לִבְנִי (liv.ni)
liv.ni
Libnite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term livni functions as a gentilic adjective meaning "Libnite," referring to a specific clan within the tribe of Levi. It is always used with the definite article in Scripture, appearing as a collective noun for the descendants of Libni, who was the son of Gershon and grandson of Levi. This lineage places them among the earliest Levitical families during the wilderness wanderings.
The sources highlight that this group appears exclusively in genealogical records, specifically in Numbers 3:21 and 26:58, where they are listed alongside other Gershonite clans. The name itself derives from Libni, a personal name whose meaning is associated with "white," possibly indicating a characteristic or simply serving as a family identifier within the broader Levitical structure.
While the word does not carry theological weight beyond identifying lineage, its consistent use in census and service lists underscores the organized nature of Israel’s tribal administration. The Libnites were assigned specific duties related to the tabernacle, reflecting how individual family names contributed to the collective worship and service of the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Libni appears in the Bible as a marker of identity within the tribe of Levi. It refers to a specific clan descended from Libni, the son of Gershon. These records were not just administrative lists but a way of showing how every family had a role in the community's worship and service.
For believers today, this reminds us that God values each person’s unique place in His plan. Just as the Libnites were counted and assigned duties, every member of the church body is known and needed. Your contribution matters, even if it seems small or hidden from view.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Libnite[s]2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/לִּבְנִ֜י1×
- הַ/לִּבְנִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 3:21
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites.
This verse establishes the Libnites as a distinct family within the Gershonite clan, highlighting their specific lineage and assigned role in tabernacle service.
-
Numbers 26:58
These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, and the family of the Korahites. Kohath became the father of Amram.
Here the Libnites are listed among other Levitical families during the second census, confirming their continued existence and identity after the wilderness generation.