King James Version
Numbers 3:20 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.”
Numbers 3:20 · KJV
And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.
And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And the sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“by their families”
H4940a 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
“by their families”
H4940a 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
“according to the house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
“of their fathers”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
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.
Numbers 3:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Numbers 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge