King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The sons of Gershon were Livni and Shim'i, with their families.
Berean Standard Bible:
The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans.
American Standard Version:
The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The sons{H1121} of Gershon{H1648}; Libni{H3845}, and Shimi{H8096}, according to their families{H4940}.
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Chronicles 6:17
- And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.
Numbers 3:18
- And these [are] the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.
1 Chronicles 23:7
- Of the Gershonites [were], Laadan, and Shimei.
Genesis 46:11
- And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 6:17
**Exodus 6:17** is a genealogical verse within the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which details the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. This particular verse is part of a broader section (Exodus 6:14-25) that outlines the lineage of the Levites, the tribe from which the priests of Israel would come.
**Themes:**
1. **Divine Selection:** The attention to genealogy underscores the theme of divine selection and the establishment of a priestly class. The Levites, and specifically the descendants of Gershon, were chosen by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the Tabernacle, a role that was hereditary and passed down through these families.
2. **Identity and Heritage:** The verse emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage in ancient Israelite society. Knowing one's ancestry was crucial for understanding one's role and responsibilities within the community, especially for religious and ceremonial duties.
3. **Preparation for Worship:** By detailing the families of Gershon (Libni and Shimi), the text is setting the stage for the organization of worship and religious service in Israel. These genealogies would have been significant for the allocation of responsibilities in the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
**Historical Context:**
- **The Levites:** The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Levi, one of Jacob's sons. They were distinct in their religious role, which included carrying the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Numbers 1:47-53), and later maintaining the Temple in Jerusalem.
- **The Exodus Event:** The book of Exodus is set in the context of the Israelites' oppression in Egypt and their subsequent deliverance by God through Moses. This verse is part of the narrative where God is reassuring Moses of His commitment to deliver Israel and establish His covenant with them, which includes instructions for the Tabernacle and the priesthood.
- **The Priestly Role:** The genealogy here is significant for establishing the legitimacy of the priestly lines. The Gershonites, along with the other Levite clans, had specific duties in transporting and caring for the sanctuary, which were integral to the religious life of the nation.
In summary, Exodus 6:17 is a verse that contributes to the theme of divine order and selection within the historical context of the formation of Israel's religious and social structures during the period of the Exodus.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1121
There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֵּן
Transliteration: bên
Pronunciation: bane
Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [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. - Strong's Number: H1648
There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גֵּרְשׁוֹן
Transliteration: Gêrᵉshôwn
Pronunciation: gay-resh-one'
Description: or גֵּרְשׁוֹם; from גָּרַשׁ; a refugee; Gereshon or Gereshom, an Israelite; Gershon, Gershom. - Strong's Number: H3845
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לִבְנִי
Transliteration: Libnîy
Pronunciation: lib-nee'
Description: from לָבַן; white; Libni, an Israelite; Libni. - Strong's Number: H8096
There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׁמְעִי
Transliteration: Shimʻîy
Pronunciation: shim-ee'
Description: from שֵׁמַע; famous; Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites; Shimeah (from the margin), Shimei, Shimhi, Shimi. - Strong's Number: H4940
There are 224 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁפָּחָה
Transliteration: mishpâchâh
Pronunciation: mish-paw-khaw'
Description: from שָׁפָה (compare שִׁפְחָה); 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; family, kind(-red).