· Translation: KJV

Numbers 3:21Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

The setting

Sinai Peninsula, ~1445 BC. Moses is organizing the Levites into service families around the newly constructed tabernacle in the wilderness camp.

The emotion here: methodical reverence while recording sacred family assignments

The original word

mishpachah (מִשְׁפָּחָה) — clan or family group, emphasizing kinship bonds and shared purpose

Why it matters

The Libnites were named after Libni, meaning 'white' or 'distinguished'

Read with care

What most readers miss in Numbers 3:21

Every family name listed here represents hundreds of people with specific sacred duties

Common misconceptionPeople skip genealogies as boring, but this shows God values every family line and gives each a sacred role in His plan.

Bible Genome reading

Numbers 3:21 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerNarrator
Eraexodus
Primary emotionresting
Literary typegenealogy

Emotional genome

Comfort power20%
Quotability10%
Memorability20%
Crisis relevance10%
Standalone20%
Themes:genealogytribal organization

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Numbers 3

Numbers 3:21 comes from the book of Numbers, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is reverent. It belongs to the genealogy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include genealogy, tribal organization. Notable phrases: family of the Libnites; families of the Gershonites.

Your reflection

What does Numbers 3:21 mean to you, today?

A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.

Speak your heart →

Get 3 verses for "resting"

Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.