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.

NUMBERS 26:57KJV
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Numbers 26:57 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:57 mean?

Numbers 26:57 lists the main families of the Levites who were counted separately from the other tribes of Israel: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites, each descended from Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. This verse introduces the Levite census by naming their ancestral lines.

In the context of Numbers 26, Moses is recording a new census of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The Levites were set apart for special duties related to the tabernacle, so their families are listed distinctly. This verse sets up the following verses, which detail the Levite clans and their numbers.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:57

  • numbered (פָּקַד, paqad): This word means to count, appoint, or muster. Here, it refers to the official counting of the Levite families, highlighting their special status and role.
  • Levites (לֵוִי, levi): This term identifies the tribe set apart for religious service, reminding the reader that these families had unique responsibilities among the Israelites.
  • families (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word refers to extended family groups or clans. The verse emphasizes the importance of lineage and organization within the Levite tribe.

Why Numbers 26:57 matters

  • Numbers 26:57 clarifies that the Levites were not counted with the other tribes because of their unique role, which helps explain later passages about their responsibilities and inheritance.
  • By naming the three main Levite families, the verse connects back to earlier genealogies in Exodus and Numbers, showing continuity in Israel’s organization.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the detailed breakdown of Levite clans and their numbers, which is important for understanding their assignments in the tabernacle and their place in Israelite society.

Where else these words appear

“Gershonites” Hebrew H1649 · used in 12 verses

  • Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
  • Numbers 4:24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens:
  • 1 Chronicles 23:7 Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei.

“Kohathites” Hebrew H6956 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 3:27 And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
  • Numbers 4:37 These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:54 Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.

“Gershon” Hebrew H1648 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
  • Numbers 7:7 Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:

“Kohath” Hebrew H6955 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 4:15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:16 The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.