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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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