Numbers 3:20

Verse

And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses.

Bible in Basic English

And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites in the order of their fathers' houses.

Free Bible Version

Merari's sons by family were Mahli and Mushi. These were the families of the Levites, according to their father's line.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

One Unity Resource Bible

The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites [Descendants of United with] according to their fathers’ houses.

Translation for Translators

Merari had two sons: Mahli and Mushi. The clans that were descended from them had the same names as those two sons. Those are the clans that were descended from Levi.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The clans coming from Merari's sons were Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites, listed clan by clan.

Noah Webster Bible

And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi: these are the families of the Levites, according to the house of their fathers.

World English Bible

The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses.

Young's Literal Translation

And the sons of Merari by their families [are] Mahli and Mushi; these are the families of the Levites, by the house of their fathers.

Context

The Numbering of the Levites

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.

Summary

In Numbers 3:20, the verse lists the descendants of Levi, the son of Jacob, who were appointed to assist Aaron the high priest in the tabernacle. This highlights the importance of the Levites in the religious duties of the Israelites, emphasizing their role in serving God and the community. The specific mention of their responsibilities underscores the organization and orderliness required in the worship practices of the Israelites. This verse showcases the divine appointment of the Levites for sacred service, setting them apart for a special purpose within the community of Israel.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the sons, of Merari, by their families,.... The third son of Levi: Mahli and Mushi; the same as in Exo 6:19; from whom were denominated the families of the Mahlites and Mushites, who, as the preceding families, were numbered at this time: these are the families of the Levites, according to the house of their fathers; in all eight families.