Numbers 3:17

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon and Kohath and Merari.

Free Bible Version

These were the names of Levi's sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

These were the sons of Levi [United with] by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

Translation for Translators

Levi had three sons, whose names were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The names of Levi's sons were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Young's Literal Translation

And these are sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

Context

The Numbering 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.

Summary

In Numbers 3:17, the Levites are distinguished from the rest of the Israelites and given specific responsibilities in the tabernacle. This verse marks the beginning of the Levitical priesthood, highlighting their consecration for service to the Lord. The Levites were chosen to assist the priests in the sacred duties of the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of order and obedience in worship. This verse sets the stage for the Levites to play a crucial role in the spiritual life of the Israelites, serving as intermediaries between the people and God.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And these were the sons of Levi, by their names,.... The immediate offspring and descendants of that patriarch: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; these went down with him into Egypt, Gen 46:11.