Exodus 6:19

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these [are] the families of Levi according to their generations.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The sons of M'rari were Machli and Mushi. These were the families of Levi with their descendants.

Berean Standard Bible:

The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites according to their records.

American Standard Version:

And the sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the sons^{H1121} of Merari^{H4847}; Mahali^{H4249} and Mushi^{H4187}: these are the families^{H4940} of Levi^{H3878} according to their generations^{H8435}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Exodus 6:19

1. **Themes:**
- **Genealogy of Levi:** Exodus 6:19 is part of a larger passage detailing the genealogy of the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel. This verse specifically names the sons of Merari, one of Levi's sons, thus emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in the priestly class.
- **Divine Promise:** The genealogy is presented within the context of God's promise to the patriarchs. It underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation and to remember the covenant with the ancestors.
- **Preparation for Priesthood:** The detailed family records prepare for the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, which will be crucial for the religious and ritual life of Israel after the exodus from Egypt.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus Period:** The book of Exodus recounts the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and the beginnings of their covenant relationship with God at Mount Sinai. This verse is set during the period when the Israelites are still in Egypt, before the exodus.
- **Early Formation of Israel:** The detailed attention to genealogies reflects the early stages of Israel's formation as a nation. Knowing one's lineage was important for issues of inheritance, tribal affiliation, and priestly roles.
- **Covenantal Identity:** The Levites' role as religious leaders and guardians of the tabernacle (and later the temple) was central to Israel's identity as a people set apart for God. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the Levites' unique position within Israelite society.

In summary, Exodus 6:19 emphasizes the importance of lineage for the Levites, reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, and sets the stage for the Levitical priesthood's role in Israel's religious life during the formative period of the nation's history.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; 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.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4847
   There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מְרָרִי
   Transliteration: Mᵉrârîy
   Pronunciation: mer-aw-ree'
   Description: from מָרַר; bitter; Merari, an Israelite; Merari. See also מְרָרִי.
   
3. Strong's Number: H4249
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַחְלִי
   Transliteration: Machlîy
   Pronunciation: makh-lee'
   Description: from חָלָה; sick; Machli, the name of two Israelites; Mahli.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4187
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּשִׁי
   Transliteration: Mûwshîy
   Pronunciation: moo-shee'
   Description: or מֻשִּׁי; from מוּשׁ; sensitive; Mushi, a Levite; Mushi.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4940
   There are 224 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִשְׁפָּחָה
   Transliteration: mishpâchâh
   Pronunciation: mish-paw-khaw'
   Description: from שָׁפָה (compare שִׁפְחָה); 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; family, kind(-red).
   
6. Strong's Number: H3878
   There are 61 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵוִי
   Transliteration: Lêvîy
   Pronunciation: lay-vee'
   Description: from לָוָה; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob; Levi. See also לֵוִי, לֵוִיִּי.
   
7. Strong's Number: H8435
   There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תּוֹלְדָה
   Transliteration: tôwlᵉdâh
   Pronunciation: to-led-aw'
   Description: or תֹּלְדָה; from יָלַד; (plural only) descent, i.e. family; (figuratively) history; birth, generations.