Gershon
Gershon in the Bible — son of Levi (GEN 46:11). Gershon belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 8 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “his banishment; the change of pilgrimage”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 8 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 6 connections
Biography
Gershon was a male member of the tribe of Levi, uniquely identified as a son of Levi. He is noted among the sons of Israel who journeyed to Egypt, and his descendants became known as the Gershonites, a significant Levitical family group.
Names & Titles
The name Gershon means "temporary resident there," reflecting perhaps a transient status. A related form, Gershom, shares the same meaning, both names appearing in Scripture without indication of divine origin.
Family
Scripture explicitly identifies Gershon as a son of Levi. Inferred relationships associate him as an ancestor or father to several figures including Libni, Shimei, Jahath, and the ancestors Lael and Joel, indicating a lineage within the Levite family.
Significance
Gershon's importance lies in his role as a progenitor of the Gershonite clan within the tribe of Levi. This clan held a distinct identity among the Levites, who were set apart for service to God. His inclusion in the list of those who went to Egypt highlights his place in the unfolding history of Israel's formation as a nation.
Names & Labels (2)
Family & Relationships (6)
son
Notes
from the list of "sons of Israel" who "went to Egypt" (GEN 46:8-27), the Gershonites (NUM 26:57)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gershon in the Bible?
Gershon was a male member of the tribe of Levi, uniquely identified as a son of Levi. He is noted among the sons of Israel who journeyed to Egypt, and his descendants became known as the Gershonites, a significant Levitical family group.
What does the name Gershon mean?
The name Gershon means “his banishment; the change of pilgrimage” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.