Numbers 3:21
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת
and the family
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת
and the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 9
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַלִּבְנִ֔י
of the Libnites
H3846
הַלִּבְנִ֔י
of the Libnites
Strong's:
H3846
Word #:
3 of 9
a libnite or descendants of libni (collectively)
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת
and the family
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת
and the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 9
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַשִּׁמְעִ֑י
of the Shimites
H8097
הַשִּׁמְעִ֑י
of the Shimites
Strong's:
H8097
Word #:
5 of 9
a shimite (collectively) or descendants of shimi
Historical Context
The Libnites and Shimites (also called Shimeites) were the two families descended from Gershon through his sons Libni and Shimei. Together these families numbered 7,500 males from one month old and upward (Numbers 3:22).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the detailed organization of Gershonite families illustrate that God assigns specific responsibilities even within larger service groups?
- What does this teach us about the importance of each member knowing and faithfully executing their assigned role in the body of Christ?
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Analysis & Commentary
The enumeration of Gershonite families continues the systematic organization of Levitical service, demonstrating that God's order extends to the most detailed levels. No family was overlooked or assigned haphazardly; each received specific responsibilities contributing to the whole. This comprehensive organization reflects the New Testament principle that the body of Christ has many members, each with assigned functions, all necessary for the body to function properly (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).