Exodus 6:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 6:17 mean?

Exodus 6:17 lists the sons of Gershon, naming Libni and Shimi, and notes that these sons are grouped according to their families. This verse is part of a genealogy, showing the family lines within the tribe of Levi.

In Exodus 6, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron, giving a record of their family background. Gershon is one of Levi’s sons, and his descendants, Libni and Shimi, are named here to show the specific branches of the Levite family. This helps set the stage for later passages where these families have particular roles in Israel’s worship and community life.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 6:17

• בְּנֵי (bənê, "sons"): This word means "sons" or "descendants," and it often marks out family lines in genealogies, highlighting the importance of ancestry and inheritance in Israelite society.
• מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם (mishpechotam, "families"): This word means "families" or "clans." Its use here shows that Libni and Shimi each became the heads of distinct family groups within the tribe, which would later have organizational and religious significance.

Why Exodus 6:17 matters

• This verse clarifies the specific branches of the Gershonite family, which helps explain later assignments of duties among the Levites in the tabernacle.
• By naming Libni and Shimi, the verse connects later references to these family groups back to their origins, making sense of the structure seen in Numbers and other books.
• The focus on families and descendants underlines how Israelite society was organized around extended family groups, which shaped leadership and responsibilities.