Numbers 3:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, from whom all Levites descended.
The Context of Numbers 3:17
Introducing the three ancestral lines of the Levite clans.
What Does Numbers 3:17 Mean?
These three names represent the ancestral heads of the Levite clans. Every male Levite traces descent to one of these three sons of Levi, making them the organizational foundation of the entire tribe. The specificity of naming honors lineage and clarity.
The three divisions will be assigned distinct roles in the transport and service of the tabernacle. This genealogical structure makes the Levite organization coherent, manageable, and aligned with Israel's kinship systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 3:17
What does Numbers 3:17 mean?
Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, from whom all Levites descended.
What is the context of Numbers 3:17?
Introducing the three ancestral lines of the Levite clans.