The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 6:1
What does 1 Chronicles 6:1 mean?
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1 Chronicles 6:1
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Even in this straightforward genealogy, God's intention for order and service is highlighted from the very beginning of Levi's lineage. These three sons weren't just names; they formed the foundational structures for the Levites' crucial role in worship and carrying the sacred. It's a reminder that God cares about how His people are organized for His purposes, right down to the family line.
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse kicks off a long genealogy tracing the lineage of the Levites, the priestly tribe. It's crucial for understanding the structure of worship and service in ancient Israel, setting the stage for who would perform specific roles in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Everything that follows in these chapters is about organizing God's chosen people and their sacred duties.
Every great lineage has its heroes, but this verse points to the foundation of a different kind of greatness – service. Who were these first Levites and why does their lineage matter?
This verse opens the door to understanding the Levites, a tribe set apart for God's work.
The Three Pillars of Service
Together, these three represent the diverse, essential functions of worship and service within ancient Israel.
Understand the original words
ben · Hebrew Noun
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A patriarchal designation referring to the male descendants of a specific ancestor, often indicating tribal affiliation, lineage, or family headship. In this context, it marks the genealogical development of the Levite tribe.
Levi · Hebrew Proper Noun
The third son of Jacob and Leah, and the patriarch of the tribe set apart for priestly and sanctuary service. The Levites were tasked with the care of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
This passage lists the same three sons of Levi, highlighting their foundational role in the Levitical lineage.
Numbers 3:17This chapter enumerates the families of the Levites descended from these three sons, showing how their lineage was organized for service.
Genesis 46:11This earlier account in Genesis also names Levi's sons and grandson Kohath, establishing the lineage before the Exodus.
This section traces the historical movements and prominence of the Kohathites, one of the three main Levitical families established here.
Even in this straightforward genealogy, God's intention for order and service is highlighted from the very beginning of Levi's lineage. These three sons weren't just names; they formed the foundational structures for the Levites' crucial role in worship and carrying the sacred. It's a reminder that God cares about how His people are organized for His purposes, right down to the family line.
This verse kicks off a long genealogy tracing the lineage of the Levites, the priestly tribe. It's crucial for understanding the structure of worship and service in ancient Israel, setting the stage for who would perform specific roles in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Everything that follows in these chapters is about organizing God's chosen people and their sacred duties.
This verse kicks off a long genealogy tracing the lineage of the Levites, the priestly tribe. It's crucial for understanding the structure of worship and service in ancient Israel, setting the stage for who would perform specific roles in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Everything that follows in these chapters is about organizing God's chosen people and their sacred duties.
"The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." — Even in this straightforward genealogy, God's intention for order and service is highlighted from the very beginning of Levi's lineage. These three sons weren't just names; they formed the foundation…
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Last reviewed October 2026