Numbers 3:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the names {H8034} of the sons {H1121} of Gershon {H1648} by their families {H4940}; Libni {H3845}, and Shimei {H8096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The names of the sons of Gershon were Livni and Shim'i; they fathered their respective clans;

Berean Standard Bible

These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei.

American Standard Version

And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:18 serves as a pivotal genealogical entry within the Levitical census, specifically identifying Libni and Shimei as the two foundational sons of Gershon. These individuals would become the patriarchal heads of the Gershonite families, establishing the precise lineage through which specific and vital responsibilities for the Tabernacle's care, dismantling, and transport would be meticulously assigned. This verse underscores God's divine order, His attention to detail in the organization of sacred service, and the critical importance of generational stewardship within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 3:18 is strategically placed within a detailed section of the Book of Numbers ([Numbers 3:14-39](/numbers/3-14-39 "Numbers 3:14-39 - The Census and Duties of the Levites")) that meticulously enumerates the Levites by their families, their census numbers, and their divinely appointed duties. The preceding verse, [Numbers 3:17](/numbers/3-17 "Numbers 3:17 - The Sons of Levi"), introduces the three primary divisions of the Levites, named after Levi's sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Immediately following this general introduction, Numbers 3:18 narrows the focus to Gershon's lineage, providing the specific names of his direct descendants who would serve as the heads of the two major Gershonite clans. The subsequent verses in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Census and Duties of the Levites") continue this pattern, detailing the Kohathite and Merarite families, their respective numbers, and their precise responsibilities in the Tabernacle service, culminating in a comprehensive census of the Levites and their designated encampment around the sacred dwelling. This meticulous detailing highlights the structured and orderly nature of God's instructions for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness, a formative period marked by divine instruction for the establishment of a holy nation and the meticulous organization of its religious and social life. The detailed tribal genealogies and assignments, as prominently featured in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Census and Duties of the Levites"), reflect the ancient Near Eastern cultural emphasis on lineage, inheritance, and the highly structured organization of society, particularly for religious, civil, and military purposes. The Levites, uniquely set apart by God (as described in [Numbers 1:49-53](/numbers/1-49-53 "Numbers 1:49-53 - Levites Exempt from Military Service")), were exempt from military service and dedicated entirely to the Tabernacle. Their precise organization, including the naming of specific family heads like Libni and Shimei, ensured that the complex and sacred tasks of dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle were carried out with divine precision, accountability, and reverence, reflecting the holiness of God and the seriousness of their consecrated service.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 3:18 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Organization**. God is portrayed as a God of meticulous detail, leaving nothing to chance in the establishment of His worship and the functioning of His covenant community. The precise enumeration of families and their designated roles, as seen in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Census and Duties of the Levites"), demonstrates His desire for order and efficiency in sacred service. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Consecrated Service and Responsibility**. The Levites, and specifically the Gershonites through their family heads, were set apart for a unique and holy purpose—to care for the Tabernacle. This dedication to sacred duty is a recurring motif, emphasizing that service to God is a privilege requiring careful adherence to divine instruction, as further elaborated in passages like [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites"). Finally, the genealogical listing reinforces the theme of **Covenant Continuity and Generational Faithfulness**. By naming the sons who would head the families, the verse ensures the perpetuation of the Levitical priesthood and its responsibilities across generations, emphasizing the importance of lineage in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **names (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** An appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character. In Numbers 3:18, "names" are not merely labels but signify the distinct identity and authority of Libni and Shimei as the progenitors of the Gershonite families. This emphasis on names underscores the importance of individual identity and lineage within God's meticulously organized system for the Levitical service, where each family's "name" carried specific responsibilities and honor.
* **Gershon (Hebrew, _Gêrᵉshôwn'_):** From the root meaning "to drive out" or "a refugee." Gershon is identified as one of Levi's three sons, whose descendants, the Gershonites, were assigned specific duties regarding the Tabernacle's coverings and hangings. In this context, Gershon's name serves as the primary identifier for one of the three major Levitical divisions, setting the stage for the enumeration of his direct familial lines that would carry out their designated sacred service.
* **families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** 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. The term "families" here is crucial, indicating that the enumeration of Libni and Shimei is not merely a list of individuals but the foundational heads from whom distinct, organized family units would descend. This highlights the tribal and generational structure of the Levitical service, ensuring continuity, accountability, and the proper delegation of duties within the larger community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the names of the sons of Gershon by their families;":** This introductory clause functions as a formal declaration, signaling the commencement of a specific genealogical record. It establishes that the subsequent names are not just individuals but the appointed patriarchal heads from whom distinct and organized family units ("families") would descend within the Gershonite division of the Levites. This emphasizes the structured and systematic approach God employed in organizing the Tabernacle service, ensuring every role was tied to a specific lineage.
* **"Libni, and Shimei.":** This direct and concise naming of Gershon's two sons provides the essential genealogical information required for the subsequent allocation of duties within the Levitical corps. Libni and Shimei are presented as the direct progenitors of the Gershonite clans, establishing the two primary branches that would carry out the responsibilities assigned to Gershon's descendants, particularly concerning the Tabernacle's coverings, hangings, and cords. Their specific mention highlights the meticulous detail of God's divine record-keeping and the foundational importance of these individuals for the entire Gershonite service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Numbers 3:18, and indeed throughout much of Numbers 3, is **Genealogy**. This is not a mere dry listing of names but a foundational method in ancient Israelite literature for establishing identity, lineage, and, most critically, divine appointment and responsibility. The meticulous recording of names like Libni and Shimei serves to legitimate the authority and specific duties assigned to their descendants within the Levitical framework. Complementing this is **Enumeration**, as the verse contributes to a comprehensive census and organizational schema for the Levites. This precise listing underscores the divine order and the systematic nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle service, where every family and individual had a designated place and task, reflecting a highly structured and purposeful divine administration. Furthermore, there is an implicit use of **Metonymy**, where the "names" (Libni and Shimei) stand in for the entire families and their future roles and responsibilities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:18, though a simple genealogical entry, deeply embeds itself within the broader theological themes of divine order, covenant fidelity, and the principle of consecrated service. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing the framework for His people's worship and walk, demonstrating that every aspect of the sacred—from the grand Tabernacle to the specific family lines responsible for its care—is divinely ordained. This verse highlights that God's work is not chaotic but structured, with specific roles and responsibilities assigned to ensure its proper execution, a principle that resonates throughout salvation history and finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament concept of the body of Christ.

* [Exodus 6:16](/exodus/6-16 "Exodus 6:16 - The Sons of Levi")
* [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25-26 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Specific Duties of the Gershonites")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 3:18, while seemingly a mere historical record, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, meticulously designing every aspect of His kingdom and assigning specific roles within it. Just as Libni and Shimei were foundational heads for families with distinct Tabernacle duties, so too does God call and equip every believer with unique gifts and callings within the body of Christ. This verse prompts us to consider our own place in God's grand design, encouraging us to embrace and faithfully execute the tasks, whether grand or humble, that God has entrusted to us. It challenges us to recognize the divine significance of our individual contributions to the collective work of the church, fostering a spirit of humility, cooperation, and diligent service, knowing that even the seemingly small details contribute to the overall flourishing of God's kingdom and the advancement of His purposes. Our faithfulness in our assigned "family" or role contributes to the whole, reflecting God's perfect design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Levites in Numbers 3, including the naming of specific family heads, inform our understanding of God's character and His desire for order in our lives and in the church?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as part of God's "family" with a specific role or gift, much like the Gershonites had their assigned duties, and how can you more fully embrace it?**
* **How can we better identify and affirm the unique contributions of each member to the body of Christ, ensuring that "no part is less important" than another, as implied by the detailed accounting of each Levitical family?**

### FAQ

**Why is it important to list these specific names like Libni and Shimei?**

Answer: Listing specific names like Libni and Shimei is crucial for several reasons within the context of the Book of Numbers. Firstly, it establishes the **genealogical foundation** for the Gershonite families, from whom all subsequent members of this Levitical division would trace their lineage. This was vital for maintaining tribal identity, purity, and the proper succession of sacred duties. Secondly, it was essential for **assigning specific responsibilities** for the Tabernacle service. Each Levitical family (Gershonites, Kohathites, Merarites) had distinct duties (e.g., Gershonites carried the curtains and coverings, as detailed in [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25-26 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Duties of the Gershonites")). Without these named heads, the meticulous organization, accountability, and proper execution of sacred duties would have been impossible. Finally, it underscores God's **attention to detail and divine order**, demonstrating that every aspect of Israel's worship and community life was precisely structured according to His will and for His glory.

**What were the specific duties of the Gershonites mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While Numbers 3:18 itself only names the sons of Gershon, the subsequent verses in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Census and Duties of the Levites") and [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites") detail their specific responsibilities. The Gershonites were primarily responsible for the lighter, more portable components of the Tabernacle. Specifically, according to [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25-26 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Duties of the Gershonites"), their charge included the Tabernacle itself, the tent, its covering, the screen for the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation, the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the court which is by the Tabernacle and by the altar all around, and their cords for all their service. These duties were vital for the proper dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the sacred dwelling during Israel's wilderness journeys, ensuring the holiness of God's presence was maintained.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 3:18, with its seemingly mundane genealogical listing, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as Libni and Shimei were foundational heads of families designated for specific service in the earthly Tabernacle, Christ is the ultimate Head of the new spiritual house, the Church, where every believer is a "living stone" built into a spiritual temple for a holy priesthood ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")). The meticulous order and specific assignments for the Levites foreshadow the divine order established by Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of the Law and the Tabernacle service. He is the true Lamb of God, whose once-for-all sacrifice renders all animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), and the High Priest who mediates a better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, the emphasis shifts from a physical lineage and a portable dwelling to a spiritual lineage through faith, making all believers "heirs according to the promise" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")), and a permanent dwelling of God's Spirit within believers ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, the precise organizational structure of the Levites, exemplified by the naming of Gershon's sons, points to the perfect and complete work of Christ, who establishes a new spiritual order where all believers are consecrated for service in His eternal kingdom, each uniquely gifted by the Spirit for the upbuilding of the body of Christ ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")).

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 6:17

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

1 Chronicles 23:7

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

1 Chronicles 23:11

And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to [their] father's house.

Numbers 3:21

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

1 Chronicles 25:4

Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, [and] Mahazioth:

1 Chronicles 26:1

¶ Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites [was] Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

1 Chronicles 26:32

And his brethren, men of valour, [were] two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.