New International Version These were the names of the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. New Living Translation Levi had three sons, whose names were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. English Standard Version And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. Berean Standard Bible These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Berean Literal Bible And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. King James Bible And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. New King James Version These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. New American Standard Bible These, then, are the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. NASB 1995 These then are the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. NASB 1977 These then are the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. Legacy Standard Bible These then are the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. Amplified Bible These are the [three] sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Berean Annotated Bible These were the sons of Levi (joined to) by name: Gershon (exile), Kohath (assembly), and Merari (bitter). Christian Standard Bible These were Levi’s sons by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Holman Christian Standard Bible These were Levi’s sons by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. American Standard Version And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Contemporary English Version Levi's three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, had become the heads of their own clans. English Revised Version And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. GOD'S WORD® Translation Gershon, Kohath, and Merari were the sons of Levi. International Standard Version These are Levi's descendants by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. NET Bible These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. New Heart English Bible These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Webster's Bible Translation And these were the sons of Levi, by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThese were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. World English Bible These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd these are the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Berean Literal Bible And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Young's Literal Translation And these are sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Smith's Literal Translation And these shall be the sons of Levi, by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there were found sons of Levi by their names, Gerson and Caath and Merari. Catholic Public Domain Version and there were found the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. New American Bible These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. New Revised Standard Version The following were the sons of Levi, by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThese were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershun and Qahath and Merari. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Brenton Septuagint Translation And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gedson, Caath, and Merari. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Registration of the Levites…16So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded. 17These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 18These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei.… Cross References These were the sons of Levi by name: Genesis 46:11 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Exodus 6:16 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. 1 Chronicles 6:1 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Gershon, Numbers 26:57 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. Joshua 21:6 The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. 1 Chronicles 23:7 The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. Kohath, Exodus 6:18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. Joshua 21:4 The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. 1 Chronicles 23:12 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. and Merari. Exodus 6:19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites according to their records. Joshua 21:34 This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah, 1 Chronicles 23:21 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. 1 Chronicles 23:6 Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 1 Chronicles 6:16-19 The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. … 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 24:20-31 Now these were the rest of the descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah. / As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah. / From the Izharites: Shelomoth; from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath. … Treasury of Scripture And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Numbers 26:57,58 And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites… Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Exodus 6:16-19 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… Jump to Previous Gershon Kohath Levi Merari Merar'i NamesJump to Next Gershon Kohath Levi Merari Merar'i NamesNumbers 3 1. The sons of Aaron5. The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn 14. Are numbered by their families 21. The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites 27. Of the Kohathites 33. Of the Merarites 38. The place and charge of Moses and Aaron 40. The firstborn are freed by the Levites 44. The balances are refunded These were the sons of Levi by name: Levi’s descendants were set apart from the other tribes for the service of the sanctuary. Rather than receiving a single tribal territory, the Levites were given cities throughout Israel and were entrusted with guarding, transporting, and assisting in the worship appointed by God. Their three family divisions supplied the order necessary for the Tabernacle to travel with Israel through the wilderness. Gen 46:11 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Gershon, The Gershonites, whose name means “exile” or “sojourner,” cared for the curtains, coverings, screens, and cords of the Tabernacle (Numbers 4:24–28). Their work preserved the holy enclosure that marked God’s dwelling in the midst of His people. Though their duties involved materials that could be carried by wagons, their service remained sacred because every part of the Tabernacle belonged to the Lord. Num 26:57 Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans:… Kohath, The Kohathites carried the most holy furnishings after Aaron and his sons had covered them for transport, including the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and sacred vessels (Numbers 4:1–20). They were forbidden to look upon or touch these holy objects directly, lest they die. Moses, Aaron, and the priestly line descended from Kohath, showing the central place of this family in Israel’s worship. Korah also came from Kohath, and his rebellion later demonstrated that nearness to sacred service did not excuse disobedience to God’s order. Exo 6:18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron,… and Merari. The Merarites transported the frames, bars, pillars, bases, and other structural elements of the Tabernacle (Numbers 4:29–33). Their demanding work supported the dwelling place where God made His presence known among Israel. Together, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari reveal that every assigned responsibility in the worship of God was necessary and was to be carried out with reverence. Exo 6:19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi.… Persons / Places / Events 1. LeviLevi was the third son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Levi was set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle. 2. Gershon The first son of Levi. The Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's curtains and coverings. 3. Kohath The second son of Levi. The Kohathites were tasked with the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant. 4. Merari The third son of Levi. The Merarites were responsible for the framework of the tabernacle, including the pillars and bases. 5. The Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the divine presence during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Teaching Points The Importance of Heritage and CallingThe Levites were chosen for a specific purpose, highlighting the importance of understanding and embracing one's spiritual heritage and calling. Diversity of Roles in God's Service Just as the sons of Levi had different responsibilities, God assigns diverse roles within the body of Christ. Each role is vital for the functioning of the church. Faithfulness in Assigned Duties The Levites' dedication to their tasks serves as a model for faithfulness in whatever God has entrusted to us, whether in ministry, work, or family. The Significance of Spiritual Leadership The Levites' role in leading worship and maintaining the tabernacle underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and its impact on community worship. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 3:17?2. How does Numbers 3:17 emphasize the importance of family lineage in ministry roles? 3. What can we learn about God's order from Numbers 3:17? 4. How does Numbers 3:17 connect to the broader Levitical priesthood theme in Scripture? 5. How can understanding Numbers 3:17 influence our view of spiritual leadership today? 6. What practical steps can we take to honor God's order in our communities? 7. What is the significance of Levi's sons, Gershon and Kohath, in Numbers 3:17? 8. How does Numbers 3:17 relate to the Levitical priesthood's role in Israelite society? 9. Why are the genealogies in Numbers 3:17 important for understanding Israel's religious structure? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3? What Does Numbers 3:17 Mean These were the sons- Genealogies anchor God’s people in real history. Numbers opens this list by stating matter-of-factly that Levi had sons, underscoring the Lord’s faithfulness to covenant promises transmitted through generations (Genesis 17:7; Exodus 6:14-16). - Scripture often pauses to name descendants so we can trace how God works through families—think of the careful records in 1 Chronicles 1-9 or the line of Christ in Matthew 1. - More than dry data, these family trees remind us that God’s plan advances through ordinary households that choose obedience. of Levi - Levi, Jacob’s third son (Genesis 29:34), became the tribe entrusted with tabernacle service. After the golden-calf incident the Levites rallied to Moses (Exodus 32:26), and the Lord set them apart for ministry (Deuteronomy 10:8-9). - Numbers 3 explains that every firstborn Israelite male originally belonged to God (Exodus 13:2), but He accepted the Levites in their place (Numbers 3:12-13). The tribe thus serves as a living reminder of redemption. by name - God delights in specificity. He doesn’t speak of an anonymous crowd; He lists individuals. Isaiah 43:1 reassures, “I have called you by name; you are Mine,” and Jesus says the shepherd “calls his own sheep by name” (John 10:3). - Knowing each Levite lineage by name shows that the Lord’s care drills down to the personal level. No family slips through the cracks of His sovereign attention. Gershon - The Gershonites camped on the west side of the tabernacle and transported its curtains, coverings, and screens (Numbers 3:25-26; 4:24-26). - Their work involved keeping the visible fabric of worship in good order—an early picture of how service behind the scenes matters to God just as much as front-line leadership (1 Peter 4:10-11 highlights varied gifts working together). - Cities such as Golan and Beeshterah later housed Gershonite clans (Joshua 21:27-33), showing how the Lord provided for those who served Him. Kohath - Kohath’s descendants carried the most sacred objects—the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and utensils (Numbers 3:31; 4:4-15). - Because contact with these items was dangerous if mishandled (2 Samuel 6:6-7), the duty required reverent precision. This illustrates the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms (Hebrews 12:28-29). - Notably, Amram, a Kohathite, fathered Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:18-20), linking this line directly to prophetic and priestly leadership. and Merari - The Merarites oversaw the structural framework—boards, bars, pillars, bases (Numbers 3:36-37; 4:29-33). - Their load was heavy, yet it ensured stability. Likewise, believers who strengthen doctrine and support church logistics keep the community from collapsing (Ephesians 4:16). - Towns such as Jokneam and Rimmon became Merarite homes (Joshua 21:34-40), confirming that the Lord does not forget those who shoulder weighty, unseen responsibilities. summary Numbers 3:17 spotlights three sons—not merely as a footnote, but as living proof that God organizes His people with purpose. Gershon reminds us of faithful service in worship’s fabric, Kohath of reverent proximity to holiness, and Merari of sturdy support. Together they show that every role, named and known by God, matters in His unfolding plan. Verse 17. - These were the sons of Levi. These genealogical notices are inserted here in order to give completeness to the account of the Levites in the day of their dedication.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Theseאֵ֥לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those were וַיִּֽהְיוּ־ (way·yih·yū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the sons בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Levi לֵוִ֖י (lê·wî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi by name: בִּשְׁמֹתָ֑ם (biš·mō·ṯām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8034: A name Gershon, גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹן (gê·rə·šō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1648: Gershon -- a son of Levi Kohath, וּקְהָ֖ת (ū·qə·hāṯ) Conjunctive waw | 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 Additonal Resources Numbers 3:17 Blue Letter BibleNumbers 3:17 Bible Gateway Numbers 3:17 Bible.com Numbers 3:17 NIV |
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