Numbers 3:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Gershon {H1648} was the family {H4940} of the Libnites {H3846}, and the family {H4940} of the Shimites {H8097}: these are the families {H4940} of the Gershonites {H1649}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Gershon fathered the clans of Livni and Shim'i; these were the Gershon clans.

Berean Standard Bible

From Gershon came the Libnite clan and the Shimeite clan; these were the Gershonite clans.

American Standard Version

Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:21 precisely identifies the two primary familial divisions descended from Gershon, one of Levi's three sons: the Libnites and the Shimites. This verse is an integral component of the meticulous Levitical census, divinely mandated to delineate the specific roles and responsibilities of each clan within the tribe of Levi. This detailed organization was essential for their consecrated service in and around the Tabernacle, underscoring God's profound commitment to order, holiness, and the precise execution of sacred duties within His covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 3:21 is situated within a comprehensive passage detailing the census and organization of the Levites, commencing in [Numbers 3:1](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Generations of Aaron and Moses; The Levites Counted"). Following an introduction to the generations of Aaron and Moses, the text transitions to the divine appointment of the Levites to serve the priests and the Tabernacle, replacing the firstborn of Israel as consecrated to the Lord ([Numbers 3:5-13](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-13 - The Levites Given to Aaron")). The chapter then proceeds with a detailed enumeration of the Levitical families according to Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and their respective clans. Verse 21 specifically addresses Gershon's lineage, setting the stage for the subsequent assignment of the Gershonites' particular duties related to the Tabernacle's components, as elaborated in [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Duties of the Gershonites") and further detailed in [Numbers 4:24-28](/numbers/4-24 "Numbers 4:24-28 - More on Gershonite Responsibilities"). This meticulous record-keeping underscores God's emphasis on order, accountability, and the sanctity of sacred service, ensuring that every aspect of Tabernacle ministry was divinely prescribed and properly executed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 3:21 is the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, shortly after the Exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the Tabernacle as the central locus of God's presence and worship among His people. In ancient Israelite society, lineage and tribal identity were paramount, particularly for those designated for religious service. The Levites, uniquely set apart from the other tribes, were responsible for the care, transport, and maintenance of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary designed for their nomadic journey. This required an extraordinary level of organization and precision, given the inherent sanctity of the Tabernacle and the severe consequences of improper handling or unauthorized access ([Numbers 1:53](/numbers/1-53 "Numbers 1:53 - Levites Guard the Tabernacle")). The census, therefore, was not merely a headcount but a divinely mandated act of preparation, ensuring that every family understood its specific, consecrated role in facilitating Israel's worship and preserving the holiness of God's dwelling place. The identification of the Libnites and Shimites as the "families of the Gershonites" provided the foundational structure for their future, vital contributions to the communal life and worship of Israel, demonstrating a divine blueprint for a holy and ordered community.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 3:21 contributes to several overarching themes present in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Organization**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing the structure of His people, particularly concerning sacred service. Every family and individual has a designated place and purpose within God's plan. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, as the Levites were set apart to handle the holy things of God, emphasizing the need for purity and proper protocol in approaching the divine presence. This is evident throughout the instructions for the Tabernacle and its service, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire"). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Delegated Responsibility and Accountability**, showing that God entrusts specific tasks to specific groups, holding them accountable for their stewardship. This principle is foundational to the functioning of the covenant community, both in the wilderness and as they prepared to enter the Promised Land ([Numbers 1:49-50](/numbers/1-49-50 "Numbers 1:49-50 - Levites Not Counted for War")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gershon (Hebrew, _Gêrᵉshôwn'_):** This name, meaning "a refugee" or "expulsion," belongs to the firstborn son of Levi. In this context, Gershon serves as the patriarchal head of one of the three major divisions of the Levites. His descendants, the Gershonites, derived their identity and, crucially, their specific responsibilities in the Tabernacle service from him. The mention of Gershon here establishes the foundational lineage from which the subsequent family divisions are derived, linking them directly to the consecrated duties of the entire tribe of Levi.
* **family (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** This Hebrew term denotes a clan, kinship group, or a distinct subdivision within a larger tribe. Its repeated use in this verse ("the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites") emphasizes the distinct, yet interconnected, genealogical branches descending from Gershon. This precision was crucial for assigning specific, manageable duties within the larger Levitical framework, reflecting God's meticulous organization of His people for sacred service and ensuring that each unit had a clear, defined role.
* **Gershonites (Hebrew, _Gêrᵉshunnîy'_):** This term is a patronymic, meaning "descendants of Gershon." It collectively refers to all the offspring of Gershon, encompassing both the Libnites and the Shimites. Its inclusion at the end of the verse serves as a summary statement, confirming that the two named families constitute the entirety of the recognized Gershonite lineage for the purpose of the census and the assignment of Tabernacle duties. This collective designation reinforces the unity of purpose and shared identity among Gershon's descendants in their consecrated service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Gershon [was] the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites":** This clause precisely identifies the two primary clans that constitute the descendants of Gershon for the purpose of the Levitical census. It establishes their direct lineage from Gershon, thereby defining their identity and setting the stage for their unique responsibilities in the Tabernacle's care and transport. The explicit naming of these two "families" underscores the meticulous genealogical record-keeping essential for the structured service of the Levites, ensuring no group was overlooked or misassigned.
* **"these [are] the families of the Gershonites":** This concluding phrase serves as a definitive summary, confirming that the Libnites and Shimites collectively represent the entire recognized lineage of Gershon's descendants who were counted and assigned duties. It reinforces the completeness and accuracy of the census, leaving no ambiguity about which groups fell under the Gershonite designation for Tabernacle service, and solidifying their collective identity and purpose within the divine order.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 3:21 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**, which are characteristic of the book of Numbers, a book replete with lists, censuses, and detailed instructions. The precise listing of the Libnites and Shimites as the "families of the Gershonites" serves to categorize and organize the Levitical clans, highlighting the divine emphasis on order and structure within God's chosen people. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the family of" further emphasizes the distinct identity of these sub-groups, even while affirming their shared lineage and collective identity as Gershonites. This meticulous detailing is not merely for historical record but functions as a literary device to underscore the divine blueprint for sacred service, where every component and every family has a designated place and purpose within the larger, divinely ordained system of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:21, though seemingly a dry genealogical detail, profoundly illustrates God's commitment to order, precision, and the principle of delegated responsibility within His covenant community. It reveals that every part of God's plan, down to the specific family units, is meticulously designed and accounted for. This divine order is not arbitrary but serves to maintain the sanctity of worship and the functionality of service, ensuring that God is approached and served in a manner befitting His holiness. The verse highlights the importance of identity and role within God's people, where each group has a unique, divinely appointed contribution to the overall mission, reflecting a God who orchestrates every detail for His glory and the good of His people.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ, Many Members")
* [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for Building Up the Body")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detailing of the Gershonite families in Numbers 3:21 offers a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, and He values every individual and every group within His grand design. Just as the Libnites and Shimites had their specific, essential duties in the Tabernacle service, so too does every believer have a unique and indispensable role within the body of Christ. This verse calls us to embrace our God-given identity and the specific gifts and callings He has placed upon us, understanding that even seemingly "behind-the-scenes" tasks contribute significantly to the overall health and effectiveness of the church. It encourages us to serve with diligence, humility, and a recognition that our individual contributions, no matter how small they may seem, are vital to the collective worship and mission of God's kingdom. We are invited to find our place within the divine order, serving faithfully alongside fellow believers, building up the church, and bringing glory to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "family" or group do I belong to within the body of Christ, and what are my unique responsibilities there?**
* **How does understanding God's meticulous order in the Tabernacle service inform my approach to worship and ministry today?**
* **Am I embracing my unique gifts and calling, even if they seem less prominent, knowing that every part contributes to the whole?**

### FAQ
**Why is the lineage of Gershon so specifically detailed here?**

Answer: The lineage of Gershon is specifically detailed in [Numbers 3:21](/numbers/3-21 "Numbers 3:21 - The Families of Gershon") to establish the precise identity and subsequent responsibilities of the Gershonite families within the larger Levitical order. This meticulous record-keeping was crucial for maintaining divine order, accountability, and the sanctity of Tabernacle duties. By clearly identifying the Libnites and Shimites, the text lays the groundwork for assigning them specific, non-transferable tasks related to the Tabernacle's components, as further elaborated in [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25-26 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Duties of the Gershonites") and [Numbers 4:24-28](/numbers/4-24-28 "Numbers 4:24-28 - More on Gershonite Responsibilities"). This ensured that only those divinely appointed performed particular sacred services, preventing chaos and preserving the holiness required for approaching God.

**What were the primary duties of the Gershonites?**

Answer: The Gershonites were primarily responsible for the lighter, more portable components of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journeys. Their duties, as detailed in [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25-26 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Gershonite Duties") and [Numbers 4:24-28](/numbers/4-24-28 "Numbers 4:24-28 - Detailed Gershonite Responsibilities"), included the care and transport of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, the tent itself, its hangings, cords, and all the service utensils related to these items. They were entrusted with the outer shell and fabric elements of the sanctuary, ensuring its proper dismantling, transport, and reassembly. Their role was essential for the Tabernacle's mobility and functionality as the Israelites moved through the wilderness, allowing God's presence to accompany His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Levitical families, as seen in Numbers 3:21, with each assigned specific duties for the Tabernacle, points forward to the perfect order and ultimate service found in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, which the Gershonites served, was a shadow of greater spiritual realities, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. He is the true dwelling place of God among humanity, the ultimate "tent" or Tabernacle, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." While the Gershonites cared for the physical coverings of the earthly sanctuary, Christ, as our great High Priest, entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Furthermore, the Levitical priesthood, with its divisions and duties, foreshadowed Christ's singular, perfect priesthood, which is "not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood"), further elaborated in [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). In the New Covenant, through Christ's finished work, all believers are made part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God not in a physical tabernacle, but within His spiritual temple, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, the divine order and consecrated service detailed in Numbers 3:21 ultimately find their perfect fulfillment and eternal significance in Christ, who establishes a new and living way for all people to draw near to God and participate in His ongoing redemptive mission.

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.