### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Mᵉrârîy** `{{H4847}}`, meaning **bitter**, identifies **Merari**, an Israelite who was one of the three sons of **Levi** `{{H3878}}`. It appears **39 times** across **38 unique verses** in the Bible. Scripture consistently establishes Merari's place alongside his brothers, **Gershon** `{{H1648}}` and **Kohath** `{{H6955}}`, making him the head of one of the three principal Levitical families [[Genesis 46:11]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Merari** `{{H4847}}` is the patriarch of a major Levitical **family** `{{H4940}}` [[Numbers 26:57]]. His direct descendants, **Mahli** `{{H4249}}` and **Mushi** `{{H4187}}`, are noted as heads of the Merarite families [[Numbers 3:20]]. The sons of Merari were given specific and foundational duties related to the **tabernacle** `{{H4908}}`. They had the **charge** `{{H4931}}` of its structural framework, including the **boards** `{{H7175}}`, **bars** `{{H1280}}`, **pillars** `{{H5982}}`, and **sockets** `{{H134}}` [[Numbers 3:36]]. To assist in this heavy service, they were provided with **four** `{{H702}}` **wagons** `{{H5699}}` and **eight** `{{H8083}}` **oxen** `{{H1241}}` [[Numbers 7:8]]. As Israel settled the land, the descendants of Merari were allotted **twelve** `{{H8147}}``{{H6240}}` **cities** `{{H5892}}` by **lot** `{{H1486}}` from the tribes of **Reuben** `{{H7205}}`, **Gad** `{{H1410}}`, and **Zebulun** `{{H2074}}` [[Joshua 21:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The story of `{{H4847}}` is interwoven with his kinship and the structure of the Levites:
* `{{H1648}}` **Gêrᵉshôwn** (Gershon): As one of Merari's brothers, Gershon is the head of another primary Levitical clan [[Exodus 6:16]]. The sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari are often mentioned together, particularly in their shared duty of transporting the **tabernacle** `{{H4908}}` [[Numbers 10:17]].
* `{{H6955}}` **Qᵉhâth** (Kohath): Merari's other brother and the patriarch of the **Kohathites** `{{H6956}}`, who also had distinct sacred duties. The three brothers together represent the primary divisions of the tribe of **Levi** `{{H3878}}` [[1 Chronicles 23:6]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family): This word, meaning a **family** or clan, is essential to understanding the organization of the Levites. The narrative repeatedly refers to the "families of Merari" to define their lineage and assigned responsibilities [[Numbers 3:33]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of **Merari** `{{H4847}}` is demonstrated through the specific and enduring role of his descendants in Israel's worship.
* **Custodians of the Tabernacle's Structure:** The Merarites were given the sacred **charge** `{{H4931}}` of the tabernacle’s physical framework [[Numbers 3:36]]. This foundational responsibility ensured the mobile sanctuary could be properly assembled wherever Israel journeyed.
* **Organized and Appointed Service:** Their duties were part of a divinely ordered system of **service** `{{H5656}}`. They operated under the authority of the priesthood, specifically "under the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of **Ithamar** `{{H385}}` the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Aaron** `{{H175}}` the **priest** `{{H3548}}`" [[Numbers 4:33]].
* **A Legacy of Service:** The Merarite lineage continued to serve in vital roles for generations. Their duties expanded from transporting the tabernacle to participating in the temple's musical worship as singers like **Ethan** `{{H387}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:17]], serving as porters [[1 Chronicles 26:19]], and overseeing the work of temple restoration [[2 Chronicles 34:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **Mᵉrârîy** `{{H4847}}` is more than a name in a genealogy; he is the patriarch of a foundational Levitical **family** `{{H4940}}`. The Merarites were entrusted with the very structure of the **tabernacle** `{{H4908}}`, a physically demanding and spiritually significant role. Their story illustrates the importance of appointed service within Israel's covenant community, a legacy of duty that continued for centuries in roles from transportation to temple music.
TRV