernacle (as further detailed in Numbers 4), demonstrating God’s precision and order in His requirements for sacred service. This divinely mandated structure prevented arbitrary service, ensuring holiness and adherence to commanded duties, thereby maintaining proper reverence in Israel’s communal worship of God.

• Practical Example: Just as the sons of Levi had distinct, divinely appointed roles critical to the Tabernacle's functioning, so too believers in the Body of Christ have distinct spiritual gifts and ministries (Rom 12, 1 Cor 12), all essential for the edification and effective functioning of the church. Recognizing and fulfilling one's God-given role, whether visible or behind-the-scenes, contributes to the collective worship and mission.