1 Chronicles 23:7
New International Version
Belonging to the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

New Living Translation
The Gershonite family units were defined by their lines of descent from Libni and Shimei, the sons of Gershon.

English Standard Version
The sons of Gershon were Ladan and Shimei.

Berean Standard Bible
The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

Berean Literal Bible
Of the Gershonite: Ladan and Shimei.

King James Bible
Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei.

New King James Version
Of the Gershonites: Laadan and Shimei.

New American Standard Bible
Of the Gershonites there were Ladan and Shimei.

NASB 1995
Of the Gershonites were Ladan and Shimei.

NASB 1977
Of the Gershonites were Ladan and Shimei.

Legacy Standard Bible
Of the Gershonites were Ladan and Shimei.

Amplified Bible
Of the Gershonites: Ladan (Libni) and Shimei.

Berean Annotated Bible
The Gershonites: Ladan (Libni) and Shimei (renowned).

Christian Standard Bible
The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

American Standard Version
Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

Contemporary English Version
Gershon had two sons: Ladan and Shimei.

English Revised Version
Of the Gershonites; Ladan and Shimei.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Ladan and Shimei were Gershon's descendants.

Good News Translation
Gershon had two sons: Ladan and Shimei.

International Standard Version
The descendants of Gershon were Ladan and Shimei.

NET Bible
The Gershonites included Ladan and Shimei.

New Heart English Bible
Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

Webster's Bible Translation
Of the Gershonites, were, Laadan and Shimei.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

World English Bible
Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Of the Gershonite: Laadan and Shimei.

Berean Literal Bible
Of the Gershonite: Ladan and Shimei.

Young's Literal Translation
Of the Gershonite: Laadan and Shimei.

Smith's Literal Translation
To Gershon, Laadan, and Shimei.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sons of Gerson were Leedan and Semei.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The sons of Gershom: Ladan and Shimei.

New American Bible
To the Gershonites belonged Ladan and Shimei.

New Revised Standard Version
The sons of Gershon were Ladan and Shimei.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Of the Gershonites were Ladan and Shimei.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For Gershun: Ladan and Shemi.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Of the Gershonites: Ladan, and Shimei.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And for the family of Gedson, Edan, and Semei.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Gershonites
7The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. 8The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all.…

Cross References
The Gershonites:

Numbers 3:17-18
These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei.

Numbers 4:24-28
This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: / They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, / the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items. …

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.
Ladan

1 Chronicles 26:21-22
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.

1 Chronicles 15:7-8
from the Gershomites, Joel the chief and 130 of his relatives; / from the Elizaphanites, Shemaiah the chief and 200 of his relatives;

Numbers 18:20-24
Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. …
and Shimei.

Exodus 6:16-17
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.

1 Chronicles 6:17-18
These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

Numbers 3:21-26
From Gershon came the Libnite clan and the Shimeite clan; these were the Gershonite clans. / The number of all the males a month old or more was 7,500. / The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle, …
1 Chronicles 6:1-2
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

1 Chronicles 6:16-19
The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. …

1 Chronicles 24:20-31
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. …

1 Chronicles 25:1-31
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. …

1 Chronicles 26:1-32
These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. / Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, / Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. …

1 Chronicles 27:1-15
This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division: / Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division. / He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month. …

2 Chronicles 29:12-14
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.


Treasury of Scripture

Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei.

Gershonites

1 Chronicles 6:17-20
And these be the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei…

1 Chronicles 15:7
Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty:

1 Chronicles 26:21
As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli.

Exodus 6:17
The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.

Libni, Shimi

Jump to Previous
Belonging Gershonite Gershonites Ladan Shimei Shim'e-I
Jump to Next
Belonging Gershonite Gershonites Ladan Shimei Shim'e-I
1 Chronicles 23
1. David in his old age makes Solomon king
2. The number and distribution of the Levites
7. The families of the Gershonites
12. The sons of Kohath
21. The sons of Merari
24. The office of the Levites












The Gershonites:
The Gershonites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, the others being the Kohathites and the Merarites. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle and later the temple. The Gershonites specifically were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and other fabric elements. This role highlights the importance of maintaining the sacred space where God's presence dwelled among His people. The division of labor among the Levites underscores the organized and communal nature of worship in ancient Israel, reflecting a society where each group had specific roles contributing to the whole.

Ladan:
Ladan, also known as Libni in some biblical passages, was a descendant of Gershon, the son of Levi. The name Ladan means "white" or "gentle," which may reflect characteristics valued in his lineage. The mention of Ladan in the genealogies emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant with the Levites, ensuring that their service and duties were passed down through generations. This continuity is a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and the importance of heritage and legacy in biblical history.

and Shimei:
Shimei, another descendant of Gershon, is often associated with the Levitical duties alongside Ladan. The name Shimei means "heard" or "hearing," which can symbolize the importance of listening to God's commands and the role of the Levites in teaching and preserving the law. Shimei's inclusion in the genealogical records highlights the significance of each family within the Levitical structure, ensuring that the worship and service to God were maintained. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience and the transmission of faith through generations, as seen in other scriptural passages that emphasize the importance of hearing and adhering to God's word.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gershonites
Descendants of Gershon, the eldest son of Levi. They were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, responsible for specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple.

2. Ladan
Also known as Libni, he was a descendant of Gershon. His family line was responsible for certain duties within the Levitical service.

3. Shimei
Another descendant of Gershon, Shimei's family also had specific roles in the service of the tabernacle and temple.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding the lineage of the Levites, including the Gershonites, emphasizes the importance of heritage and the roles assigned by God. It reminds us of the value of knowing our spiritual heritage and the responsibilities that come with it.

Service in God's Kingdom
The specific duties assigned to the Gershonites illustrate the principle that everyone has a unique role in God's kingdom. We should seek to understand and fulfill our God-given roles with dedication and faithfulness.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The Gershonites' responsibilities, though seemingly mundane, were crucial for the functioning of the tabernacle. This teaches us that faithfulness in small tasks is vital and honors God.

Unity in Diversity
The division of labor among the Levites shows how diverse roles contribute to a unified purpose. In the body of Christ, diverse gifts and roles work together for the common good.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 23:7?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 23:7 highlight the importance of family lineage in ministry?

3. What role did the Gershonites play in the service of the Lord?

4. How can we apply the dedication of the Gershonites to our church service?

5. Which other scriptures emphasize the significance of family in God's work?

6. How does understanding 1 Chronicles 23:7 enhance our commitment to serving God?

7. What is the significance of the sons of Laadan in 1 Chronicles 23:7?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 23:7 fit into the broader context of David's organization of Levites?

9. Why are genealogies important in 1 Chronicles, specifically in 23:7?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 23?

11. How can we reconcile 1 Chronicles 23:6–23 with other genealogical lists that appear to differ in both names and numbers?

12. 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 - Are there historical or archaeological records supporting Ephraim's vast numbers and territorial claims listed here?

13. Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?

14. In 1 Chronicles 18:4, how do we reconcile the figure of 7,000 horsemen with 2 Samuel 8:4, which mentions 1,700 instead?
What Does 1 Chronicles 23:7 Mean
The Gershonites

“Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.” (1 Chronicles 23:7)

• Gershon was the eldest son of Levi (Genesis 46:11).

• His descendants, the Gershonites, formed one of the three major Levitical clans alongside the Kohathites and Merarites (Numbers 3:17).

• Under Moses, the clan was tasked with carrying the tabernacle’s curtains, coverings, and cords whenever Israel traveled (Numbers 4:24-28).

• Here in 1 Chronicles 23, King David reorganizes the Levites for temple service, confirming that God’s earlier instructions still stand and now find a settled, permanent expression in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 23:24-26).

• The brief phrase “The Gershonites” reminds us that every family line mattered to God’s plan and was recorded accurately for all generations (Exodus 32:32; Malachi 3:16).


Ladan

• Also called “Libni” in earlier genealogies (1 Chronicles 6:17), Ladan heads one branch of the Gershonite family.

• His descendants are listed immediately afterward (1 Chronicles 23:8).

• David assigns them duties in praise, gatekeeping, and maintaining the articles of the sanctuary (1 Chronicles 23:28-32).

• Just as God appointed tasks to each clan in the wilderness, He now honors that order in the temple era—showing He does not forget promises made generations earlier (Numbers 8:19; Psalm 33:11).

• Ladan’s placement first signals both primogeniture and the principle that faithful service, however quiet, gains God’s notice (1 Samuel 2:30; Matthew 25:21).


Shimei

• Shimei forms the second Gershonite branch; his children are listed next (1 Chronicles 23:9-10).

• Earlier records link this same Shimei line with duties around the tabernacle’s framework (Numbers 3:21-26).

• By David’s day, their role expands to worship leadership and oversight of temple treasuries (1 Chronicles 26:20-22).

• The mention of Shimei assures us that no family is too minor for God’s detailed assignment—each name matters, each task fits into the whole (1 Corinthians 12:18-20; Ephesians 4:16).


summary

1 Chronicles 23:7 identifies the two main Gershonite houses—Ladan and Shimei—within David’s reorganization of the Levites. The verse underscores God’s faithfulness to earlier commands, the value He places on every family and individual task, and the continuity between the wilderness tabernacle duties and the settled temple service.

(7) Of the Gershonites.--1Chronicles 23:7-11 give the names of nine Gershonite houses, or guilds. David's "courses" of Levites were formed according to the natural divisions already existing: i.e., they coincided with the father-houses. They were doubtless twenty-four in number, like those of their brethren the musicians (1Chronicles 25:31), and like the priestly classes (1Chronicles 24:4). So states Josephus (Ant. vii. 14, 7).

Laadan, and Shimei.--See 1Chronicles 6:2, where the two principal branches of the Gershonites are called "Libni" and Shimei. "Laadan" is hardly the same as Libni, but a branch prominent in the time of David.

Verse 7. - The heads of the houses of the first Levite family, viz., of Gershon, are now enumerated. The subject occupies the five verses that close with the eleventh. The family of Gershon branches into two - the name of the one Laadan (so written again in 1 Chronicles 26:21; but in 1 Chronicles 6:17, 20, as well as in Exodus 6:17 and Numbers 3:18, written Libui), and the name of the other Shimei.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Gershonites:
לַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֖י (lag·gê·rə·šun·nî)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1649: Gershonites -- descendant of Gershon

Ladan
לַעְדָּ֥ן (la‘·dān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3936: Ladan -- an Ephraimite, also a Gershonite

and Shimei.
וְשִׁמְעִֽי׃ (wə·šim·‘î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8096: Shimei -- the name of a number of Israelites


Links
1 Chronicles 23:7 NIV
1 Chronicles 23:7 NLT
1 Chronicles 23:7 ESV
1 Chronicles 23:7 NASB
1 Chronicles 23:7 KJV

1 Chronicles 23:7 BibleApps.com
1 Chronicles 23:7 Biblia Paralela
1 Chronicles 23:7 Chinese Bible
1 Chronicles 23:7 French Bible
1 Chronicles 23:7 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Chronicles 23:7 Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 23:6
Top of Page
Top of Page