Numbers 3:33

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Of Merari [was] the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these [are] the families of Merari.

Complete Jewish Bible:

M'rari fathered the clans of Machli and Mushi; these were the M'rari clans.

Berean Standard Bible:

From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans.

American Standard Version:

Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Of Merari^{H4847} was the family^{H4940} of the Mahlites^{H4250}, and the family^{H4940} of the Mushites^{H4188}: these are the families^{H4940} of Merari^{H4847}.

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Commentary for Numbers 3:33

Numbers 3:33 is part of a larger section in the Book of Numbers that deals with the organization and census of the Levites, the tribe designated to serve in the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary of God used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The verse specifically mentions the family of Merari, one of the three main clans of the Levites, the others being the Gershonites and the Kohathites. Merari's descendants are further divided into two families: the Mahlites and the Mushites.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. After the Exodus, God gave Moses instructions on how to organize the Israelite camp, including the roles and responsibilities of the Levites. The Levites were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes; instead, they were set apart to serve God and the people by taking care of the tabernacle and its sacred objects.

The themes present in Numbers 3:33 include divine order and the structure of the priestly class. The detailed genealogies and divisions within the Levitical tribe emphasize the importance of lineage and the hereditary nature of priestly duties. The Merarites, along with the other Levitical families, were assigned specific tasks related to the transport and maintenance of the tabernacle. The Mahlites and Mushites, as part of the Merarite clan, would have been responsible for carrying components of the tabernacle such as the frames, bars, pillars, and sockets during the Israelites' travels.

This verse reflects the meticulous organization and division of labor that characterized the religious life of ancient Israel. It also underscores the theological principle that God is a God of order, and that every individual and family within the community of Israel had a designated role in the worship and service of the Lord.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H4847
   There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מְרָרִי
   Transliteration: Mᵉrârîy
   Pronunciation: mer-aw-ree'
   Description: from מָרַר; bitter; Merari, an Israelite; Merari. See also מְרָרִי.
   
2. 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).
   
3. Strong's Number: H4250
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַחְלִי
   Transliteration: Machlîy
   Pronunciation: makh-lee'
   Description: patronymical from מַחְלִי; a Machlite or (collectively) descendants of Machli; Mahlites.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4188
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּשִׁי
   Transliteration: Mûwshîy
   Pronunciation: moo-shee'
   Description: patronymical from מוּשִׁי; a Mushite (collectively) or descendants of Mushi; Mushites.