1 Chronicles 6:19

בְּנֵ֥י מְרָרִ֖י מַחְלִ֣י וּמֻשִׁ֑י וְאֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת הַלֵּוִ֖י לַאֲבֹתֵיהֶֽם
The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

בְּנֵ֥י
בְּנֵ֥י
Root word son, children, sons, old, first, …
Dictionary form: בֵּן · bane

Noun — Common, masculine plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: the sons
the son ×1140 the children ×607 of the children ×309 his son ×206 son ×179 the sons ×177 and the children ×160 sons ×155
More options
son — Core meaning; use for a single male offspring.
children — Preferred when the group is mixed or age is stressed.
sons — Use for a male plural or tribal/genealogical list.
descendants — Best for extended lineage or collective ethnic groups.
members — Idiomatic for constructs like 'members of the community/guild'.
young — Use for animal offspring or 'young of' constructions.

BDB1160 H1121

BDB1159 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1161

בֵּן4870 noun masculine son (MI Phoenician בן; so Sabean CISiv. No. 2, compare בני DHMSemitic Sprachforsch. 6; Arabic ; Assyrian bin (u), LyonSargon 9, 1. 57; especially in bin-bin, grandson COTGloss, compare Dl below; Aramaic בַּר, , plural בְּנִין, ; compare Palmyrene, especially VogNo. 21. 31. 36a and others; possibly originally connected with בנה build, so Thes, compare Assyrian bânu, begetter (DlPr 104 & compare BaZMG 1887, 638 ff.); but all traces of this √ lost in Hebrew form; √ perhaps originally bilit. (בִּן, בֵּן) בַּן ֗֗֗ see Sta§ 183) — absolute ׳בּ Gen 4:25 +; ֵ˜בּןֿ Ezek 18:10 construct בֵּן Gen 49:22 (twice in verse); בֶּןֿ Gen 5:32 +; בֶּן Esth 2:5; Neh 6:18, & with prefix Gen 17:17; Num 8:25; 1Chr 27:23; 2Chr 25:5; 2Chr 31:16; 2Chr 31:17 בְּנוֺ Num 23:18; Num 24:3; Num 24:15 בְּנִי Gen 49:11 בִּן Deut 25:2 בִּןֿ Exod 33:11 + 32 t. (29 t. in combination בִּןנֿוּן (ישׁוע, הושׁע) יהושׁע); suffix בְּנִי Gen 21:10 +; בִּנְךָ Exod 20:10 +; לִבֱנ֑ךָ Deut 7:3; 1Kgs 11:13 בְּנֵךְ Gen 30:14 +; בְּנוֺ Gen 4:17 +; בְּנָהּ Gen 21:10 +; plural בָּנִים Gen 3:16 +; construct בְּנֵי Gen 6:2 +; suffix בָּנַי Gen 31:43 +; בָּנֵינוּ Josh 22:25 +; בְּנֵיכֶם Exod 3:22 +, etc.; —

1. son, male child, born of a woman Gen 4:25; Gen 16:11; Gen 16:15; Gen 17:19 compare vGen 17:16; Gen 18:10; Gen 18:14; Gen 19:37; Gen 19:38 + often, compare בֶּןבִּֿטְנָהּ Isa 49:15 begotten by a man Gen 5:4f; Gen 5:28; Gen 6:10; Gen 11:11f. + often; || (בָּנוֺת) בַּת daughter Gen 5:4; Gen 5:7; Gen 5:10f. Gen 11:11; Gen 11:13; Gen 11:15f; Exod 20:10; Deut 5:14; Deut 16:11; Deut 16:14; 1Sam 30:3; 1Sam 30:6; Job 1:2; Job 42:13 +; of son as desired Gen 30:2 (compare Gen 15:2; Gen 16:2; Gen 17:17; Gen 18:10f.; 1Sam 1:5-11) 2Kgs 4:14; 2Kgs 4:28; Ps 127:3 +; rejoiced in Gen 30:6 +; beloved Exod 21:5; 2Sam 19:1; 2Sam 19:3; 2Sam 19:5; 1Kgs 3:26 cared for Deut 1:31 spared Mal 3:17 disciplined & trained Deut 8:5; Prov 3:12; Prov 13:24; Prov 19:18; Prov 29:17 owing reverence, obedience, etc. to parents Prov 6:20; Prov 10:1; Prov 13:1 בִּנְךָ בְּכוֺרְךָ thy first-born son Gen 27:32 הַבֵּן הַבְּכֹר Deut 21:15 compare 1Sam 8:2 בְּנָהּ הַגָּדֹל her elder son Gen 27:15; Gen 27:42 בְּנוֺ הַגָּדֹל Gen 27:1 בְּנָהּ הַקָּטָן her younger son Gen 27:15; Gen 27:42. In particular
  a. בֶּןאִֿמּוֺ son of his mother, i.e. own (uterine) brother Gen 43:29, compare Gen 27:29; Judg 8:19; Ps 50:20; Ps 69:9, & see אֵם; בְּנֵי אָבִיךָ sons of thy father = brethren Gen 49:8 (poetry)
  b. בְּנֵי דֹדֵיהֶן = cousins Num 36:11.
  c. בְּנִי my son, as term of kindliness or endearment, used by Eli to Samuel 1Sam 3:6; 1Sam 3:16 compare 1Sam 4:16; 1Sam 24:17; 1Sam 26:17; 1Sam 26:21; 1Sam 26:25, see also Prov 1:8; Prov 1:10; Prov 2:1 +; compare בִּנְךָ, used by Benhadad of himself to Elisha 2Kgs 8:9 by Ahaz to Tiglath-pileser 2Kgs 16:7 especially to express intimate and gracious relation with God: ׳י calls Israel בְּנִי בְכֹרִי Exod 4:22 compare vExod 4:23; Hos 11:1, see also Ps 80:16 (but compare Che); בָּנִים אַתֶּם ליהוה אלהיכם Deut 14:1 בְּנֵי עֶלְיוֺן Ps 82:6 (|| אלהים); בְּנֵי אֵלחָֿ֑י Hos 2:1 compare further Deut 32:5 (plural) vDeut 32:20 (plural) Isa 1:2; Isa 1:4; Isa 30:1; Isa 30:9; Jer 3:14; Jer 3:22; Jer 4:22; Jer 31:20 of future Davidic king 2Sam 7:14 = 1Chr 17:13 compare Ps 2:7 expressly referred to Solomon 1Chr 22:10; 1Chr 28:6 also of children (offered in fire) Ezek 16:21.
  d. בְּנֵי האלהים applied to supernatural beings Gen 6:2; Gen 6:4; Job 1:6; Job 2:1 בְּנֵי אלהים Job 38:7 בְּנֵי אֵלִים Ps 29:1 (on which compare Che's note) Ps 89:7.
  e. בֶּןאָֿדָם son of man, compare ׳בְּנֵי א, see אָדָם; בְּנֵי אִישׁ Ps 4:3 & (|| בני אדם) Ps 49:3; Ps 62:10. feminine בֶּןבִּֿנְךָ = thy grandson Exod 10:2; Deut 6:2; Judg 8:22 compare Jer 27:7 plural Exod 34:7; Exod 4:25; Exod 2:41; Exod 2:40; Job 42:16; Ps 128:6; Prov 13:22; Prov 17:6; Ezek 37:25 also בֵּן alone with similar reference Gen 29:5 (Laban son of Nahor); Laban calls his daughters' children his own sons Gen 31:28; Gen 31:43 compare Gen 32:1 so of Naomi Ruth 4:17 בְּנֵי רְבִעִים 2Kgs 10:30 sons of the fourth generation, and, in general, descendants Josh 22:24; Josh 22:25; Josh 22:27 +; see also below
  i. below
  g. constantly, as more precise designation, added to personal name כָּלֵב בֶּןיְֿפֻנֶּה Num 14:30; Num 32:12; Num 34:19 +; יְהוֺשֻׁעַ בִּןנֿוּן Num 11:28; Num 14:30; Num 32:12; Num 32:28; Num 34:17 +; יָרָבְעָם בֶּןנְֿבָט 1Kgs 12:2; 1Kgs 12:15 +, etc.; also without personal name (often with implication of contempt) בֶּןקִֿישׁ 1Sam 10:11 בֶּןיִֿשַׁי 1Sam 20:27; 1Sam 20:30; 1Sam 20:31; 1Sam 22:7; 1Sam 22:8; 1Sam 22:9; 1Sam 22:13; 1Sam 25:10; 2Sam 20:1 בְּנֵי צְרוּיָה 2Sam 16:10 בֶּןרְֿמַלְיָהוּ Isa 7:4; Isa 7:5; Isa 7:9; Isa 8:16 בֶּןטָֽֿבְאַ֑ל Isa 7:6 compare also בְּנֵי לֵוִי Num 16:7; Num 16:8.
  h. designated as בֶּןזְֿקֻנִים i.e. born in old age of father Gen 37:3 opposed to בְּנֵי הַנְּעוּרִים sons of one's youth Ps 127:4 also בֶּןבֵּֿיתִי one born in my house Gen 15:3 (i.e. slave) so בְּנֵי בַיִת Eccl 2:7.
  i. in various combinations: (α) as expression of contumely, בֶּןֿ נַעֲוַת הַמַּרְדּוּת 1Sam 20:30 בֶּןהַֿמְּרַצֵּחַ הַזֶּה 2Kgs 6:32 this son of a murderer; compare בְּנֵינָֿבָל Job 30:8 בְּנֵי בְלִישֵֿׁם ib.; בְּנֵי עֹנֲַנָה Isa 57:3 (|| זֶרַע מְנָאֵף); compare בֶּןאִֿשָּׁה אַחֶרֶת Judg 11:2 (compare vJudg 11:1); (β) as term of respect, dignity, בֶּןחֿוֺרִים son of nobles Eccl 10:17 (in Aramaic = free born); בֶּןחֲֿכָמִים Isa 19:11 בֶּןמַֿלְכֵיקֶֿדֶם ib.; compare בֶּןמֶֿלֶךְ Ps 72:1 (|| מֶלֶךְ); בֶּןאֲֿמָתֶ֑ךָ Ps 86:16 in addressing ׳י (|| עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ) & בְּנֵיעֲֿבָדֶיךָ Ps 102:29 of noble appearance בְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ Judg 8:18.
  j. often plural with name of ancestor, people, land, or city, to denote descendants, inhabitants, membership in a nation or family, etc.: (α) e.g. בְּנֵיעֵֿבֶר Gen 10:21 בְּנֵיחֵֿת Gen 23:3; Gen 23:5; Gen 23:7; Gen 23:10 (twice in verse); Gen 23:11; Gen 23:16; Gen 23:18; Gen 23:20; Gen 25:10; Gen 49:32 (all P); (בְּנֵישֵֿׁת Num 24:17 see below 8); בְּנֵיחֲֿמוֺר Gen 33:19; Josh 24:32 בְּנֵי עֵשָׂו Gen 36:5; Gen 36:15; Gen 36:19; Deut 2:4; Deut 2:8; Deut 2:12; Deut 2:22; Deut 2:29 בְּנֵי שֵׂעִיר Gen 36:20; Gen 36:21 בֶּןֿ(בני)הִנֹּם Josh 15:8 + (compare below גַּיְא); בְּנֵי לוֺט Deut 2:9; Deut 2:19; Ps 83:9 בְּנֵייֿוֺסֵף (literal Gen 46:27; Gen 48:8; 1Chr 5:1) Num 1:32; Num 26:28; Num 26:37; Num 34:23; Num 36:5 (׳י ׳מַטֵּה ב) + 6 t. Joshua, compare Ps 77:16 even בְּנֵי חֲצִי שֵׁבֶט מְנַשֶּׁה 1Chr 5:23 בְּנֵי דָוַיד (literal 2Sam 8:18 = 1Chr 18:17; 1Chr 3:1; 1Chr 3:9) 2Chr 13:8; 2Chr 23:3; 2Chr 32:33 בְּנֵי אָסָף 2Chr 29:13; Ezra 2:41; Ezra 3:8 + (see אָסָף); בְּנֵי קֹרַח in titles of Psalm 42-49, 84, 85, 87, 88; especially (β) בְּנֵיעַֿמּוֺן (standing designation of people of Ammon) Gen 19:38 + 81 t. (compare עַמּוֺן & NöZMG 1886, 171 DrSm 66); בְּנֵי יַעֲקֹב (literal Gen 34:7; Gen 34:13; Gen 34:25; Gen 34:27; Gen 35:5; Gen 35:22; Gen 35:26; Gen 49:2) 2Kgs 17:34; Ps 105:6; Mal 3:6 compare Ps 77:16 & chiefly (γ) בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (literal Gen 42:5; Gen 45:21; Gen 46:5; Exod 1:1) Exod 1:7 + 613 t., including Hexateuch 427 (of which 328 P, 49 E, 25 J, 25 D), Judg 61, Samuel Kings Chronicles 73 (23 in reference to ancient history, 10 in opposition to Judah); so also Vrss & variant reading sometimes for ׳בֵּית יִשׂ, e.g. Josh 21:43 + see Di, Ezek 3:1 + see Co; also the reverse Ezek 2:3 and elsewhere; note especially יִשְׂרָאֵל ׳עַם בּ Exod 1:9 יִשְׂרָאֵל ׳עַמִּי בּ Exod 3:10; Exod 7:4 עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל Exod 16:1; Exod 16:2; Exod 16:9; Exod 16:10; Exod 17:1; Lev 16:5; Lev 19:2; Num 1:2; Num 1:53; Num 8:9; Num 8:20; Num 13:26; Num 15:25; Num 15:26; Num 17:6; Num 19:9; Num 25:6; Num 26:2; Num 31:12 (all P); ׳יִשׂ ׳דֹּרוֺת ב Judg 3:2 וְכָלהָֿעָם ׳יִשׂ ׳כָּלבֿ Judg 20:26 וּבְּנֵי הַלֵּוִי ׳יִשׂ ׳ב Neh 10:40 also (δ) בְּנֵי יְהוּדָה (literal Gen 46:12; Gen 26:19; 1Chr 2:3; 1Chr 2:10; 1Chr 4:1) Num 1:26 + 18 t. Numbers, Joshua, Judg 1:8; Judg 1:9; Judg 1:16 (so read also vJudg 1:21 vJudg 1:21 compare Josh 15:53 & see below בנימן) 2Sam 1:18; 1Chr 4:27 + 8 t. Chronicles, Jer 7:30 + 4 t. Jeremiah; Hos 2:2; Joel 4:6; Joel 4:8; Joel 4:19; Obad 1:12 (not in Kings, of Judah or of any other tribe, except בְּנֵי לֵוִי 1Kgs 12:31) including מַטֵּה בְּנֵי יהוּדָה Josh 15:1; Josh 15:20; Josh 15:21; Josh 21:1; 1Chr 6:50 for usage with other tribes of Israel, see the articles; — but note (ε) בְּנֵי לֵוִי (literal Gen 46:11; Exod 6:16; Num 3:17; 1Chr 5:27; 1Chr 6:1 compare 1Chr 23:6) Exod 32:28; Num 3:15; Num 16:7; Num 16:8; Num 18:21; Josh 21:10 (as including sons of Aaron etc.); כָּלבְּֿנֵי לֵוִי Exod 32:26 ׳ל ׳כָּלאַֿחֶיךָ ב Num 16:10 ׳ל ׳הַכֹּהֲנִים ב Deut 21:5; Deut 31:9 compare 1Kgs 12:31 & Mal 3:8; 1Chr 23:24; 1Chr 23:27; 1Chr 24:20; Ezra 8:15 (distinguished from priests) Neh 12:23; Ezek 40:46 (including בְּנֵי צָדוֺק the priests); also ׳ל ׳מַחֲנוֺת ב 1Chr 9:18 בְּנֵי הַלֵּוִי 1Chr 12:27; Neh 10:40 בְּנֵי הַלְּוִיִם 1Chr 15:15; 1Chr 24:30 (compare also לֵוִי); (ζ) בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן (literal Exod 28:1; Exod 28:40; 1Chr 5:29; 1Chr 24:1 often Aaron and his sons literal Exod 27:21; Exod 28:1; Exod 28:4 +) Lev 3:5; Lev 3:8; Lev 3:13; Lev 6:7; Lev 6:11; Lev 7:10; Lev 7:83; Josh 21:10; 1Chr 6:35; 1Chr 6:39; 1Chr 6:42; 1Chr 15:4 (+ Levites) 1Chr 24:1; 1Chr 24:31; Neh 12:47 also הַכֹּהֲנִים ׳בְּנֵי א Lev 1:5; Lev 1:8; Lev 1:11; Lev 2:2; Lev 3:2; Num 3:8; Num 10:8 & Josh 21:19; 2Chr 31:19 compare 2Chr 26:18; 2Chr 29:21; 2Chr 35:14 (twice in verse); בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן Lev 1:7; Josh 21:4 (as subdivision of Levites) vJosh 21:13 compare Lev 7:34 אֶתכֹּֿהֲנֵי יהוה אֶתבְּֿנֵי אַהֲרֹן וְהַלְּוִּיִּם 2Chr 13:9 compare v2Chr 13:10 once in singular הַכֹּהֵן בֶּןאַֿהֲרֹן Neh 10:39 see also below אַהֲרֹן; (η) בְּנֵי צָדוֺק הכהנים הלוים בני צדוק; Ezek 48:11 הכהנים הַמְֿקֻדָּשׁ מנגי צדוק (ᵐ5 Sm Co join מ of מבני to preceding word, making plural); (φ) בְּנֵי with names of peoples, lands, and cities, בְּנֵי כֻּשִׁיִּים Amos 9:7 בְּנֵי מִצְרַיִם Ezek 16:26 בְּנֵי אַשּׁוּר Ezek 16:28; Ezek 23:7; Ezek 23:9; Ezek 23:12; Ezek 23:23 אֶדֶץ הַבְּרִית ׳ב Ezek 30:5 (Co strike out ארץ); בָּבֶל ׳ב Ezek 23:15. Ezek 23:17; Ezek 23:28 יְרוּשָׁלַם ׳ב Joel 4:6 צִיּוֺן ׳ב Joel 2:23; Lam 4:2; Ps 149:2 (compare Zech 9:13). See further (ι) בְּנֵי עַמֶּ֑ךָ Lev 19:18 compare Lev 20:17; Num 22:5; Judg 14:16; Judg 14:17; Ezek 3:11; Ezek 33:2; Ezek 33:12; Ezek 33:17; Ezek 33:30; Ezek 37:18; Dan 12:1 בְּנֵי פָּרִיצֵי עַמְּךָ Dan 11:14 (κ) קֶבֶר בְּנֵי הָעָם 2Kgs 23:6; 2Chr 35:5; 2Chr 35:7; 2Chr 35:12 קִבְרֵי בְּנֵי הָעָם Jer 26:23 (λ) בְּנֵיקֶֿדֶם Gen 29:1; Judg 7:12; Judg 8:10; 1Kgs 5:10; Job 1:3; Isa 11:14; Jer 49:28; Ezek 25:4; Ezek 25:10 (μ) בְּנֵי הַמְּדִינָה Ezra 2:1 = Neh 7:6 (ν) of bulls, בְּנֵי בָשָׁן Deut 32:14 (song) compare KloSK 1872. 254 Di.
2. children (male and female) Gen 3:16; Gen 21:7; Exod 21:5; Exod 22:23 hence בְּנֵי מְנַשֶּׁה הַזְכָּרִים Josh 17:2 male children, בֵּן זָכָר Jer 20:15.
3. youth, young men (plural) Prov 7:7; Song 2:3.
4. the young of animals Lev 22:28 (שׁוֺר אוֺ שֶׂה) compare Deut 22:6; Deut 22:7; 1Sam 6:7; 1Sam 6:10; Zech 9:9; Job 4:11; Job 28:8; Job 39:4; Job 39:16 — בֶּןבָּֿקָר etc. see below 7 b below
5. of plant-shoots בֵּן פֹּרָת Gen 49:22 (twice in verse); also בֵּן Ps 80:16 ? (|| כַּנָּה; see Chetransl. & critical note)
6. figurative of lifeless things, בְּנֵי רֶשֶׁף sparks Job 5:7 stars עַיִשׁ עַלבָּֿנֶיהָ Job 38:32 arrows בֶּןקָֿ֑שֶׁת Job 41:2 בְּנֵי אַשְׁפָּתוֺ Lam 3:13 compare בֶּןגָּֿרְנִי i.e. corn of my threshing-floor Isa 21:10.
7. a. member of a guild, order or class, בְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים i.e. those belonging to the prophetic order 1Kgs 20:35; 2Kgs 2:3; 2Kgs 2:5; 2Kgs 2:7; 2Kgs 2:15; 2Kgs 4:1; 2Kgs 4:38 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 5:22; 2Kgs 6:1; 2Kgs 9:1 (Hoffm RSProph, 85, 388, Ki 15 f.; ZehnpfBAS i, 355 compare Assyrian mâr šipri (šiprâtum), son of a messenger = messenger, and explains from the son's succeeding to father's calling) & בֶּןנָֿבִיא Amos 7:14 probably also בְּנֵי הַכֹּהֲנִים 1Chr 9:30; Ezra 2:61; Ezra 10:18 בְּנֵי הַשֹּׁעֲרִים Ezra 2:42 compare בְּנֵי הַגְּדוּד 2Chr 25:13 men of the troop, see Palmyrene בנישירתא men of the caravan VogNo, 4 and others; also בְּנֵי הַגּוֺלָה = exiles Ezra 4:1; Ezra 6:19; Ezra 6:20; Ezra 8:35; Ezra 10:7; Ezra 10:16 (see גולה below גלה): further, in בֶּןנֵֿכָר = foreigner (only P, poetry, & late) Gen 17:12; Gen 17:27; Exod 12:43; Lev 22:25; Ezek 44:9 (twice in verse); ׳הַֿנּ׳ב Isa 56:3 בְּנֵיִנֵֿכָר 2Sam 22:45; 2Sam 22:46 = Ps 18:45; Ps 18:46; Neh 9:2; Isa 60:10; Isa 61:5; Isa 62:8; Ezek 44:7; Ps 144:7; Ps 144:11, ׳בְּנֵיהַֿנּ Isa 56:6 also בְּנֵי הַתּוֺשָׁבִּים הַגָּרִים עִמָּכֶם Lev 25:4; Lev 25:5.
  b. of animals, בֶּןבָּֿקָר son of (the) herd, i.e. young one of the herd, בָּקָר וּבְנֵי בָקָר 1Sam 14:32 compare עֵגֶל בֶּןבָּֿקָר Lev 9:2 (P); then, in general, one of the herd: fit for food Gen 18:7; Gen 18:8 (J), for sacrifice Num 15:8; Num 15:9 (P); ׳בןהַֿב only Lev 12:6 (P); especially פַּר בֶּןבָּֿקָר Exod 29:1; Lev 4:3; Lev 4:14; Lev 16:3; Lev 23:18; Num 7:15 + 16 t. Numbers (all P) + 2Chr 13:9; Ezek 43:19; Ezek 43:23; Ezek 43:25; Ezek 45:18; Ezek 46:6 פָּרִים בְּנֵי בָּקָר Num 28:11; Num 28:19; Num 28:27; Num 29:13; Num 29:17 (P); also בְּנִי אֲתֹנוֺ Gen 49:11 (poem, J; || עִירֹה); בְּנֵיצֹֿאן Ps 114:4; Ps 114:6 בֶּןרְֿאֵמִים Ps 29:6 בְָּנֵי הָרַמָּכִים Esth 8:10 בְּנֵי (הַ)יּוֺנָה Lev 1:14 + 7 t. Lev + Num 6:10 compare בֶּןיֿוֺנָה Lev 12:6 (all P); בְּנֵיֿ נָ֑שֶׁר Prov 30:17 בְּנֵי עֹרֵב Ps 147:9.
8. ׳ב as relative noun followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc. especially (α) בֶּןֿ(בני)חַיִל = mighty man 1Sam 14:52; 1Sam 18:17; 2Sam 2:7; 2Sam 13:28; 2Sam 17:10 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 1:52 + 7 t. Chronicles; ׳אֲנָשִׁים בני ח Judg 18:2; 2Kgs 2:16 אֶלֶף אִישׁ מִבְּנֵי הֶחָ֑יִל Judg 21:10 (β) בְּנֵי עַוְלָה wicked men 2Sam 3:34; 2Sam 7:10; 1Chr 17:9; Hos 10:9 ׳בֶּןעֿ Ps 89:23 (for בני בליעל see בליעל); (γ) בְּנֵי מֶ֑רִי rebels Num 17:25 (compare בַּיִת); (δ) בְּנֵי הַתַּעֲרֻבוֺת sons of pledges = hostages 2Kgs 14:14 = 2Chr 25:24 (ε) בְּנֵי מָוֶת i.e. those deserving of death 1Sam 26:16 so בֶּןמֿות 2Sam 12:5 בְּנֵי תְמוּתָה appointed or exposed to death Ps 79:11; Ps 102:21 compare (ζ) בִּן הַכּוֺת one worthy of smiting Deut 25:2 (η) בְּנֵי עֹ֑נִי Prov 31:5 (θ) בְּנֵי חֲלוֺף Prov 31:8 (ι) בְּנֵי שָׁאוֺן Jer 48:45 = tumultuous ones; so also (= שֵׁאת) בְּנֵי שֵׁת Num 24:17 compare RV Di and others; (κ) כְּנֵי הַיִּצְהָר Zech 4:14 i.e. anointed ones; (λ) בֶּןמֶֿשֶׁק Gen 15:2 son of possession, i.e. heir; (μ) הֵילֵל בֶּןשָֿׁ֑חַר Isa 14:12 son of dawn; (ν) of animals בְּנֵיִ שָׁ֑הַץ i.e. proud beasts Job 28:8; Job 41:26 (ξ) of Jonah's gourd בִּןלַֿיְלָה Jonah 4:10 (twice in verse); (ο) of a fertile hill קֶרֶן בֶּןשֶֿׁמֶן Isa 5:1.
9. noun relative of age:
  a. of men, וַיְהִי נֹחַ בֶּןהֲֿמֵשׁ מֵאוֺת שָׁנָה Gen 5:32 compare Gen 7:6 + 71 t. P; Gen 50:26; Josh 14:7. Josh 14:10; Josh 24:29 (all E); Num 32:11 (J), Deut 31:2 also Judg 2:8; 1Sam 4:15; 2Sam 4:4; 2Sam 19:33; 2Sam 19:36; 1Chr 2:21; 1Chr 23:3; 1Chr 23:24; 1Chr 23:27; 1Chr 27:3; 2Chr 24:15; 2Chr 25:5; 2Chr 31:16; 2Chr 31:17; Ezra 3:8; Isa 65:20 (twice in verse); Jer 52:1 + 41 t. Samuel Kings Chronicles, of kings of accession; note especially (included in above) the phrase מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמָ֑עְלָה Exod 30:14; Exod 38:26; Num 1:3 + 21 t. Numbers 1-3 + Num 26:2; Num 26:4; Num 32:11; 1Chr 23:24; 1Chr 23:27; 2Chr 25:5; Ezra 3:8 compare Lev 27:7; Num 8:24; Num 26:62; 1Chr 23:3 & without מעלה Num 8:25; Num 18:16 also מִבֶּן עשׂרים שׁנה וְעַד בֶּןשִֿׁשִּׁים שָׁנָה Lev 27:3 compare vLev 27:5 vLev 27:6 מִבֶּן שׁלשׁים שׁנה ומעלה ועד בןחֿמשׁים שׁנה Num 4:3 (twice in verse) + 12 t. Num 4 מבּן שׁלושׁ שׁנים וּלְמַ֫עְלָה 2Chr 31:16 compare v2Chr 31:17 & לְמִבֶּן עשׂרים שׁנה וּלְמָ֑טָּה 1Chr 27:23.
  b. of animals, (Hexateuch all P, including H) בֶּןשָֿׁנָה Exod 12:5; Exod 29:38; Lev 9:3; Lev 23:18; Lev 23:19; Num 7:17 + 28 t. Num 7, 28, 29; also Mic 6:6 בֶּןשְֿׁנָתוֺ Lev 12:6; Lev 23:12; Num 6:12; Num 6:14 + 12 t. Num 7 also Ezek 46:13.Note. — בן appears perhaps abbreviated as בּ in a few compound proper names; see בִּדְקַר (= בֶּןדֿקר?), בִּלְשָׁן, בִּמְהָל, בַּעֲלִיס, בַּעֲנָה, בִּרְשַׁע, בִּשְׁלָם (so MV after Schol. Hamâsa3 ed. Freytag; Röde libr, hist, interpr, Arab, 20, 21; but this is very uncertain, compare Ol§ 227 b, p. 613). — On Lag's explanation of אבי in some proper names as for אבן = בן compare LagBN 75 & see אבינר p. 4, etc., but this is dubious

BDB1169 H1121

BDB1168 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1170

בְּנוֺ 1Chr 24:26; 1Chr 24:27 as proper name, masculine in AV RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, compare VB & Be Öttli.

BDB9386 H1247 H1121 H1248 H1123

BDB9385 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9387

I. בַּר noun masculine son (ᵑ7 id.; Syriac , Mandean ברא NöM § 148, Old Aramaic, Nabataean, Palmyrene בר (and בן) Lzb242 f.; Sabean בר according to MordtmVOJ x. 154 f.; = בֵּן, = becoming ר, PhilippiZMG xxxii (1878), 36 ff. BrockSyr. Gr. § 76 and others; √ different from בן according to JHMich Thes K§ 63 and others; Biblical Hebrew בַּר Aramaism for בֵּן); — construct ׳ב Dan 3:25 +; suffix בְּרֵהּ Dan 5:22 plural construct בְּנֵי Ezra 6:9 +; suffix בְּנ֫וֺהִי Ezra 6:10; Ezra 7:23, בְּנֵיהוֺן Dan 6:25 —

1. son(s) Ezra 5:1; Ezra 5:2 (twice in verse); Ezra 6:14; Dan 5:22; Dan 6:25; Ezra 6:10; Ezra 7:23 בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל Ezra 6:16 = Israelites, בְּנֵי גָלוּתָא = captives vEzra 6:16; Dan 2:25; Dan 5:13; Dan 6:14 בַּראֱֿנָשׁ Dan 7:13 i.e. one of human kind, בְּנֵי אֲנָשָׁא men Dan 2:38; Dan 5:21 בַּראֱֿלָהִין Dan 3:25 a divine (or angelic) being (see Dr, and compare Biblical Hebrew Gen 6:2; Job 1:6); ׳בַּר שְׁנִין וגו Job 6:1 a son of 62 years = 62 years old (Biblical Hebrew בֵּן 9).
2. of bullocks, בְּנֵי תוֺרִין Ezra 6:9.

II. בַּר see ברר.

son, children, sons, old, first, …
bēn
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
  • son, grandson, child, member of a group
    • son, male child
      • "grandson"children (plural, male and female)"youth, young men (plural)"young (of animals)"sons (as characterization, i.e., sons of injustice (for unrighteous men) or sons of God (for angels)"people (of a nation) (plural)"of lifeless things, i.e., sparks, stars, arrows (figuratively)"a member of a guild, order, class

מְרָרִ֖י
מְרָרִ֖י
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Of merari")
Dictionary form: מְרָרִי · meh-raw-REE

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: of merari
of merari ×33 and merari ×6
More options
Merari — Standard proper name; use in narrative and lists.
of Merari — Genitive form; for clan or lineage references.
Merarite — Adjectival/demonym form; for tribal identity contexts.
the Merari clan — Explicit collective; clarifies group membership for readers.

BDB4845 H4847

BDB4844 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4846

I. מְרָרִי proper name, masculine a son of Levi, and head of a chief Levitical family: ᵐ5 Μεραρ(ε)Ι, Μαραρει; — Gen 46:11; Exod 6:16; Exod 6:19; Num 3:17; Num 3:20; Num 3:33 (twice in verse); Num 3:35; Num 3:36; Num 4:29; Num 4:33; Num 4:42; Num 4:45; Num 7:8; Num 10:17; Num 26:57; Josh 21:7; Josh 21:34; Josh 21:38 (all P), 1Chr 5:27; 1Chr 6:1; 1Chr 6:4; 1Chr 6:14; 1Chr 6:29; 1Chr 6:32; 1Chr 6:48; 1Chr 6:62; 1Chr 9:14; 1Chr 15:6; 1Chr 15:17; 1Chr 23:6; 1Chr 23:21; 1Chr 24:26; 1Chr 24:27; 1Chr 26:10; 1Chr 26:19; 1Chr 2:12; 1Chr 34:12; .

merari
mĕrārî
bitter
Merari, an Israelite
  • the 3rd son of Levi and head of a Levitical family

מַחְלִ֣י
מַחְלִ֣י
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Mahli")
Dictionary form: מַחְלִי · ma-LEE

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: mahli
mahli ×6 of mahli ×4 mahali ×1 were mahli ×1
More options
Mahli — Standard modern spelling; preferred in most contemporary translations.
Mahali — Alternate spelling; useful when following older manuscript traditions.
Maḥli — Scholarly transliteration with diacritic; suits academic or critical editions.

BDB4593 H4249

BDB4592 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4594

I. מַחְלִי

proper name, masculine 1. Levite, son of Merari Exod 6:19; Num 3:20; 1Chr 6:4; 1Chr 6:14; 1Chr 23:21 (twice in verse); 1Chr 24:26; 1Chr 24:28; Ezra 8:18 (probably), ᵐ5 Μοολλει.
2. son of Mushi, and grandson of Merari 1Chr 6:32; 1Chr 23:23; 1Chr 24:30, ᵐ5 Μοολει, Μοολ(λ)ι.

mahli, mahali
maḥlî
sick
Machli, the name of two Israelites
  • son of Merari and grandson of Levi; progenitor of the family of the Mahlites
    • "son of Mushi, grandson of Merari, and great grandson of Levi

וּ מֻשִׁ֑י
וּ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
מֻשִׁ֑י
Root word a name — transliterate it ("And mushi")
Dictionary form: מוּשִׁי · moo-SHEE

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: and mushi
and mushi ×5 of mushi ×2 also of mushi ×1
More options
Mushi — Standard modern spelling for this Levite personal name.
Mushī — Scholarly form; macron signals long vowel for academic texts.
Mooshi — Phonetic spelling reflecting Hebrew pronunciation closely.

BDB4559 H4187

BDB4558 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4560

I. מוּשִׁי, מֻשִׁי proper name, masculine a Levite, son of Merari, מוּשִׁי Exod 6:19; Num 3:20; 1Chr 6:32; 1Chr 23:21; 1Chr 23:23; 1Chr 24:26; 1Chr 24:30 מֻשִׁי 1Chr 6:4 ᵐ5 Ομονς(ε)ι, rarely Μονς(ε)ι, Μοονσι

mushi
mûšî
yielding
Mushi, a Levite
  • son of Merari, grandson of Kohath, and great grandson of Levi

Breakdown unavailable for this word. Dictionary form: אֵלֶּה · ale-LEH

Noun — Common, plural plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: and these
these ×407 and these ×70 of these ×31 those ×26 are these ×21 now these ×21 these things ×7 in these ×6
More options
these — Most common modern rendering; use for nearby or just-listed items.
those — Use when referencing items more distant in context.
these things — Adds slight emphasis when referencing a list or concepts.
such — Use when אֵלֶּה has a qualitative or categorical sense.
the following — Useful when introducing an enumerated list ahead.

BDB424 H428

BDB423 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB425

אֵ֫לֶּה ( Rabb אֵלּוּ, Aramaic אִלֵּין, & compd. with and in , ) pronoun plural masculine & feminine these, in usage the plural of זֶה.
  a. Gen 2:4 & often: in apposition to a substantive with a pronominal suffix (always without the article) Exod 9:14 (read with Hi. אֵלֶּה בְּךָ for אֶללִֿבְּךָ) Exod 10:1 אֹתֹתַי אֵלֶּה these my signs, Exod 11:8; Deut 11:18; 1Kgs 8:59; 1Kgs 10:8; 1Kgs 22:23; 2Kgs 1:13; Jer 31:21; Ezra 2:65; Neh 6:14 in the genitive 2Kgs 6:20; Isa 47:9; Deut 18:12; Ps 15:5 and after כל Gen 14:3 + often Standing alone in a neuter sense, these things (rare in best prose, & not very common in poetry), with עָשָׂה Deut 18:12; Deut 22:5; Deut 25:16; 2Sam 23:17; 2Sam 23:22; Ps 15:5 +; with other verbs Ezra 9:1; Isa 44:21; Isa 47:7; Jer 13:22; Hos 14:10; Ps 42:5; Ps 50:21; Ps 107:43; Job 8:2 with אֶתֿ Num 15:13; Isa 48:14 with כָּלֿ Judg 13:23; Isa 66:2 +; see also some of the cases with prepositions below
  d. אלה may point indifferently to what follows, Gen 6:9; Gen 10:1; Gen 25:7; Gen 25:12; Gen 25:13; Ps 42:5 or to what has preceded, Gen 9:19; Gen 10:20; Gen 10:31; Gen 10:32; Gen 25:4; Lev 21:14; Lev 22:22; Ps 15:5 = such as these (τοιαῦτα), Ps 73:12; Job 18:21.
  b. repeated, אלהו֗֗֗אלה, these . . . those Deut 27:13; Josh 8:22; Isa 49:12 (3 t.) Ps 20:8 +.
  c. with the art. (but only after a substantive determined likewise by the article) הָאֵלֶּה Gen 15:1 + often.

**in Josh 17:9 עָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, read הֶעָרִים, compare Josh 17:12; Josh 19:8; Josh 19:16; Josh 19:31; Josh 19:48, etc.
  d. with prepositions: בְּאֵלֶּה Lev 25:54; Lev 26:23; 1Kgs 22:11 (7 t.), בָּאֵלֶּה 1Sam 16:10; 1Sam 17:39 לְאֵלֶּה Lev 11:24 (4 t), לָאֵלֶּה 1Kgs 22:17 (5 t.); מֵאֵלֶּה Gen 9:19 (16 t.); עַד אֵלֶּה Lev 26:18 עַלאֵֿלֶּה on account of these things Isa 57:6; Isa 64:11; Jer 5:9 and elsewhere; כְּאֵלֶּה Job 16:2; Jer 10:16 = Jer 51:19, כָּאֵלֶּה Gen 27:46; Lev 10:19 (things like these, so Isa 66:8; Jer 18:13) Num 28:24 P (compare Ezek 45:25) 2Kgs 25:17 = Jer 52:22, כְּמוֺאֵֿלֶּה Job 12:3.

BDB9303 H459 H1836 H428

BDB9302 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9304

אִלֵּין (אִלֵּן Dan 2:44; Dan 6:7) demonstrative pronoun plural these (plural of דְּנָה, q. v.: Palmyrene אלן (Lzb264 Eph. i. 343, 345 Cooke26); ᵑ7 אילין; Mandean עלין (NöM 89 f.); Talmud (with emphatic hâ prefixed, WCG:109) הָאִלֵּין: see further below Biblical Hebrew אֵלֶּה, and add Egyptian Aramaic אלו Cooke26); — these, only Daniel: Dan 2:40 דִּי מְרָעַע כָּלֿ, נִלֵּין, vDan 2:44 כָּלאִֿלֵּן מַלְכְוָתָא, Dan 6:3 אֲחַדְֵַּרְפְּנַיָּא אִלֵּין (so v.Dan 6:7), Dan 7:17 אִלֵּיץ חֵיוָתָא.

these, those, things, this, them, …
ʾēlle
these or those
  • these
    • used before antecedent
      • "used following antecedent

מִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת
מִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Are the families")
Dictionary form: מִשְׁפָּחָה · mish-paw-HAW

Noun — Common, feminine plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: are the families
the family ×73 after their families ×38 according to their families ×25 are the families ×21 of the families ×16 by their families ×15 the families ×14 family ×8
More options
family — Most common, broadly applicable in any context.
clan — Preferred for tribal/kinship groups larger than household.
kinship group — Precise in anthropological or technical passages.
lineage — Emphasizes descent and hereditary connection.
household — Use when domestic or residential unit is in view.
people — Loose rendering; suits lists of ethnic or national groups.

BDB8954 H4940

BDB8953 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8955

מִשְׁפָּחָה: 303 noun feminine clan (RSSemitic 1. 258, 2nd ed. 276; K 149, 2nd ed. 175 BaNB § 161 a); — absolute ׳מ Amos 3:1 +; construct מִשְׁפַּ֫חַת Judg 9:1 +; suffix מִשְׁפַּחְתִּי Gen 24:38 +, etc.; plural מִשְׁפָּחוֺת Nah 3:4 +; construct מִשְׁפְּחוֺת Amos 3:2 +; suffix מִשְׁפְּחֹתֵיהֶם Gen 8:19 + 2 t., usually תָם- Num 1:18 + 84 t., etc.; —

1. clan:
  a. family connection of individual Gen 24:38 (+ בֵּיתאָֿבִי), vGen 24:40 ( + id.), vGen 24:41 (all J; = מוֺלַדְתִּי vGen 24:4), 2Sam 14:7, united in sacrifice 1Sam 20:6; 1Sam 20:29, in passover Exod 12:21 (J E; compare BenzEncy.Bib. PASSOVER, §§ 9, 12); compare Lev 20:5 (H), Lev 25:10; Lev 25:41 (P), vLev 25:49 (P; defined as מִשְּׁאֵר בְּשָׂרוֺ), non-Hebrew vLev 25:47 (H), vLev 25:45(P), Judg 1:25 מִשְׁפְּחוֺתֶיהָ Josh 6:23 (E or R) is unintelligible, probably strike out (compare Steuern Holz; בֵּית אָבִיהָ in vJosh 6:25 [J]), compare Num 27:4; Num 27:11 (P); בֵּית אֲבִי אִמּוֺ ׳מ Judg 9:1 clan of his mother's father-house; including individuals, and included by שֵׁבֶט 1Sam 9:21 (twice in verse); 1Sam 10:21 with specific name, in series גֶבֶר, בַּיִת, ׳מ, שֵׁבֶט Josh 7:14 (twice in verse); Josh 7:17 b, c (all J; vJosh 7:17 a read plural Di Benn, or שֵׁבֶט GFMJudg 13:2; Steuern allows either); compare Deut 29:17; Judg 21:24, ׳אָבִי בְּיִשׂ ׳מ 1Sam 1:18 (+ חַיַּי, see II [חַי]; בֵּיתשָֿׁאוּל ׳אִישׁמִ֗֗֗מּ 2Sam 16:5 with name also Ruth 2:1; Ruth 2:3 and (non-Israel) Job 32:2.
  b. in loose, popular sense= tribe, Judg 13:2; Judg 17:7; Judg 18:19, compare vJudg 18:2 (|| שֵׁבֶט vJudg 18:1), vJudg 18:11 (yet in these two read possibly plural, see GFM).
  c. techn. divisions of people of Israel Num 11:10 (J) Jer 2:4; Jer 31:1 compare Jer 3:14; Num 1:2; Num 1:18; Num 2:34; Num 33:54 (all P), so (post-exilic) Neh 4:7: Esth 9:28 (מְדִינָה, ׳מ, דּוֺר).
  d. usually (P) technical divisions of tribes of Israel, Exod 6:14; Exod 6:15; Exod 6:25; Num 3:15 + 112 t. Numbers (93 t. Num 26, including vNum 3:43 where הַשּׁוּחָמִי apparently = Dan), 34 t. Josh 13-21; also 1Chr 6:4; 1Chr 6:45; 1Chr 7:5; division of Gershom, etc. (in Levi) Num 3:18; Num 3:19; Num 3:20 + 41 t. Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Chronicles; subdivisions of these divisions (in Levi) Num 3:21 (twice in verse) + 6 t. Num 3 + Num 4:18 compare (in other tribes) 1Chr 2:53; 1Chr 4:2; 1Chr 4:8; 1Chr 4:21; 1Chr 4:27; 1Chr 4:38; 1Chr 5:7 also Zech 12:12 b. c 13 b 14 a, and (distributive) vZech 12:12 a 14 b, pleonastic מַטֵּה אֲבִיהֶם ׳מ Num 36:6 compare vNum 36:8, and (׳א ׳מַטֵּה מ) vNum 36:12.
  e. late, divinity of other peoples 1Chr 16:28 = Ps 96:7; Ps 22:28 in Edom Gen 36:40 (P). feminine in wider sense=people, nation; כֹּל מִשְׁפְּחֹת תָאֲדָמָה Amos 3:2; Gen 12:3; Gen 28:14 (both J), compare Jer 10:25; Ezek 20:32; Nah 3:4 (all || גּוֺיִם), Zech 14:17; Jer 1:15; Jer 25:9 as one's posterity Gen 10:30; Gen 10:31; Gen 10:32 (all P), so probably vGen 10:5 (P; Di Dr); = all Israel Amos 3:1, Judah Mic 2:3; Jer 8:3 (הָרָעָה הַזּאֹת ׳הַמּ), Israel + Judah, ׳שְׁתֵּי הַמּ Jer 33:24 מִשְׁפַּחַת מִצְרַיִם Zech 14:18 compare Ps 107:41.
2. = guild 1Chr 2:55 (of scribes; originally hereditary in families).
3. = species, kind:
  a. of judgments Jer 15:3. b. animals Gen 8:19 (P).
4. plural = aristocrats Job 31:34 (compare English 'the classes').

שֻׁפִּים proper name, masculine see √ שׁפף.

families, family, kindred, kindreds, kinds, …
mišpāḥâ
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
  • clan, family
    • clan
      • family
        • "tribe"people, nation
      guild"species, kind"aristocrats

הַ לֵּוִ֖י
הַ
Prefix — article the
לֵּוִ֖י
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Of the levites")
Dictionary form: לֵוִיִּי · lay-wih-YEE

Noun — Gentilic, masculine singular, absolute state a people-group name (like "Hittite")

In the KJV here: of the levites
the levites ×87 and the levites ×59 of the levites ×39 unto the levites ×13 and the levite ×9 the levite ×8 and levites ×7 levites ×7
More options
Levite — Standard modern term; use for singular or as adjective.
Levitical priest — Clarifies priestly role when context demands it.
member of the tribe of Levi — Explanatory; best for non-specialist or study Bible audiences.
Levitical worker — Highlights temple-service role without assuming priestly rank.
descendant of Levi — Emphasizes lineage; useful in genealogical or legal passages.

BDB4370 H3881

BDB4369 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4371

II. לֵוִי291 adjective, of a people Levite; — לֵוִי, 40 t.; plural לֵוִיִּם 250 t.; suffix לְוִיֵּנוּ Neh 10:1 —
  l. singular of individual, ׳אִישׁ ל Judg 19:1 a certain Levite; predicate ׳וְהוּא ל Judg 17:1 and he was a Levite, so vJudg 17:9 with article ׳הַלּ as substantive the Levite Exod 4:11 (J), Judg 17:10; Judg 17:11; Judg 17:12; Judg 17:13 (as priest), Deut 18:6; 2Chr 20:14; 2Chr 31:12; 2Chr 31:14; Ezra 10:15 ׳הַנַּעַר הַלּ Judg 18:3; Judg 18:15 ׳הָאִישׁ הַלּ Judg 20:4. Sg. usually

2. with article הַלֵּוִי as substantive collective the Levites: Exod 6:19; Num 3:20; Num 3:32; Num 26:57 (all P); Num 18:23 (P; charged with service of tabernacle); especially D, Deut 12:12; Deut 12:18; Deut 12:19; Deut 14:27; Deut 14:29; Deut 16:1; Deut 16:14; Deut 26:10; Deut 26:12; Deut 26:13 also 1Chr 24:6; Mal 2:8 (as priestly tribe); ׳שֵׁבָט הַלּ Deut 10:8 tribe of the Levites (set apart for service), compare Josh 13:14; Josh 13:33; 1Chr 23:14 בְּנֵיהַֿלֵּוִי 1Chr 12:27 (van d. H v.1Chr 12:26) sons of the Levites (i.e. of the tribe); so Neh 10:40 (as tithe-collectors); בֵּית הַלֵּוִי Ps 135:20 house (family, tribe) of the Levites.
3. plural לְוִיִּם chiefly Chronicles and P; — always with article ַ˜הלְוִיִּם except suffix לוִיֵּנוּ Neh 10:1 the article is omitted by ᵐ5 ᵑ9 and most in Isa 66:21 always = substantive Levites; —
1.
  a. earlier usage: — as bearing the ark 1Sam 6:15; 2Sam 15:24; Deut 31:25, so (with priests) 1Kgs 8:4 = 2Chr 5:5 (HCT ׳הכהנים הַל; read probably ׳וְהַל as in Kings, ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 compare Öttli VB); also 1 Chronicles is 1Chr 15:2; 1Chr 15:26; 1Chr 15:27; 1Chr 23:26; 2Chr 5:4 (for הכהנים || 1Kgs 8:3).
  b. not distinguished from priests by D: ׳הַכֹּהֲנִים הַל Deut 17:9; Deut 17:18; Deut 18:1; Deut 24:8; Deut 27:9; Josh 3:3; Josh 8:33 (both D; as bearing ark), also Jer 33:18; Jer 33:21 ׅ ׳הַכ ׳(הַל, Ezek 43:19; Ezek 44:15 compare Deut 18:7; Deut 27:14; Jer 33:22 ׳הַל ׳הַכ likewise 2Chr 23:18; 2Chr 30:27 (but read probably ׳וְהַל after ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9, compare Öttli and below)
  c. as tribal designation, Exod 6:25; Num 3:39; Num 4:18; Num 4:46; Josh 21:1 (all P), 1Chr 9:33; 1Chr 9:34; 1Chr 15:12; 2Chr 35:5; Neh 11:15; Neh 11:16; Neh 12:24 with reference to share in land Lev 25:32 (twice in verse); Lev 25:33 (twice in verse) (H), Num 1:47; Num 2:33; Josh 14:3; Josh 14:4; Josh 21:3; Josh 21:4; Josh 21:8; Josh 21:20; Josh 21:27; Josh 21:34; Josh 21:38; Josh 21:39 (all P), Josh 18:7 (D), 1Chr 6:49 compare also 2Chr 11:14.
  d. set apart for service in tabernacle, Exod 38:21; Num 1:50; Num 1:51 (twice in verse); Num 1:53 (twice in verse); Num 2:17; Num 7:5; Num 7:6; Num 8:6 + 18 t. Num 8 (all p), compare 1Chr 6:33; 1Chr 16:4 ministers to Aaron and his sons Num 3:9; Num 8:19; Num 18:6 (P); set apart for ׳י (as redemption for first-born) Num 3:12 (twice in verse) + 7 t. Num 3 (P); with certain perquisites Num 18:24; Num 18:26; Num 18:30 + 9 t. Numbers (P).
2. in Chronicles the tribal idea is in the background, and thought of Levites as official class is prominent:
  a. distinguished from priests ׳וְהַל ׳הַכ 1Chr 9:14 (compare v1Chr 9:10), 1Chr 13:2; 1Chr 15:4; 1Chr 15:11; 1Chr 15:14; 1Chr 23:2; 1Chr 24:6; 1Chr 24:31 + 67 t. Chronicles; also Isa 66:21 (according to Vrss., but dubious), Ezek 44:10; Ezek 45:5 (compare vEzek 45:4), Ezek 48:11; Ezek 48:12; Ezek 48:13; Ezek 48:22.
  b. as porters, 1Chr 9:26; 1Chr 26:17, compare 1Chr 34:9 as in charge of music, 1Chr 15:16; 1Chr 15:17; 1Chr 15:22; 2Chr 5:12; 2Chr 29:25; 2Chr 29:30; 2Chr 34:12; Neh 12:27 yet distinguished from porters and singers, Neh 7:1; Neh 13:5; Neh 13:10 distinguished also from נְתִינִים 1Chr 9:2; Ezra 8:20; Neh 10:29 further (with various official functions) 1Chr 9:31 + 29 t. Chronicles; of groups of individuals, 2Chr 17:8 (twice in verse); 2Chr 29:12; 2Chr 34:12; Ezra 2:40 = Neh 7:43; Ezra 8:33; Neh 3:17; Neh 9:5; Neh 10:10; Neh 12:8, also Neh 8:7 (omitted וְ; ᵑ9 BeRy Ryle).
  c. בְּנֵיהַֿלְוִיִּם 1Chr 15:15 (bearing ark), 1Chr 24:30 (tribal designation). — See, on Levites, especially GfGeschichte. d. Stammes Levi in MeArchiv i. 68 ff. 208 ff. WeProl. Cap. iv RSOTJC. 435 f., 2nd ed., 360 f. BauPriesterthum 50 f., 68 f., and often

levites, levite
lēwiyyî
joined to
a Levite or descendant of Levi
  • the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah
    • the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service

לַ אֲבוֹתֵי הֶֽם
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for
אֲבוֹתֵי
Root word fathers, father, chief, families, patrimony, …
הֶֽם
Suffix — pronoun their / them
Dictionary form: אָב · awb

Noun — Common, masculine plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: according to their fathers
his father ×133 of their fathers ×94 his fathers ×86 my father ×80 thy father ×51 of the fathers ×44 the father ×41 their fathers ×30
More options
father — Default choice; direct, natural, widely understood.
ancestor — Prefer when referring to distant forebears or lineage.
forefather — Slightly more formal; good for ancestral or covenantal contexts.
patriarch — Use for tribal or clan heads with religious authority.
family head — Highlights household-leader role in social/legal contexts.
founder — Suits contexts emphasizing originating or establishing a line.

BDB17 H1

BDB16 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB18

אָב1191 noun masculine father (Phoenician אב, Assyrian abu, Arabic , Sabean אב CISiv, 1, 37 1. 2 and others, Ethiopic Aramaic אַבָּא, — absolute אָב Gen 44:19 + 47 t.; construct אַב Gen 17:4; Gen 17:5 (compare in אַבְרָהָם ib. & elsewhere in proper names. On Hal's proposed אֲבִר see אברהם); אֲבִי (compare Ge§§ 90, 3b, 96) Gen 4:20 +; suffix אָבִי Gen 19:34 + (MI אבי); אָבִיךָ Gen 12:1 +; אָבִיו Gen 2:24 +; אָבִ֫יהוּ Judg 14:10 + 6t.; plural אָבוֺת Exod 12:3 +; construct אֲבוֺת Exod 6:25 + 7 t.; suffix אֲבוֺתַי (אֲבֹתַי, אֲבוֺתָ֑י) Gen 47:9 + 15 t.; אֲבוֺתֵיהֶם 1Chr 4:38 + 32 t. (late); אֲבוֺתָם Exod 4:5 + 106 t. etc.; —

1. father of individual Gen 2:24 (+ אֵם) Gen 11:28; Gen 11:29 (twice in verse); Gen 19:31; Gen 19:32; Gen 19:33, + often (mostly J E D); of father as commanding Gen 50:16 (J) Jer 35:6 f Prov 6:20 (compare Gen 18:19 J Gen 28:1; Gen 28:6 P 1Sam 17:20; 1Kgs 2:1); instructing מוסר Prov 1:8; Prov 4:1 (compare Deut 8:5); specifically as begetter, genitor Prov 23:22; Zech 13:3 (twice in verse) (+ אֵם) Isa 45:10 compare Gen 49:4 (J) Lev 18:7; Lev 18:8; Lev 18:11 (P); rebuking Gen 37:10 loving Gen 37:4; Gen 44:20 (J E; compare Gen 22:2; Gen 25:28; Gen 37:3; 2Sam 14:1); pitying Ps 103:13 (in simile compare 2Sam 18:5); blessing Gen 27:41 (J E compare Gen 27:4 also Gen 28:1 P +); as glad Prov 10:1; Prov 15:20 compare Prov 29:3 grieving Gen 37:35 (J E; compare 2Sam 12:22; 2Sam 19:1; 2Sam 19:2 f) etc. Also as object of honour, obedience, love Exod 20:12 (E) = Deut 5:16; Exod 21:15; Exod 21:17 (E) Deut 21:18; Deut 21:19; Gen 28:7 (P) 1Kgs 19:20 (all + אֵם), 1Kgs 50:1; 1Kgs 50:5 (J) Mal 1:6 etc. Hence metaphor of intimate connection Job 17:14 to corruption I cry, My father art thou (|| אִמִּי וַאֲחֹתִי לָֽרִמָּה).
2. of God as father of his people (see RSSem 42), who constituted, controls, guides and lovingly watches over it: Deut 32:6; Jer 3:4; Jer 3:19; Jer 31:9; Isa 63:16 (twice in verse); Isa 64:7; Mal 1:6; Mal 2:10 (compare Exod 4:22; Exod 19:4 (JE) Deut 32:11; Hos 11:1); compare Jer 2:27 (of idolatrous Israel) אֹמְרִים לָעֵץ אָבִי אַתָּה וְלָאֶבֶן אַתְּ ילדתני׃; especially God as father of Davidic line 2Sam 7:14; Ps 89:27 f. of needy (late) Ps 68:6 (compare Ps 103:13) (in proper name, f. of individual, compare below)
3. head of household, family or clan; בֵּית אָבִי as abode Gen 38:11 (twice in verse); Lev 22:13 +; = family Gen 24:40 (|| מִשְׁפַּחְתִּי) Gen 41:51; Gen 46:31 + compare Num 18:1; Num 18:2; Josh 2:12; Josh 2:18; Josh 6:25 especially techn. of divisions of Israel בֵּית אָב לְמִשְׁפָּחוֺת Num 3:30; Num 3:35 = a father's house, i.e. a family or clan; more often plural (אבותם, אבותיו) בֵית אָבוֺת = father's houses = families, clans (compare Di on Exod 6:14) Exod 6:14; Exod 12:3; Num 1:2; Num 1:18 ff (often in Numbers) Josh 14:1; Josh 19:51; Josh 21:1 (twice in verse); Josh 22:14 (twice in verse) (always P in Hexateuch); also 1Chr 5:13; 1Chr 5:15 + often in Chronicles; compare רָאשֵׁי אבות הלוים (= ׳בית א ׳ר) Exod 6:25 compare 1Kgs 8:1; 1Chr 6:4; 1Chr 7:11 + often Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah.
4. ancestor (a) of individual; grandfather (instead of precise term) Gen 28:13; Gen 32:10 (J; where used by Jacob of Abraham & then of Isaac); greatgrandfather 1Kgs 15:13 great-greatgrandfather 1Kgs 15:11 etc.; oft plural (= fathers, forefathers) Gen 15:15; Gen 46:34 (JE) 1Kgs 19:4; 1Kgs 21:3; 1Kgs 21:4; 2Kgs 19:12; 2Kgs 20:17 +; particularly שׁכב עם אבותיו 1Kgs 1:21; 1Kgs 2:10; 1Kgs 11:21; 1Kgs 22:40 +; joined with ׳ויקבר עם אב 1Kgs 14:31; 1Kgs 15:24; 1Kgs 22:51; 2Kgs 8:24; 2Kgs 15:38 compare v2Kgs 15:7, 2Kgs 16:20 + (all of kings of Judah); intensive, אֲבֹתֶיךָ וַאֲבוֺת אֲבֹתֶיךָ Exod 10:6 compare Dan 11:24 (b) of people Gen 10:21 (J) Gen 17:4; Gen 17:5 (P) Gen 19:37; Gen 19:38 (J) Gen 36:9; Gen 36:43 (P) Deut 26:5; Isa 51:2; Isa 43:27 (where אביך הראשׁון thy first father, see Che) compare also Ezek 16:3; Ezek 16:45 + often; plural Exod 3:13; Exod 3:15; Exod 3:16 (E) Deut 1:8; Josh 1:6; Judg 2:1; 1Sam 12:6 +; 1Sam 12:15 near the end read וּבְמַלְכְּכֶם ᵐ5 We Dr.
5. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art Gen 4:20; Gen 4:21.
6. figurative of producer, generator Job 38:28 הֲיֵשׁ לַמָּטָר אָ֑ב (|| הוֺלִיד אֶגְלֵיטָֽֿל׃ מִיֿ).
7. figurative of benevolence & protection Job 29:6 אָב אָֽנֹכִי לָֽאֶבְיוֺנִים, compare Job 31:18 of Eliakim Isa 22:21 perhaps also of gracious Messianic king אֲבִי עַד Isa 9:5 everlasting father (Ge Ew De Che Brd Di) — others divider of spoil (Abarb Hi Kn Kue BrMP).
8. term of respect & honour (Abbas, Pater, Papa, Pope); applied to master 2Kgs 5:13 priest Judg 17:10; Judg 18:19 prophet 2Kgs 2:12 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 6:21; 2Kgs 13:14 (twice in verse); compare 2Kgs 8:9 counsellor Gen 45:8 (E; compare δευτέρου πατρός ᵐ5 add. Esth 3:13 τῷ πατρί 1 Mac Esth 11:32); king 1Sam 24:12 artificer 2Chr 2:12; 2Chr 4:16.
9. specifically, ruler, chief (late) 1Chr 2:24; 1Chr 2:42 (twice in verse); etc. (compare Ew§ 273 b) see also EwGeschichte. i. 524. H i. 365. On the force of אָב in proper names (in many probably a divine title), see CheEncy. Bib., ABI, NAMES WITH Nöib., NAMES, §§ 44, 45.

fathers, father, chief, families, patrimony, …
ʾāb
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
  • father of an individual
    • "of God as father of his people"head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan"ancestor
    • grandfather, forefathers (of a person)
      • "of people
    originator or patron of a class, profession, or art"of producer, generator (figuratively)"of benevolence and protection (figuratively)"term of respect and honor"ruler or chief (specifically)

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
בְּנֵ֥י מְרָרִ֖י Tipeha — a lesser break מַחְלִ֣י וּמֻשִׁ֑י Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְאֵ֛לֶּה Tevir — a lesser break מִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת הַלֵּוִ֖י Tipeha — a lesser break לַאֲבֹתֵיהֶֽם Silluq — end of the verse

בְּנֵי מְרָרִי מַחְלִי וּמֻשִׁי וְאֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחוֹת הַלֵּוִי לַאֲבֹתֵיהֶֽם׃
19
The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers.
Cross References

1 Chronicles 23:21

בְּנֵי מְרָרִי מַחְלִי וּמוּשִׁי בְּנֵי מַחְלִי אֶלְעָזָר וְקִֽישׁ׃
21
The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.

1 Chronicles 24:26

בְּנֵי מְרָרִי מַחְלִי וּמוּשִׁי בְּנֵי יַֽעֲזִיָּהוּ בְנֽוֹ׃
26
The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.

Exodus 6:19

וּבְנֵי מְרָרִי מַחְלִי וּמוּשִׁי אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת הַלֵּוִי לְתֹֽלְדֹתָֽם׃
19
And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.

Numbers 3:20

וּבְנֵי מְרָרִי לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם מַחְלִי וּמוּשִׁי אֵלֶּה הֵם מִשְׁפְּחֹת הַלֵּוִי לְבֵית אֲבֹתָֽם׃
20
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 26:57

וְאֵלֶּה פְקוּדֵי הַלֵּוִי לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְגֵֽרְשׁוֹן מִשְׁפַּחַת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּי לִקְהָת מִשְׁפַּחַת הַקְּהָתִי לִמְרָרִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הַמְּרָרִֽי׃
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.
1 Chronicles 6:18
Read 1 Chronicles 6
1 Chronicles 6:20