### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gêrᵉshôwn**, represented by `{{H1648}}`, identifies **Gershon**, an Israelite whose name means **a refugee**. It appears **17 times** across **17 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily serving to establish a key lineage within the tribe of Levi.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1648}}` is used to establish the patriarchal lineage of one of the three main divisions of the Levites. **Gershon** is consistently identified as a **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Levi** `{{H3878}}`, alongside his brothers **Kohath** `{{H6955}}` and **Merari** `{{H4847}}` ([[Genesis 46:11]], [[Exodus 6:16]]). His own sons were **Libni** `{{H3845}}` and **Shimei** `{{H8096}}`, who formed their own families [[Numbers 3:18]]. The descendants of **Gershon** were given specific responsibilities, including **bearing** `{{H5375}}` the **tabernacle** `{{H4908}}` when it was moved [[Numbers 10:17]] and having charge over the tabernacle itself, its tent, and its coverings [[Numbers 3:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the role and lineage of **Gershon** `{{H1648}}`:
* `{{H3878}}` **Lêvîy** (Levi): As the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, **Levi** is the progenitor of the Levitical tribe [[Genesis 46:11]]. The term means "attached."
* `{{H1649}}` **Gêrᵉshunnîy** (Gershonite): This is the patronymic term for the descendants of **Gershon**, identifying them as a distinct group with specific duties [[Numbers 3:21]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," is crucial to all the genealogical lists that place **Gershon** within the family of Levi [[Exodus 6:16]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family): This term, meaning a family or tribe, is used to organize the Levites into their respective clans, such as the **family** of the Gershonites [[Numbers 26:57]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1648}}` is primarily organizational and functional within the structure of Levitical service.
* **Structured Service:** The lineage of **Gershon** establishes one of the three primary divisions of the tribe of **Levi** `{{H3878}}`, which were organized into courses for service [[1 Chronicles 23:6]].
* **Sacred Duties:** The sons of **Gershon** were assigned the specific and holy responsibility to **bear** `{{H5375}}` the **tabernacle** `{{H4908}}` [[Numbers 10:17]] and to **serve** `{{H5647}}` by managing its key components, emphasizing a divinely ordered system for worship [[Numbers 4:41]].
* **Covenantal Place:** The families descending from **Gershon** were given a specific inheritance of cities by lot, confirming their integral role and provision within the nation of Israel [[Joshua 21:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1648}}` **Gêrᵉshôwn** is more than just a name; it represents a foundational pillar of the Levitical structure. The term is used consistently to trace the lineage from **Levi** `{{H3878}}` to one of its three primary branches. The narrative defines the identity, role, and inheritance of the Gershonite **family** `{{H4940}}`, showcasing an orderly system of sacred service central to Israel's worship at the **tabernacle** `{{H4908}}`.
TRV