TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.
Complete Jewish Bible
These were the heads of their families: the sons of Re'uven the firstborn of Isra'el were Hanokh, Pallu, Hetzron and Karmi. These were the families of Re'uven.
Berean Standard Bible
These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.
American Standard Version
These are the heads of their fathers’ houses. The sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben.
World English Bible Messianic
These are the heads of their fathers’ houses. The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben.
Geneva Bible (1599)
These bee the heades of their fathers houses: the sonnes of Reuben the first borne of Israel are Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi: these are ye families of Reuben.
Young's Literal Translation
These are heads of the house of their fathers: Sons of Reuben first-born of Israel are Hanoch, and Phallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these are families of Reuben.
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Commentary on Exodus 6 verses 14–30
14 ¶ These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.
15 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.
16 And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years.
17 The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
18 And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years.
19 And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.
20 And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.
21 And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
22 And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.
23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
24 And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
26 These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.
27 These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron.
28 And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,
29 That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
30 And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
I. We have here a genealogy, not an endless one, such as the apostle condemns (Ti1 1:4), for it ends in those two great patriots Moses and Aaron, and comes in here to show that they were Israelites, bone of their bone and flesh of their flesh whom they were sent to deliver, raised up unto them of their brethren, as Christ also should be, who was to be the prophet and priest, the Redeemer and lawgiver, of the people of Israel, and whose genealogy also, like this, was to be carefully preserved. The heads of the houses of three of the tribes are here named, agreeing with the accounts we had, Gen. 46. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, are thus dignified here by themselves for this reason, because they were left under marks of infamy by their dying father, Reuben for his incest and Simeon and Levi for their murder of the Shechemites; and therefore Moses would put this particular honour upon them, to magnify God's mercy in their repentance and remission, as a pattern to those that should afterwards believe: the two former seem rather to be mentioned only for the sake of a third, which was Levi, from whom Moses and Aaron descended, and all the priests of the Jewish church. Thus was the tribe of Levi distinguished betimes. Observe here, 1. That Kohath, from whom Moses and Aaron, and all the priests, derived their pedigree, was a younger son of Levi, Exo 6:16. Note, The grants of God's favours do not go by seniority of age and priority of birth, but the divine sovereignty often prefers the younger before the elder, so crossing hands. 2. That the ages of Levi, Kohath, and Amram, the father, grandfather, and great grandfather, of Moses, are here recorded; they all lived to a great age, Levi to 137, Kohath to 133, and Amram to 137. Moses himself came much short of them, and fixed seventy or eighty for the ordinary stretch of human life (Psa 90:10); for now that God's Israel was multiplied and had become a great nation, and divine revelation was by the hand of Moses committed to writing and no longer trusted to tradition, the two great reasons for the long lives of the patriarchs had ceased, and therefore henceforward fewer years must serve men. 3. That Aaron married Elisheba (the same name with that of the wife of Zecharias, Elizabeth, as Miriam is the same with Mary), daughter of Amminadab, one of the chief of the fathers of the tribe of Judah; for the tribes of Levi and Judah often intermarried, Exo 6:23. 4. It must not be omitted that Moses has recorded the marriage of his father Amram with Jochebed his own aunt (Exo 6:20); and it appears by Num 26:59 that it must be taken strictly for his father's own sister, at least by the half blood. This marriage was afterwards forbidden as incestuous (Lev 18:12), which might be looked upon as a blot upon his family, though before that law; yet Moses does not conceal it, for he sought not his own praise, but wrote with a sincere regard to truth, whether it smiled or frowned upon him. 5. He concludes it with a particular mark of honour on the persons he is writing of, though he himself was one of them, Exo 6:26, Exo 6:27. These are that Moses and Aaron whom God pitched upon to be his plenipotentiaries in this treaty. These were those to whom God spoke (Exo 6:26), and who spoke to Pharaoh on Israel's behalf, Exo 6:27. Note, Communion with God and serviceableness to his church are things that, above any other, put true honour upon men. Those are great indeed with whom God converses and whom he employs on his service. Such were that Moses and Aaron; and something of this honour have all his saints, who are made to our God kings and priests.
II. In the close of the chapter Moses returns to his narrative, from which he had broken off somewhat abruptly (Exo 6:13), and repeats, 1. The charge God had given him to deliver his message to Pharaoh (Exo 6:29): Speak all that I say unto thee, as a faithful ambassador. Note, Those that go on God's errand must not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. 2. His objection against it, Exo 6:30. Note, Those that have at any time spoken unadvisedly with their lips ought often to reflect upon it with regret, as Moses seems to do here.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–30. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
QUESTIONS ON EXODUS 15
There is no doubt that this is a mysterious passage. The Scripture wishes to demonstrate the origin of Moses, because his action now required it. His descent began from the firstborn of Jacob, that is, Reuben, and then to Simeon, and then to Levi. It went no further, because Moses was descended from Levi. These men who are mentioned here had already been mentioned among the seventy-five men in whom Israel entered Egypt. For God did not want the first or the second tribe, but the third—that is, the tribe of Levi—to be the priestly tribe.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 6:14 introduces a pivotal genealogical interlude, meticulously detailing the "heads of their fathers' houses," commencing with Reuben, Israel's firstborn. This verse, part of a broader section (Exodus 6:14-27), is not merely a historical record but strategically establishes the authentic lineage of the foundational tribes—Reuben, Simeon, and Levi—culminating in the verified ancestry of Moses and Aaron. By validating their direct connection to Israel, this genealogy underscores their divine appointment and legitimacy to lead the Israelites in their monumental deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse marks the beginning of a significant genealogical section within the book of Exodus, spanning from Exodus 6:14-27. It immediately follows God's powerful reaffirmation of His covenant promises to Moses in Exodus 6:2-8, where He declares His intention to deliver Israel from Egypt. Moses has expressed profound doubt and frustration regarding his mission, feeling inadequate and unheard by Pharaoh and even the Israelites themselves (Exodus 6:9-12). The genealogy, though seemingly an interruption to the narrative flow of the Exodus, serves a crucial literary function by establishing the credentials and divine legitimacy of Moses and Aaron, the central figures ordained by God to execute His plan. It grounds their authority in their Israelite heritage, preparing the reader for their subsequent actions.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern societies, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they were vital documents that established identity, legal rights (such as inheritance and land claims), social status, and political legitimacy. For the Israelites, a people group whose identity was intrinsically tied to their covenant with God through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, maintaining precise lineage records was paramount. The structure of "fathers' houses" (clans) and tribes was the fundamental organizing principle of their society. The listing of "heads" signifies the patriarchal leadership structure, where the eldest or most prominent male figures represented their extended families. This emphasis on lineage was crucial for a people about to be formed into a nation, defining their internal structure and their distinct identity before God and other nations.
Key Themes: This genealogical interlude contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Order, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in orchestrating His redemptive plan, even down to the specific family lines through whom His promises will be realized. Secondly, it highlights Covenant Faithfulness, as the continued existence and growth of Jacob's descendants, meticulously recorded here, are a direct testament to God's unwavering commitment to the covenant made with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3). Thirdly, the passage underscores the Importance of Identity and Heritage, showing how Israel's corporate identity is rooted in its ancestral lines, which are divinely preserved. Finally, by leading directly to the lineage of Moses and Aaron, it emphasizes the theme of Divine Preparation and Appointment of Leaders, validating their authority and ensuring the people recognize their God-ordained role in the Exodus.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 6:14 is Genealogy. This is a common feature throughout the Pentateuch and the Bible, serving multiple purposes beyond mere historical record. Here, it functions to establish legitimacy and divine authority for the upcoming narrative. The meticulous listing of names and relationships provides a sense of Verisimilitude, lending credibility and historical depth to the narrative of the Exodus. The verse also employs Enumeration and Categorization, systematically listing the "heads" and "families" of Reuben, which sets a pattern for the subsequent tribal listings. This structured presentation emphasizes the orderliness of God's plan and the organized nature of the burgeoning nation of Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:14, though a seemingly dry list of names, is deeply significant for its theological implications. It underscores God's meticulous involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The preservation and detailed recording of these genealogies demonstrate God's sovereign hand guiding the course of His chosen people, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled through specific, identifiable lineages. This passage reinforces the truth that God works through established structures and legitimate lines, preparing His people for the momentous events of the Exodus and the formation of a nation. It highlights the importance of corporate identity within God's redemptive plan, where individual lives are woven into a larger divine tapestry.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear distant or irrelevant to contemporary life, Exodus 6:14 provides profound insights into God's character and His dealings with humanity. It reminds us of God's meticulous attention to detail in His divine plans, even concerning family lineages and historical records. This should encourage us that God cares about the seemingly small, intricate details of our lives and ensures that His greater purposes are fulfilled through them. We are not random individuals but part of a grand narrative orchestrated by a sovereign God. Furthermore, understanding our spiritual heritage—our place within God's larger story as revealed in His Word—is foundational to our identity and purpose in Christ. Just as these names established identity and legitimacy for ancient Israel, God's careful ordering of history defines our identity and purpose, calling us to trust in His sovereign plan and to recognize the importance of divine appointment and order in leadership within His kingdom. We are called to live intentionally, knowing that our lives, like these ancient lineages, are part of God's ongoing work in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is a genealogy included here, seemingly interrupting the narrative of the Exodus?
Answer: Genealogies in the Bible are never mere historical records; they serve crucial theological and narrative purposes. In Exodus 6:14-27, this genealogy establishes the authentic lineage and divine appointment of Moses and Aaron, the chosen leaders for the Exodus. It validates their authority and connects them directly to the covenant people of Israel, providing a necessary foundation for the monumental events of deliverance that follow. It demonstrates that God's chosen instruments are legitimate members of the covenant community.
What is the significance of Reuben being listed first, given his lost birthright?
Answer: Reuben is listed first as "the firstborn of Israel" because this genealogy primarily follows the traditional order of Jacob's sons. While Reuben's birthright was indeed diminished due to his transgression (Genesis 49:3-4), his position as the biological firstborn still held a certain historical and organizational precedence in the tribal structure. This initial listing acknowledges that traditional order, even if the spiritual and leadership preeminence had shifted to other tribes (e.g., Judah for kingship, Levi for priesthood). The genealogy here is about establishing the full tribal structure, starting with the natural order.
What does "heads of their fathers' houses" mean in this context?
Answer: This phrase refers to the patriarchal leaders or chiefs of the extended family units or clans within each tribe. These individuals were significant figures who held authority, represented their lineage in tribal matters, and were responsible for the well-being and organization of their respective family groups. It highlights the deeply familial and hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society, where identity and governance were rooted in these "houses" or clans.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 6:14, by meticulously tracing the lineage of God's chosen people and establishing the legitimacy of their divinely appointed leaders, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. Just as these genealogies affirmed the identity and purpose of Israel and its leaders, the genealogies of Christ in the Gospels (Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38) meticulously trace His perfect lineage, confirming His identity as the promised Messiah, the true Son of Abraham and Son of David. He is the ultimate "head of the Father's house," the divinely appointed leader who perfectly fulfills all covenant promises. Unlike Moses and Aaron, whose legitimacy rested on their earthly lineage and divine appointment for a specific task, Jesus' authority stems from His divine nature and His perfect obedience. He is the true firstborn over all creation, the one through whom all "families" of the earth are blessed (Genesis 12:3). He leads His people not to an earthly promised land, but to the true and eternal salvation, establishing a new spiritual family through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection (Hebrews 2:10-13).