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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 3:20 And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/3-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/04_Num_03_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 3:20 - The Registration of the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/3-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/3-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/3-19.htm" title="Numbers 3:19">◄</a> Numbers 3:20 <a href="/numbers/3-21.htm" title="Numbers 3:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The Merarite clans: Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans, according to their families.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The clans descended from Merari were named after two of his descendants, Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans, listed according to their family groups.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their clans: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites, by their fathers’ houses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These <i>are</i> the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These <i>are</i> the families of the Levites by their fathers’ houses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers&#8217 households.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and the [two] sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites by their fathers’ households.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Merari’s sons by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans by their ancestral families.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Merari&#8217s sons by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans by their ancestral houses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' houses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And Merari's sons were Mahli and Mushi. These were the sons and grandsons of Levi, and they had become the leaders of the Levite clans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' houses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Mahli and Mushi were the sons of Merari. Their families were named after them. These were the households of Levite families.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Merari's descendants according to their families were Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the descendants of Levi according to their ancestral house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Merari by their families were Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites by their clans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' houses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi; these are the families of the Levites, by the house of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the sons of Merari by their families are Mahli and Mushi; these are the families of the Levites, by the house of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari according to their families: Mahli, and Mushi; these they of the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Merari: Moholi and Musi. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Merari, by their clans, were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites by their ancestral houses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The sons of Merari by their clans: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites, by their ancestral houses.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahali and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari for their tribes: Makhli and Mushi; these are the families of Levi according to the house of their fathers.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' houses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and the sons of Merari according to their families, Mooli and Musi; these are the families of the Levites according to the houses of their families.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/3-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=789" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">The Registration of the Levites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>The sons of Kohath by their clans were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇə·nê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">And the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/4847.htm" title="4847: mə·rā·rî (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Levi. From marar; bitter; Merari, an Israelite.">of Merari</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām (Prep-l:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">by their clans</a> <a href="/hebrew/4249.htm" title="4249: maḥ·lî (N-proper-ms) -- A Levite, also a son of Mushi. From chalah; sick; Machli, the name of two Israelites.">were Mahli</a> <a href="/hebrew/4187.htm" title="4187: ū·mū·šî (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Sensitive, a Levite. Or Mushshiy; from muwsh; sensitive; Mushi, a Levite.">and Mushi.</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: ’êl·leh (Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">These</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: miš·pə·ḥōṯ (N-fpc) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">the clans</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: hal·lê·wî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">of the Levites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">according to their families.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇêṯ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house."></a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-16.htm">Exodus 6:16-19</a></span><br />These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. / The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-1.htm">1 Chronicles 6:1-3</a></span><br />The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. / The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6-23</a></span><br />Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. / The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-20.htm">1 Chronicles 24:20-31</a></span><br />Now these were the rest of the descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah. / As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah. / From the Izharites: Shelomoth; from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Exodus 28:1-4</a></span><br />“Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. / Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. / You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/8-1.htm">Leviticus 8:1-13</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Take Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull of the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread, / and assemble the whole congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Hebrews 7:11-14</a></span><br />Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm">Hebrews 9:1-10</a></span><br />Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/9-14.htm">1 Chronicles 9:14-20</a></span><br />From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari; / Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; / Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/15-4.htm">1 Chronicles 15:4-10</a></span><br />Then he gathered together the descendants of Aaron and the Levites: / From the Kohathites, Uriel the chief and 120 of his relatives; / from the Merarites, Asaiah the chief and 220 of his relatives; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-20.htm">1 Chronicles 26:20-28</a></span><br />Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. / From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, / the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-16.htm">1 Chronicles 27:16-22</a></span><br />These officers were in charge of the tribes of Israel: Over the Reubenites was Eliezer son of Zichri; over the Simeonites was Shephatiah son of Maacah; / over Levi was Hashabiah son of Kemuel; over Aaron was Zadok; / over Judah was Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issachar was Omri son of Michael; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-12.htm">2 Chronicles 29:12-14</a></span><br />Then the Levites set to work: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah from the Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel from the Merarites; Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah from the Gershonites; / Shimri and Jeuel from the Elizaphanites; Zechariah and Mattaniah from the Asaphites; / Jehiel and Shimei from the Hemanites; and Shemaiah and Uzziel from the Jeduthunites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/12-8.htm">Nehemiah 12:8-9</a></span><br />The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who, with his associates, led the songs of thanksgiving. / Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood across from them in the services.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/12-22.htm">Nehemiah 12:22-26</a></span><br />In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, during the reign of Darius the Persian, the heads of the families of the Levites and priests were recorded. / As for the descendants of Levi, the family heads up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles. / The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Numbers 3:33</a></b></br> Of Merari <i>was</i> the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these <i>are</i> the families of Merari.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/6-19.htm">Exodus 6:19</a></b></br> And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these <i>are</i> the families of Levi according to their generations.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-19.htm">1 Chronicles 6:19,29,44-47</a></b></br> The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these <i>are</i> the families of the Levites according to their fathers… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/3-19.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/numbers/3-19.htm">Families</a> <a href="/numbers/3-15.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/numbers/3-15.htm">House</a> <a href="/numbers/3-15.htm">Households</a> <a href="/numbers/3-15.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/numbers/3-12.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/exodus/6-19.htm">Mahli</a> <a href="/numbers/3-17.htm">Merari</a> <a href="/numbers/3-17.htm">Merar'i</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-10.htm">Merarite</a> <a href="/exodus/6-19.htm">Mushi</a> <a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Order</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/3-21.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/numbers/3-21.htm">Families</a> <a href="/numbers/3-24.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/numbers/3-23.htm">House</a> <a href="/numbers/3-24.htm">Households</a> <a href="/numbers/4-2.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/numbers/3-32.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-19.htm">Mahli</a> <a href="/numbers/3-35.htm">Merari</a> <a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Merar'i</a> <a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Merarite</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-19.htm">Mushi</a> <a href="/numbers/3-39.htm">Order</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-1.htm">The sons of Aaron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Are numbered by their families</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-21.htm">The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-27.htm">Of the Kohathites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Of the Merarites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">The place and charge of Moses and Aaron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">40. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">The firstborn are freed by the Levites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-44.htm">The balances are refunded</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And the sons of Merari by their clans</b><br>The sons of Merari, one of the three main divisions of the Levites, were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's structural components, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and bases. This division highlights the organizational structure God established for the Levites, emphasizing the importance of order and responsibility in worship. The Levites were set apart for service to God, and each clan had specific duties, reflecting the principle of stewardship and service in the community of faith.<p><b>were Mahli and Mushi.</b><br>Mahli and Mushi are the two sons of Merari, and their names are significant in the genealogical records of the Levites. The mention of these names underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. Mahli and Mushi's descendants continued the duties assigned to their forefathers, illustrating the continuity of God's covenant and the faithfulness required in each generation. This also points to the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises through family lines.<p><b>These were the clans of the Levites,</b><br>The Levites were a distinct tribe set apart for religious duties, and their organization into clans ensured that the work of the tabernacle was carried out efficiently and reverently. This structure is a precursor to the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where each member has a specific role to play. The Levites' service foreshadows the priesthood of all believers, where each Christian is called to serve God in their unique capacity.<p><b>according to their families.</b><br>The emphasis on families within the Levite clans highlights the importance of family in the transmission of faith and duty. This reflects the biblical principle that faith and service are to be taught and modeled within the family unit. The family is seen as the primary context for spiritual formation and the passing down of God's commandments, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>. This also points to the importance of community and relational ties in the life of faith, where each family contributes to the larger purpose of serving God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/merari.htm">Merari</a></b><br>One of the three sons of Levi, Merari is the patriarch of the Merarite clan. The Merarites were responsible for the care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/mahli_and_mushi.htm">Mahli and Mushi</a></b><br>The sons of Merari, who became the heads of their respective clans within the tribe of Levi. Their descendants were part of the Levitical priesthood, serving in the tabernacle and later in the temple.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>The tribe of Levi was set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle. They were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel but were instead given cities to dwell in.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/clans_of_the_levites.htm">Clans of the Levites</a></b><br>The Levites were divided into three main clans: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites. Each clan had specific duties related to the tabernacle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/tabernacle.htm">Tabernacle</a></b><br>The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_every_role_in_god's_work.htm">The Importance of Every Role in God's Work</a></b><br>The Merarites, though not as prominent as the priests, had essential duties. Every role in the body of Christ is vital, and we should value and honor each person's contribution to the church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a></b><br>The Merarites' responsibilities required diligence and faithfulness. In our own lives, we are called to be faithful in whatever tasks God has entrusted to us, no matter how small they may seem.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generational_faithfulness.htm">Generational Faithfulness</a></b><br>Mahli and Mushi continued the legacy of their father, Merari. This highlights the importance of passing down faith and service to the next generation, ensuring that God's work continues.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a></b><br>The Levites, though divided into different clans with various duties, worked together for the common purpose of worship. Similarly, the church is made up of diverse members who must work in unity for the glory of God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_levites'_lands_align_biblically.htm">In Joshua 14:3-4, how does the Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance align with other biblical passages that mention Levitical cities and lands?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_psalm_114_8_consistent_with_moses'_rock.htm">Does the miraculous water from rock in Psalm 114:8 align with other biblical accounts of Moses striking a rock, or are there inconsistencies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_exodus_6_14-27's_genealogy_differ.htm">Exodus 6:14-27: Why does this genealogy conflict with or omit details found in other biblical genealogies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_sam_20_5_with_ot_feasts.htm">How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/3-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְנֵ֧י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Merari</span><br /><span class="heb">מְרָרִ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(mə·rā·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4847.htm">Strong's 4847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Merari -- a son of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by their clans</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4940.htm">Strong's 4940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were Mahli</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחְלִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(maḥ·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4249.htm">Strong's 4249: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mahli -- a Levite, also a son of Mushi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Mushi.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמוּשִׁ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mū·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4187.htm">Strong's 4187: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mushi -- 'sensitive', a Levite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">These</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(hêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the clans</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pə·ḥōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4940.htm">Strong's 4940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Levites,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלֵּוִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(hal·lê·wî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> </span><span class="str2">Levites -- descendant of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to their families.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבֹתָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/3-20.htm">OT Law: Numbers 3:20 The sons of Merari by their families: (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/3-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 3:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/3-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 3:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>