And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

GENESIS 46:11KJV
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Genesis 46:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 46:11 mean?

Genesis 46:11 lists the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. This verse is part of a genealogical record, naming Levi’s descendants as Jacob’s family moves to Egypt.

In context, Genesis 46 recounts Jacob (also called Israel) bringing his entire family to Egypt during a famine. The verse simply names Levi’s three sons, who later become the ancestors of the main divisions among the Levites. This detail helps trace the family lines that will play important roles in Israel’s history, especially in religious duties.

Why Genesis 46:11 matters

  • Genesis 46:11 shows the specific family roots of the Levites, who later serve in important religious roles in Israel, especially in the tabernacle and temple.
  • Listing Gershon, Kohath, and Merari connects later stories about the Levites back to their original ancestors, helping readers follow the family lines throughout the Bible.
  • This verse helps clarify the structure of Israel’s tribes and the special place of Levi’s descendants in the nation’s history.

Where else these words appear

“Gershon” Hebrew H1648 · used in 17 verses

  • 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.
  • Numbers 3:25 And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
  • Numbers 10:17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

“Kohath” Hebrew H6955 · used in 29 verses

  • 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.
  • Numbers 7:9 But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:16 The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

“Merari” Hebrew H4847 · used in 38 verses

  • 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.
  • Numbers 10:17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

“Levi” Hebrew H3878 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
  • Numbers 17:3 And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:43 The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.