Numbers 3:18
Numbers 3:18 in Multiple Translations
These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei.
And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.
And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.
And these are the names of the sons of Gershon, by their families: Libni and Shimei.
These were the names of Gershon's sons by family: Libni and Shimei.
Also these are the names of the sonnes of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.
And these [are] the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.
These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.
And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.
The sons of Gerson: Lebni and Semei.
Gershon had two sons: Libni and Shimei. The clans that were descended from them had the same names as those two sons.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Numbers 3:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֛לֶּה
שְׁמ֥וֹת
בְּֽנֵי
גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
לִבְנִ֖י
וְ/שִׁמְעִֽי
וְ/אֵ֛לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Conj | Pron
שְׁמ֥וֹת
shêm
H8034
name
N-mp
בְּֽנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן
Gêrᵉshôwn
H1648
Gershon
N-proper
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp | Suff
לִבְנִ֖י
Libnîy
H3845
Libni
N-proper
וְ/שִׁמְעִֽי
Shimʻîy
H8096
Shimei
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:18
וְ/אֵ֛לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
שְׁמ֥וֹת
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-mp
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
בְּֽנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן
Gêrᵉshôwn
H1648
"Gershon"
N-proper
Gershon was a son of Levi and an ancestor of the tribe of Levi, which played a key role in the priesthood and worship of the Israelites. He is mentioned in books like Genesis and Chronicles, and his name means 'exile'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.11; son of: Levi (H3878); brother of: Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Libni (H3845) and Shimei (H8096); also called Gershom at 1Ch.6.16,17,20,43,62,71; 15.7; § Gershon or Gershom = "exile" firstborn son of Levi born before Jacob's family went to Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Gershon, Gershom. See also: Genesis 46:11; Numbers 4:38; 1 Chronicles 15:7.
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
לִבְנִ֖י
Libnîy
H3845
"Libni"
N-proper
Libni was an Israelite from the tribe of Levi, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:29 as the son of Mahli. His name means white. Libni was a key figure in the tribe's history.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.6.29; son of: Mahli (H4249); brother of: Eleazar (H0499J) and Kish (H7027H); father of: Shimei (H8096M) § Libni = "white" the eldest son of Gershon and grandson of Levi
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Libni. See also: Exodus 6:17; 1 Chronicles 6:2; 1 Chronicles 6:14.
וְ/שִׁמְעִֽי
Shimʻîy
H8096
"Shimei"
Conj | N-proper
Shimei was a common name among Israelites, with at least 20 people having this name. One notable Shimei was the brother of David and son of Jesse, who lived during the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.16.9; son of: Jesse (H3448); brother of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J); father of: Jonadab (H3122); also called Shimei (KJV: Shimea) at 2Sa.21.21; Shammah at 1Sa.16.9; 17.13; Shimea at 1Ch.2.13; 20.7; Another name of shim.ah (שִׁמְעָה "Shimeah" H8093) § Shimei or Shimhi or Shimi or Shimea = "renowned" 1) a Benjamite, son of Gera of the house of Saul in the time of David 2) a Benjamite, son of Elah and commissariat officer in the time of Solomon 3) the Ramathite in charge of the vineyards of David 4) son of Gershon and grandson of Levi 5) a Levite, son of Jeduthun and chief of the 10th division of singers in the time of David 6) a Levite of the sons of Heman who took part in the purification of the temple in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah 7) a Levite, brother of Cononiah in charge of receiving the tithes and offerings in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah 8) a Levite who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 9) a Judaite, son of Pedaiah and brother of Zerubbabel 10) a Simeonite, son of Zacchur 11) a Reubenite, son of Gog and father of Micah 12) one of the sons of Hashum who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 13) one of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 14) a Benjamite, son of Kish, father of Jair, and grandfather of Mordecai in the time of Esther 15) a Levite, son of Jahath, grandson of Gershon, and great grandson of Levi 16) Benjamite, father of Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath. Spelled 'Shimhi'
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Shimeah (from the margin), Shimei, Shimhi, Shimi. See also: Exodus 6:17; 1 Chronicles 3:19; Esther 2:5.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
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.
19The sons of Kohath by their clans were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 20And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 6:17 | These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 26:1–32 | These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom. Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men. Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men. All these were descendants of Obed-edom; they and their sons and brothers were capable men with strength to do the work—62 in all from Obed-edom. Meshelemiah also had sons and brothers who were capable men—18 in all. Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all. These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did. They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons. The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah. There were guards stationed at every watch. Each day there were six Levites on the east, four on the north, four on the south, and two pairs at the storehouse. As for the court on the west, there were four at the highway and two at the court. These were the divisions of the gatekeepers who were descendants of Korah and Merari. Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries. His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son. This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders. They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. Everything that had been dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers. From the Izrahites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel. From the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, had charge of the affairs of Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king. As for the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to the genealogies of his ancestors. In the fortieth year of David’s reign the records were searched, and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites at Jazer in Gilead. Among Jerijah’s relatives there were 2,700 capable men who were heads of families. King David appointed them over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and to the affairs of the king. |
| 3 | Exodus 6:17–19 | The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites according to their records. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 23:7–11 | The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all. The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran—three in all. These were the heads of the families of Ladan. And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These were the sons of Shimei—four in all. Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 25:4 | From the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 12:1–26 | Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua. The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who, with his associates, led the songs of thanksgiving. Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood across from them in the services. Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada, Joiada was the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan was the father of Jaddua. In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai; of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin and of Moadiah, Piltai; of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan; of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; and of Jedaiah, Nethanel. In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, during the reign of Darius the Persian, the heads of the families of the Levites and priests were recorded. As for the descendants of Levi, the family heads up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles. The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 6:20–21 | Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son. |
| 8 | Numbers 3:21 | From Gershon came the Libnite clan and the Shimeite clan; these were the Gershonite clans. |
Numbers 3:18 Summary
Numbers 3:18 lists the names of the sons of Gershon, Libni and Shimei, which shows us that God cares about the details of our lives and our families. Just like the Israelites, we are all part of a larger community of faith, and our individual roles and contributions are important (as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). By recognizing the value of each person, we can work together to build a strong and harmonious community, just as the Levites did in their service to God (as outlined in Leviticus 1:1-7:38). This attention to detail and emphasis on community can help us understand our own place within the body of Christ and how we can serve Him effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of listing the names of the sons of Gershon in Numbers 3:18?
The listing of the names of the sons of Gershon, Libni and Shimei, emphasizes the importance of family and clan identity in the Levitical tribe, as seen in Numbers 3:17, where the sons of Levi are listed by name. This attention to detail underscores God's concern for order and organization within the Israelite community, as also noted in Exodus 18:13-27.
How does the mention of Libni and Shimei in Numbers 3:18 relate to the broader narrative of the Bible?
The mention of Libni and Shimei in Numbers 3:18 is part of the larger narrative of the Levites' role in Israel's worship and service, as outlined in Leviticus 1:1-7:38 and reinforced in Deuteronomy 18:1-8. This narrative highlights the crucial function of the Levites in maintaining the spiritual purity and integrity of the Israelite community.
What can we learn from the specific mention of Gershon's sons in Numbers 3:18?
The specific mention of Gershon's sons, Libni and Shimei, teaches us about the value of acknowledging and honoring individual contributions within the community of faith, as taught in Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. It also underscores the importance of recognizing the diversity of gifts and roles within the body of Christ, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:11-16.
How does the structure of Numbers 3:18 reflect the organization of the Levitical tribe?
The structure of Numbers 3:18, which lists the sons of Gershon by their clans, reflects the organizational pattern of the Levitical tribe, as seen in Numbers 3:15-20, where the sons of Levi are listed by their families. This pattern highlights the emphasis on family, clan, and tribal identity within the Israelite community, as also noted in Joshua 13:14 and 21:1-45.
Reflection Questions
- What does the attention to detail in Numbers 3:18 reveal about God's character and His relationship with humanity?
- How does the listing of specific names in Numbers 3:18 encourage us to value the individual contributions of each member within our own communities of faith?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of organization and order seen in Numbers 3:18 to our own lives and ministries?
- What does the mention of Libni and Shimei in Numbers 3:18 teach us about the importance of family and clan identity in our own spiritual journeys?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:18
And these [are] the names of the sons of Gershon, by their families,.... Or to Gershon belonged two families, called after the names of his sons, who were now numbered, namely, Libni and Shimei; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:18
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, Number the children of Levi.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:18
14–20. Summary of the Levitical families.
Sermons on Numbers 3:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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For the Courses of the Doorkeepers. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the vital role of doorkeepers in both the physical and spiritual realms, highlighting their responsibility to maintain the sanctity of the House of God and th |