Numbers 3 20

Numbers 3:20 kjv

And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

Numbers 3:20 nkjv

And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites by their fathers' houses.

Numbers 3:20 niv

The Merarite clans: Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans, according to their families.

Numbers 3:20 esv

And the sons of Merari by their clans: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites, by their fathers' houses.

Numbers 3:20 nlt

The clans descended from Merari were named after two of his descendants, Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans, listed according to their family groups.

Numbers 3 verses

Numbers 3 20 Meaning

This verse functions as a specific genealogical record within the larger Levitical census in the book of Numbers. It details certain male descendants identified with "Uzzie" and "Azariah," asserting them as "children of Ezriel" according to their ancestral lineage. Its core purpose is to meticulously account for family lines, a vital practice in ancient Israel for establishing identity, heritage, tribal affiliation, and qualification for specific duties, particularly within the priesthood and Levitical service.

Numbers 3 20 Context

Numbers chapter 3 is a pivotal section within the book, detailing the census and the divinely ordained roles of the Levites in preparation for Israel's journey through the wilderness and the eventual tabernacle worship. Following a general census of all tribes (Num 1), this chapter specifically numbers the Levites (God's chosen tribe for priestly and tabernacle service) from a month old upwards, categorizing them by their father's houses: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—the three sons of Levi. Within this organization, each clan was assigned distinct duties related to the Tabernacle.

This specific verse appears in the enumeration of the sons of Kohath, one of the three main Levitical clans. Uzziel (or "Uzzie" as rendered here) is a prominent son of Kohath, making his descendants central to Kohathite responsibilities, which included bearing the holy articles of the Tabernacle. Genealogies were critical not only for assigning duties but also for tribal identity, land inheritance, and maintaining the purity of lineage, particularly for priestly and Levitical service. The meticulous listing here underscores the divine order and precision in God's plan for worship and community. The inclusion of "Azariah" and "Ezriel" within this particular listing highlights a complex interrelation of familial lines as the record moves beyond simple patrilineal descent, weaving in broader family structures ("their fathers' house").

Numbers 3 20 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew (Waw, וְ) – Connects this detail to the preceding genealogical list of the sons of Kohath. It introduces a continuation and further specification.
• the sons of: Hebrew (benei, בְּנֵי) – Signifies direct male descendants, maintaining patrilineal lineage. In biblical genealogies, "sons" can sometimes encompass grandsons or remoter descendants in a lineage.
• Uzzie: Hebrew (Uzziel, עֻזִּיאֵל) – This name, a variant of "Uzziel" (a key figure, son of Kohath, brother of Amram), means "My strength is God" or "God is my strength." His lineage was integral to the Kohathite branch, responsible for the holy items of the tabernacle.
• Mikael: Hebrew (Mikha'el, מִיכָאֵל) – "Who is like God?". A significant name often associated with an archangel, but also borne by various human individuals in Scripture, suggesting humility or recognition of God's uniqueness.
• Iyshiah: Hebrew (Yishshiyah, יִשִּׁיָּה) – Likely means "Yah (the LORD) is loan" or "Jehovah is forgetful/forgiving," though interpretation varies. It's a name that appears for several Israelites, emphasizing personal dedication or divine favor.
• Malciah: Hebrew (Malkiyah, מַלְכִּיָּה) – "My King is Yah (the LORD)". This name expresses personal devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, fitting for those involved in His service.
• Uraell: Hebrew (Uriel, אוּרִיאֵל) – "God is my light" or "Fire of God." A name suggesting divine illumination or fierce protection, also a name of a prominent individual in King David's time.
• Abihail: Hebrew (Avichayil, אֲבִיחַיִל) – "My father is strength/might" or "Father of strength." While sometimes a female name in other contexts, it is a male name here. It can convey honor for one's lineage or acknowledge God as the source of strength.
• and the sons of: (Repeated benei, בְּנֵי) – Reinforces the consistent pattern of recording patrilineal lines.
• Azariah: Hebrew (Azaryah, עֲזַרְיָה) – "Yah (the LORD) has helped." An extremely common name among priests, prophets, and kings, indicating God's constant assistance to His people.
• Shelomo: Hebrew (Shelomoh, שְׁלֹמֹה) – "His peace" or "peaceful." This is the well-known name of King Solomon. It implies a desire for, or embodiment of, peace and wisdom, qualities often attributed to rulers and leaders.
• these are the children of Ezriel: Hebrew (eileh b’nei Ezriel, אֵלֶּה בְּנֵי עֶזְרִיאֵל) – This phrase links the previously listed individuals as being from the house of "Ezriel" (Ezriel, עֶזְרִיאֵל), meaning "God is my help" or "My help is God." This phrasing indicates that Ezriel is presented as the overarching patriarchal head for the family lines of Uzzie and Azariah detailed here. It points to a broader lineage structure beyond direct father-son immediate connections for census purposes.
• according to their fathers' house: Hebrew (l'beit avotam, לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם) – Emphasizes that this classification is based on the ancestral dwelling or lineage group. "Father's house" signifies the foundational patriarchal family unit, critical for identity, tribal affiliation, and inheritance rights within Israel. This phrase underscores the deep-seated cultural importance of preserving and knowing one's lineage within the ordered structure of Israelite society.

Numbers 3 20 Bonus section

• Genealogical Accuracy: The detailed genealogies throughout the Old Testament were not merely historical records; they held theological and legal weight. They affirmed tribal identity, ensured legitimate claims to inheritances, validated eligibility for priestly service, and later, critically proved the Messiah's lineage from David. The divine inspiration extended even to these lists, showing God's regard for order and truth in every facet of Israelite life.
• Levitical Roles: The precision of these family listings (including Uzzie/Uzziel's line) directly correlated with the specialized tasks assigned to them concerning the Tabernacle. Each clan (Gershonite, Kohathite, Merarite) had specific components of the Tabernacle to dismantle, transport, and reassemble. Uzzie's descendants, as Kohathites, handled the most sacred articles: the ark, table, menorah, altars, and other sanctuary furnishings, covered for transport by the priests. This illustrates a practical application of the genealogical record.
• God's Personal Knowledge: The recording of names and families, down to individual descendants, reflects a divine perspective that values each person and their place within the greater community. This echoes a theme found throughout Scripture: God knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), and not even a sparrow falls without His knowledge (Mat 10:29). This minute attention to detail in Numbers chapter 3 foreshadows God's profound, personal knowledge of every individual.

Numbers 3 20 Commentary

Numbers 3:20 is not merely a dry list of names; it serves as a testament to God's meticulous nature and His ordered plan for His people, particularly regarding worship and community structure. Each name carried meaning, often reflecting theological statements or hopes, reinforcing a community saturated with awareness of God's presence and character. The identification of individuals within specific "fathers' houses" and overarching family units like "Ezriel" ensures accountability, confirms rights and responsibilities, and safeguards the purity of roles such as the Levitical service. In a desert journey, this divinely inspired precision ensured every person had a place and a purpose, vital for their identity and survival as a consecrated nation. While specific names may vary slightly across translations, the underlying divine purpose in careful record-keeping remains central. The details highlight the physical lineage that anticipated and paralleled a spiritual heritage, pointing to a God who knows and numbers His own.