And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

NUMBERS 3:17KJV
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Numbers 3:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 3:17 mean?

Numbers 3:17 lists the names of the three sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. This verse identifies the main family groups, or clans, that came from Levi, which are important for organizing the duties of the Levites in Israel’s religious life.

In the book of Numbers, God is instructing Moses about the organization of the Levites, who are set apart to serve in the tabernacle. By naming Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, Numbers 3:17 sets up the structure for how the Levite families will be assigned their specific roles and responsibilities in the following verses. This verse is foundational for understanding the later division of labor among the Levites.

Where else these words appear

“Gershon” Hebrew H1648 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • 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

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • 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

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • 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.