GERSHON gûr’ shən (גֵּרְשֹׁ֕ון; either a foreign name of unknown meaning or an unusual derivative from גרשׁ; see Gershom). 1. The oldest son of Levi since Gershon usually heads the list of sons (e.g. Gen 46:11). Apart from genealogical data, the Bible records only that he was born before Jacob went to Egypt.

2. Name of the Levitical line descended from Gershon, son of Levi. Discussion of the Gershonites will be organized according to the following chronological periods: a. The Exodus and the wanderings, b. The conquest, c. The monarchy, and d. The return from exile.