Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. New Living Translation The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. English Standard Version The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Berean Standard Bible The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. King James Bible The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. New King James Version The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. New American Standard Bible The sons of Levi were Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. NASB 1995 The sons of Levi were Gershom, Kohath and Merari. NASB 1977 The sons of Levi were Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Legacy Standard Bible The sons of Levi were Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Amplified Bible The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Christian Standard Bible Levi’s sons: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Holman Christian Standard Bible Levi’s sons: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. American Standard Version The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Contemporary English Version Levi's three sons had sons of their own. English Revised Version The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. GOD'S WORD® Translation Levi's sons were Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Good News Translation Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. International Standard Version Levi's descendants included Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. NET Bible The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. New Heart English Bible The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Webster's Bible Translation The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. World English Bible The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Young's Literal Translation Sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Smith's Literal Translation The sons of Levi: Gershom, hath and Merari. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo the sons of Levi were Gerson, Caath, and Merari. Catholic Public Domain Version So the sons of Levi were Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. New American Bible The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. New Revised Standard Version The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The sons of Levi: Gershun and Qahath and Merari. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath and Merari. Brenton Septuagint Translation The sons of Levi: Gedson, Caath, and Merari. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Descendants of Levi…15Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. 16The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 17These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.… Cross References Exodus 6:16-20 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. / The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. ... Numbers 3:17-20 These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei. / The sons of Kohath by their clans were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. ... Numbers 26:57-59 Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans: The Gershonite clan from Gershon, the Kohathite clan from Kohath, and the Merarite clan from Merari. / These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram, / and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam. Exodus 2:1-2 Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, / and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. Numbers 18:1-7 So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ... Hebrews 7:11-14 Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ... Exodus 28:1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. Leviticus 8:1-13 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Take Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull of the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread, / and assemble the whole congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” ... Numbers 1:47-54 The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers. / For the LORD had said to Moses: / “Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites. ... Numbers 4:1-3 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, / “Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families, / men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. Numbers 8:5-26 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, / “Take the Levites from among the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. / This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves. ... Deuteronomy 10:8-9 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. / That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. 1 Samuel 2:27-28 Then a man of God came to Eli and told him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to your father’s house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh’s house? / And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites. 1 Kings 8:4 and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up. 2 Chronicles 5:5 and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up. Treasury of Scripture The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. A. 1 Chronicles 6:1 The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Exodus 6:16 And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years. Gershon. Jump to Previous Gershom Gershon Kohath Levi Merari Merar'iJump to Next Gershom Gershon Kohath Levi Merari Merar'i1 Chronicles 6 1. The sons of Levi.4. The line of Eleazar unto the captivity. 16. The families of Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 49. The office of Aaron, and his line unto Ahimaaz. 54. The cities of the priests and Levites. The sons of Levi: Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah, and his descendants were set apart for religious duties in Israel. The tribe of Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes but was given cities throughout Israel (Joshua 21). This reflects their unique role in serving the tabernacle and later the temple. The Levites were responsible for the spiritual leadership and instruction of the people, emphasizing the importance of worship and adherence to God's laws. Gershom: Kohath: Merari: Persons / Places / Events 1. LeviLevi is the third son of Jacob and Leah. He is the patriarch of the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle and later the temple. 2. Gershom Gershom is the first son of Levi. His descendants were responsible for certain duties in the tabernacle, particularly related to the care of the tabernacle's fabrics and coverings. 3. Kohath Kohath is the second son of Levi. His descendants, the Kohathites, had the significant responsibility of caring for the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant. 4. Merari Merari is the third son of Levi. His descendants were tasked with the maintenance and transportation of the tabernacle's structural components, such as the frames and pillars. Teaching Points The Importance of Heritage and CallingThe lineage of Levi underscores the importance of heritage and calling in God's plan. Each family within the tribe had specific roles, reminding us that God has a unique purpose for each of us. Diversity of Roles in Service The distinct responsibilities of Gershom, Kohath, and Merari's descendants illustrate the diversity of roles within the body of Christ. Every role, whether seen or unseen, is vital to the functioning of God's kingdom. Faithfulness in Assigned Duties The Levites' dedication to their duties serves as a model for faithfulness in whatever tasks God assigns us. Our commitment to our roles, however small they may seem, contributes to the greater work of God. Generational Faithfulness The passage encourages us to consider the impact of our faithfulness on future generations. Just as the Levites' roles were passed down, our spiritual legacy can influence those who come after us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:16?2. How does 1 Chronicles 6:16 highlight the importance of Levitical priesthood today? 3. What role did Levi's descendants play in Israel's worship practices? 4. How can we apply the dedication of Levi's lineage to our spiritual service? 5. How does 1 Chronicles 6:16 connect with Hebrews' teachings on priesthood? 6. What can we learn from Levi's family about serving God faithfully? 7. What is the significance of Levi's lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:16 for biblical history? 8. How does 1 Chronicles 6:16 relate to the role of the Levites in Israelite worship? 9. Why is the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 6:16 important for understanding Israel's priesthood? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 6? 11. Why does 1 Chronicles 16 differ from 2 Samuel 6 in describing the Ark's journey and the people's offerings? 12. Why does 1 Chronicles 6:16-30 list names that differ from other biblical genealogies (compare Exodus 6:16-19), and how can these discrepancies be reconciled? 13. How can the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 6:1-15 be historically reliable if external archaeological sources do not confirm these priestly generations? 14. Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? What Does 1 Chronicles 6:16 Mean The sons of Levi- 1 Chronicles 6:16 opens, “The sons of Levi:” establishing a literal genealogy that anchors Israel’s worship structure. - Scripture consistently presents genealogy as factual history (see Genesis 5:1–3; Matthew 1:1–17), underscoring that God works through real families and real time. - Levi’s tribe was set apart for tabernacle service (Numbers 1:49–53; Deuteronomy 10:8). That calling highlights: • God’s sovereign choice—service is assigned, not self-selected. • Holiness—Levi’s line had no territorial inheritance (Joshua 13:33), illustrating that their portion was the Lord Himself. Gershom - Listed first: “Gershom” (Exodus 6:16). His descendants, the Gershonites, cared for curtains, coverings, and hangings of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:25–26). - Practical lessons: • Faithfulness in unseen tasks matters; God records even the caretakers of fabric. • Every role, whether prominent or humble, supports worship (1 Corinthians 12:18–22). - Cross reference: 1 Chronicles 23:7–11 details Gershonite duties in David’s day, showing continuity of calling across centuries. Kohath - Second son: “Kohath.” His line produced Israel’s most recognizable worship leaders—Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Exodus 6:18–20). - The Kohathites transported the ark and sacred furniture (Numbers 4:4–15). • A solemn charge: touching holy objects irreverently meant death (v. 15), reminding us of God’s holiness (Hebrews 12:28–29). • New Testament believers, too, are entrusted with the gospel’s “treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). - Kohath’s line also yielded notable singers such as Heman (1 Chronicles 6:33). Worship leadership flows from reverence and obedience. Merari - Third son: “Merari.” His descendants handled the heaviest materials—frames, crossbars, posts, and bases (Numbers 3:36–37). - Spiritual takeaways: • Ministry often involves weighty, labor-intensive service; Merarites model endurance (Galatians 6:9). • Though their tasks were rugged, God appointed carts for their load (Numbers 7:8), picturing His provision for hard callings. - 1 Chronicles 6:44–47 lists Merarite musicians in temple worship, showing that even logistical servants can also be gifted in praise. summary 1 Chronicles 6:16 succinctly recounts Levi’s three sons—Gershom, Kohath, and Merari—each founding a clan with unique, God-given responsibilities. The verse reminds us that: - Genealogy in Scripture is literal history, grounding our faith in real events. - God assigns diverse roles within His people, all essential to true worship. - Holiness, faithfulness, and endurance mark the Levites’ legacy, calling believers today to serve with the same reverence and joy. (16-19) The three branches of Levi with their main subdivisions. Parallel passages, Exodus 6:16-19; Numbers 3:17-20.(16) Gershom.--See Note on 1Chronicles 6:1. In the Pentateuch, Gershom is son of Moses; Gershon, son of Levi. (19) And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers.--The word'families" (Heb., mishpehuth) does not mean single households, but groups of households, or clans. The sentence concludes the short list of the great Levitical houses, just as at Exodus 6:19. (See also Numbers 3:20, where a like formula appears to introduce what follows.) . . . Verse 16-19. - These verses have a re-enumeration of the three sons of Levi, and differ from the enumeration of ver. 1, in being followed by the sons of each of these three, and afterwards by the line of descendants from each, instead of by the sons of only one, Kohath, and his descendant in only one stem, the high priest stem, and with only one object. All these names agree with Exodus 6:17-19 and Numbers 3:17-20 (comp. also Numbers 3:21-36 with Numbers 26:57-60), with the trifling exceptions already alluded to, in the Hebrew spelling of Gershom and the Authorized Version spelling of Shimei and the Authorized Version Mahali of Exodus 6:19. The latter half of ver. 19, according to the Hebrew, should rather refer to what has preceded, and be a "subscription," though it might best suit the connection to regard it as introducing what was to follow, and as being a "superscription." Bertheau holds with the former of these views, Keil with the latter.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The sons ofבְּנֵ֖י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son Levi: לֵוִ֑י (lê·wî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him Gershom, גֵּרְשֹׁ֕ם (gê·rə·šōm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1647: Gershom -- three Israelites Kohath, קְהָ֖ת (qə·hāṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6955: Kohath -- a son of Levi and Merari. וּמְרָרִֽי׃ (ū·mə·rā·rî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4847: Merari -- a son of Levi Links 1 Chronicles 6:16 NIV1 Chronicles 6:16 NLT 1 Chronicles 6:16 ESV 1 Chronicles 6:16 NASB 1 Chronicles 6:16 KJV 1 Chronicles 6:16 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 6:16 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 6:16 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 6:16 French Bible 1 Chronicles 6:16 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 6:16 The sons of Levi: Gershom Kohath (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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