מוּשִׁי
𐤌𐤅𐤔𐤉
Mushi
H4188 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A member of the clan or lineage descended from Mushi, identified as a Levitical family group within the Israelite tribal system. The term is used collectively to describe the descendants of Mushi, a son of Merari, within the larger Levitical context.
Semantic Range
descendant(s) of Mushi, Mushite clan, collective Levitical family group, members of a specific Merarite lineage
Root / Etymology
Patronymic derived from מוּשִׁי (Mushi), itself a proper name of uncertain etymology. The formation מוּשִׁיִּי (-iyy suffix) indicates 'belonging to' or 'descendant of' Mushi, following a common pattern for naming clans or family groups in Biblical Hebrew.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The Mushites are referenced specifically as a clan among the Merarite branch of the Levites (see, e.g., Numbers 3:33; 26:58; 1 Chronicles 23:23; 24:30). Their identification emphasizes genealogy and priestly function within the Israelite cultic system, particularly in the administration and care of the tabernacle. Unlike some other patronymic terms, the Mushites are exclusively associated with the Levitical line and do not denote a territorial or political identity beyond the Levitical grouping. English translations typically render this as 'Mushite(s),' but occasional translations (especially in older works) use anglicized or anachronistic terms such as 'sons of Mushi,' which do not reflect the collective or clan nuance. The underlying term is used only for this specific descendant group and does not appear to acquire broader meanings later in biblical, Second Temple, or post-biblical literature. Distinct from related Levitical groups such as the Gershonites and Kohathites, the Mushites are always specified as part of the Merarite division when tribal assignments or cultic responsibilities are detailed.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
patronymical from מוּשִׁי; a Mushite (collectively) or descendants of Mushi; Mushites.
Bantu Hebrew
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מושי (m-w-sh-y) — descendant, clan-member, belonging to a lineage
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4188-01 |
הַ/מּוּשִׁ֑י | hamushi | HTd/Ngmsa |
of the Mushite | the Mushite descendant | the Mushi | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4188-01 |
Numbers 3:33 | הַ/מּוּשִׁ֑י | hamushi | HTd/Ngmsa |
of the Mushite | the Mushite descendant | the Mushi |
H4188-01 |
Numbers 26:58 | הַ/מּוּשִׁ֔י | hamushi | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Mushite | the Mushite descendant | the Mushi |