1 Chronicles 6:17

KJV

And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these be the names {H8034} of the sons {H1121} of Gershom {H1647}; Libni {H3845}, and Shimei {H8096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Livni and Shim'i.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

American Standard Version

And these are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:17 is a concise entry within the extensive genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically focusing on the lineage of the Levites. This verse precisely identifies "Libni, and Shimei" as the immediate sons of Gershom, one of the three foundational sons of Levi. Its inclusion serves to meticulously document the family branches of the Gershonites, who were designated for specific roles in the sacred service of the tabernacle and later the Temple, thereby affirming the divine order and continuity of the Levitical priesthood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with a monumental genealogical section, spanning chapters 1 through 9. These lists are far from mere historical archives; they serve as a theological foundation for the post-exilic community, re-establishing their identity and connection to God's covenant promises. Chapter 6 specifically hones in on the descendants of Levi, the tribe divinely appointed for sacred service and worship. Within this chapter, the lineage of Levi's three sons—Gershom (also known as Gershon), Kohath, and Merari—is meticulously traced. [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - The Lineage of Levi") begins by outlining the priestly line of Aaron through Kohath, but then systematically details the other Levitical families. Verse 17, therefore, acts as a pivotal point, introducing the direct descendants of Gershom, whose family lines would play a crucial role in the transport and care of the tabernacle furnishings, as detailed in other parts of the Pentateuch, and later in Temple service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The compilation of 1 Chronicles is generally attributed to the post-exilic period, likely after the return from Babylonian captivity. For a people rebuilding their nation and identity, these genealogies were paramount. They provided a tangible link to their past, affirming tribal affiliations, land rights, and, most critically, eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. The meticulous detailing of the Levites' lineage underscored the importance of proper worship and the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. In ancient Israelite society, one's identity, status, and role were inextricably tied to their family and tribal lineage. The Levites, in particular, had a unique and sacred function, set apart by God for the care of the sanctuary and the facilitation of worship. Thus, a clear, unbroken record of their ancestry, as provided in verses like [1 Chronicles 6:17](/1_chronicles/6-17 "1 Chronicles 6:17 - The Sons of Gershom"), was essential for maintaining the integrity and order of their divinely ordained responsibilities.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes presented in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles") and particularly evident in its genealogical sections include **Divine Order and Continuity**. The precise listing of names, even seemingly obscure ones, underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in His plan for Israel, ensuring that every role and responsibility within His covenant community is clearly defined and maintained across generations. This emphasis on **Identity and Heritage** was vital for the returning exiles, providing them with a profound sense of belonging and a reaffirmation of their place within God's chosen nation, connecting them directly to the promises made to their patriarchs. Furthermore, the focus on the Levites highlights the theme of **Sacred Service and Worship**, emphasizing that God desires an ordered and consecrated approach to ministry. The genealogies were not just about who people were, but about what they were called to do in the service of the Lord, reflecting the divine blueprint for the tabernacle and Temple worship, as seen in passages like [Numbers 3:21-26](/numbers/3-21 "Numbers 3:21-26 - Duties of the Gershonites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gershom (גֵּרְשֹׁום, _Gershom_):** This name, which can mean "a sojourner there" or "expulsion," is significant not only as the name of Levi's son but also as the name Moses gave to his firstborn son (cf. [Exodus 2:22](/exodus/2-22 "Exodus 2:22 - Moses Names Gershom")). While its meaning for Levi's son is not explicitly stated to carry the same personal reflection as it did for Moses, the name itself signifies a transient or foreign status. In the context of the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance like the other tribes but were scattered throughout Israel, the name "Gershom" could subtly underscore their unique, non-landed status as God's servants, "sojourners" dedicated to the Lord's work.
* **Libni (לִבְנִי, _Libni_):** Meaning "white" or "whiteness," this name is derived from the Hebrew root for "white" (לבן, _lavan_). While the significance of individual names in genealogies is often not explicitly expounded upon, names in ancient Israel often carried aspirational or descriptive qualities. "Whiteness" could evoke purity, cleanliness, or perhaps a connection to the bright, pure garments of the priests and Levites, or the purity required for sanctuary service.
* **Shimei (שִׁמְעִי, _Shimei_):** Derived from the Hebrew root "to hear" (שמע, _shama_), this name means "renowned," "heard," or "he has heard." This suggests a connection to listening, obedience, or perhaps being well-known. For a Levitical family, "hearing" God's commands and being "renowned" for faithful service would have been highly valued attributes, reflecting the core duty of those set apart for God's work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom;":** This introductory clause serves as a clear heading, directing the reader's attention to the specific lineage being detailed. It functions as a precise identifier, specifying that the subsequent names are the direct, immediate descendants of Gershom, the firstborn son of Levi. This structure is typical of biblical genealogies, ensuring clarity and order in tracing family lines.
* **"Libni, and Shimei.":** This clause provides the essential information, naming the two primary sons who would establish the two main branches of the Gershonite family. These names are not merely identifiers but represent the foundational progenitors of significant Levitical clans, whose descendants would fulfill specific duties in the tabernacle and Temple, such as carrying the coverings and curtains (cf. [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Duties of the Gershonites")). The brevity of this listing underscores the genealogical purpose—to establish the lineage rather than to recount narratives about these individuals.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:17, and indeed throughout the extensive genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, is **Enumeration**. This involves the systematic listing of names and lineages, which serves to establish order, demonstrate continuity, and affirm identity. While seemingly dry, this enumeration is purposeful, reflecting a meticulous record-keeping that underscores God's attention to detail and His providential ordering of His people. Closely related is **Repetition**, as the pattern of "son of" and the listing of family lines recurs throughout the chapters, reinforcing the theme of generational continuity and the unbroken chain of God's covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Emphasis** on the importance of lineage, particularly for the Levites, as their eligibility for sacred service was directly tied to their ancestry. The very act of recording these names validates their existence and their designated role within the divine economy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous record-keeping in 1 Chronicles 6:17, though seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's comprehensive knowledge and providential care, demonstrating that even the seemingly small details of human lineage are known and ordered by Him. This attention to detail affirms the divine blueprint for Israel's identity and worship, ensuring that the sacred service of the tabernacle and Temple was carried out by those divinely appointed. It underscores the concept of divine order and the importance of every individual's place within God's larger plan, even if their specific role is to simply be part of a lineage that enables the continuity of His work. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were a tangible reassurance of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, reminding them that their heritage and future were secure in His hands, despite the intervening exile.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")
* [Hebrews 7:1-3](/hebrews/7-1 "Hebrews 7:1-3 - Melchizedek's Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 6:17, despite its brevity, invites us to reflect on the profound implications of God's attention to detail and the significance of our own spiritual heritage. Just as God meticulously recorded the lineages of Israel to ensure order and continuity in His plan, so too does He know each of us intimately, weaving our lives into His grand narrative of redemption. This verse reminds us that every individual has a place and purpose within God's divine order, even if that purpose is to faithfully contribute to the continuity of His work through our families, communities, and churches. It encourages us to value our spiritual lineage—the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us—and to consider how we are faithfully passing on the heritage of faith to the next generation. Our lives, like these ancient names, are recorded in God's book, not for our renown, but for His glory and the unfolding of His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in genealogies like this verse affirm His comprehensive knowledge and care for every individual, including yourself?**
* **In what ways do you recognize and value your own spiritual heritage, and how does it inform your identity and purpose in Christ?**
* **How can we, as believers today, contribute to the "continuity" of God's work and the passing on of faith to future generations, reflecting the divine order seen in the Levitical lineages?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they establish **identity and lineage**, linking individuals and tribes to their historical and covenantal roots. For the post-exilic community of 1 Chronicles, this was vital for re-establishing tribal claims, land rights, and eligibility for specific roles, particularly the priesthood and Levitical service. Secondly, they demonstrate **God's faithfulness to His promises**, showing the unbroken continuity of His covenant through generations, from Adam to Abraham, David, and ultimately to Christ. Thirdly, they reveal **divine order and purpose**, illustrating how God meticulously orchestrates history and prepares individuals for specific roles within His plan, such as the Levites for sacred service (e.g., [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - The Appointment of the Levites")). They are not merely dry lists but theological statements affirming God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

**What was the specific role of Gershom's descendants (the Gershonites) among the Levites?**

Answer: The Gershonites, descendants of Gershom, were one of the three main branches of the Levites (along with the Kohathites and Merarites). Their specific duties, primarily detailed in the book of Numbers, revolved around the care and transport of the tabernacle's coverings and curtains. According to [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Duties of the Gershonites"), they were responsible for the tabernacle itself, the tent, its covering, the screen for the door of the tent of meeting, the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the court, and all the cords related to their service. During the wilderness wanderings, they carried these components when the tabernacle was moved. Later, in the Temple period, their roles evolved to include various aspects of Temple service, such as guarding, singing, and assisting the priests, ensuring the continuity of worship and the proper maintenance of the sacred space.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:17 meticulously details the human lineage of the Levites, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how these earthly genealogies and the Levitical service they enable point to the perfect and eternal High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The careful preservation of the Levitical line underscored the necessity of an appointed, consecrated priesthood for mediating between God and humanity, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator. Jesus, though not from the tribe of Levi according to His earthly lineage (He came from Judah, as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")), fulfills the Levitical purpose through a superior priesthood—that of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:11-28](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-28 - Jesus, a Priest Like Melchizedek")). The Old Testament genealogies, with their emphasis on physical descent and specific roles, ultimately find their culmination in Christ, who establishes a new spiritual lineage through faith, making all believers part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the meticulous records of Gershom's sons, ensuring the continuity of the Levitical service, ultimately anticipate the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and eternal intercession of the Son of God, who forever bridges the gap between God and humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 23:7

Of the Gershonites [were], Laadan, and Shimei.

Exodus 6:17

The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.

Numbers 3:18

And these [are] the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.

Numbers 3:21

Of Gershon [was] the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these [are] the families of the Gershonites.