King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:58 Mean?

Numbers 26:58 in the King James Version says “These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahli...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram.”

Numbers 26:58 · KJV

Context

56

According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.

57

And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.

58

These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram.

59

And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.

60

And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

Read Numbers 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites—these are sub-clans of the three main divisions, showing detailed organization. Libnites (לִבְנִי, from "white/pure") handled tabernacle purification; Hebronites (חֶבְרוֹן, "association/fellowship") maintained community. The Mushites (מוּשִׁי, possibly "drawn out," like Moses) and Korathites (not identical to Korah's rebels, but from Kohath) each had specific duties.

And Kohath begat Amram (קֹהָת הוֹלִיד אֶת־עַמְרָם)—suddenly the genealogy focuses. Why? Because Amram's children were Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. The census transitions from tribal demographics to salvation history. Kohath's son fathered Israel's deliverer and high priest. Every family tree contains potential world-changers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Kohathites carried the ark and holy vessels (Numbers 4:15). From this clan of ark-bearers came the man who spoke with God face-to-face (Moses) and the man who entered the Holy of Holies (Aaron). Function and lineage converged: those who carried holy things produced holy leaders.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the census shift from listing families to highlighting Amram's lineage? What does this reveal about God's purposes in genealogies?
  2. How does the Kohathites' role carrying holy things prepare them to produce Israel's holiest leaders?
  3. What 'world-changers' might God be preparing in your family line that won't be revealed for generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵ֣לֶּה׀1 of 17
H428

these or those

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת2 of 17

“These are the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

לֵוִ֗י3 of 17

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת4 of 17

“These are the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַלִּבְנִ֜י5 of 17

“of the Libnites”

H3846

a libnite or descendants of libni (collectively)

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת6 of 17

“These are the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַֽחֶבְרֹנִי֙7 of 17

“of the Hebronites”

H2276

chebronite (collectively), an inhabitant of chebron

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת8 of 17

“These are the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַמַּחְלִי֙9 of 17

“of the Mahlites”

H4250

a machlite or (collectively) descendants of machli

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת10 of 17

“These are the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַמּוּשִׁ֔י11 of 17

“of the Mushites”

H4188

a mushite (collectively) or descendants of mushi

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת12 of 17

“These are the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַקָּרְחִ֑י13 of 17

“of the Korathites”

H7145

a korchite (collectively) or descendants of korach

וּקְהָ֖ת14 of 17

“And Kohath”

H6955

kehath, an israelite

הוֹלִ֥ד15 of 17

“begat”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת16 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמְרָֽם׃17 of 17

“Amram”

H6019

amram, the name of two israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 26:58 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 26:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:17-21Exodus 6:20Numbers 16:1

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 26 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes