Exodus 6:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the names {H8034} of the sons {H1121} of Levi {H3878} according to their generations {H8435}; Gershon {H1648}, and Kohath {H6955}, and Merari {H4847}: and the years {H8141} of the life {H2416} of Levi {H3878} were an hundred {H3967} thirty {H7970} and seven {H7651} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the names of the sons of Levi with their descendants: Gershon, K'hat and M'rari. Levi lived to be 137 years old.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

American Standard Version

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 a hundred thirty and seven years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:16 serves as a pivotal genealogical anchor, meticulously recording the names of Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and specifying Levi's lifespan of 137 years. This seemingly simple entry is foundational for establishing the lineage of Israel's future religious leadership, particularly the Levites and the Aaronic priesthood, thereby underscoring God's meticulous plan for His people and the continuity of His covenant promises amidst their enslavement in Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 6:16 is nestled within a crucial genealogical interlude (Exodus 6:14-27) that immediately precedes God's renewed and powerful commission to Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh and deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. This section functions as a vital legitimization of Moses and Aaron's authority, tracing their lineage directly back to Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. By providing this detailed family record, the text establishes their tribal identity and divine appointment, preparing the reader for their subsequent actions as God's chosen deliverers. It transitions from the initial, somewhat hesitant call of Moses in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "Moses' Call and the Burning Bush") and [Exodus 4](/exodus/4 "Moses' Return to Egypt") to a more robust presentation of the leaders through their ancestral roots, emphasizing that their mission is not arbitrary but deeply rooted in God's historical dealings with Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than mere family trees; they were foundational documents that established identity, tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, social standing, and religious authority. For the Israelites, these records were crucial for maintaining their distinct identity amidst foreign cultures and for preserving the integrity of their tribal structures. The meticulous recording of Levi's descendants in this period of Egyptian oppression reassured the people that their heritage and God's covenant promises were being preserved, even as they suffered. Furthermore, the longevity of patriarchs like Levi (137 years) served as a link to the foundational era of the covenant, bridging the gap between the patriarchal narratives and the emerging nation of Israel, reinforcing the historical depth and continuity of God's plan.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores God's **sovereign design and meticulous order** in establishing His people and their specific roles within His grand redemptive narrative. The detailed lineage points to God's **preparation for sacred service**, demonstrating His foresight in setting apart a dedicated tribe—the Levites—for future service in the Tabernacle and, later, the Temple. This genealogical record also highlights the **continuity of covenant faithfulness**, assuring the reader that despite Israel's enslavement and suffering in Egypt, God faithfully preserves their lineages, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (as reaffirmed in [Exodus 6:2-5](/exodus/6-2-5 "God Renews His Covenant with Israel")). It emphasizes the **importance of heritage and identity**, grounding the Israelites' collective and individual identity in their divinely chosen lineage and their unique relationship with the Lord, which would later manifest in their distinct laws and worship practices, as seen in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Laws of Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 6:16 precisely records the lineage of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons, by naming his three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, and stating his lifespan of 137 years. This seemingly straightforward entry is foundational, providing the ancestral root for the entire Levitical tribe, which would later be set apart for sacred service to the Lord.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **names (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** An appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character. This word emphasizes that these are not just labels, but designations carrying significance, identity, and future authority for the individuals and their descendants.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From a root meaning "to build"; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense. This highlights the role of these individuals as progenitors, foundational to the construction and continuity of the family line and, by extension, the entire tribe of Levi.
* **Levi (Hebrew, _Lêvîy'_):** From a root meaning "attached"; Levi, a son of Jacob. This name's etymology, given by his mother Leah in [Genesis 29:34](/genesis/29-34 "Leah Names Levi"), carries prophetic weight, foreshadowing the tribe's unique attachment and dedication to the Lord in sacred service.
* **life (Hebrew, _chay'_):** Alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun) life (or living thing). Here, it refers to Levi's physical existence and longevity, emphasizing the continuity of the lineage through generations, a testament to God's preservation of His chosen line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations;":** This introductory clause establishes the purpose of the verse: to list the direct descendants of Levi, structured by their generational order. It signifies a formal and authoritative record, emphasizing the importance of lineage in the divine plan for Israel.
* **"Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari:":** These are the three foundational sons of Levi, from whom the three main Levitical clans would descend. This specific naming is crucial because these clans (Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites) would later be assigned distinct and vital duties in the care, transport, and service of the Tabernacle, as meticulously detailed in the book of [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "The Census and Duties of the Levites").
* **"and the years of the life of Levi [were] an hundred thirty and seven years.":** This statement records Levi's lifespan, a common feature in biblical genealogies. This longevity underscores the continuity of the patriarchal line and the preservation of the covenant through extended generations, ensuring that the foundational family structure remained intact despite the long period of Egyptian bondage. It also connects Levi's generation directly to the patriarchal era, providing a living link to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 6:16 is **Genealogy**. This verse functions as part of a larger genealogical record, which is a common literary form in the Pentateuch, serving to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. By listing the "names of the sons of Levi according to their generations," the text employs a precise, factual style characteristic of genealogical records. This seemingly dry listing is imbued with theological significance, as it **foreshadows** the future roles of the Levites. The mention of Levi's lifespan also serves to emphasize **continuity**, bridging the gap between the patriarchal age and the emerging nation of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:16, though a brief genealogical entry, is profoundly significant. It highlights God's meticulous and sovereign planning, demonstrating that even amidst Israel's enslavement, He was actively preserving the lineage through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled. This verse lays the essential groundwork for understanding the structured worship system God would establish, showing His foresight in preparing a dedicated tribe—the Levites—for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It underscores the divine order that undergirds Israel's identity and future, assuring them that their heritage and their leaders were divinely appointed, not accidental. This continuity of lineage is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring that His redemptive purposes would unfold precisely as planned.

* [Numbers 3:1-4](/numbers/3-1-4 "The Sons of Aaron and the Levites")
* [Numbers 4:1-3](/numbers/4-1-3 "The Duties of the Kohathites")
* [Deuteronomy 10:8-9](/deuteronomy/10-8-9 "The Levites Set Apart for God's Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:16 serves as a profound reminder that God operates with precise order and profound purpose, even in what might appear to be mundane or administrative details. Just as He meticulously prepared Levi's descendants for their sacred calling and service, He has a specific place and purpose for each individual within His grand redemptive narrative. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, recognizing that our heritage, circumstances, and gifts are part of His design, equipping us for our unique contributions to His kingdom. It calls us to consider how our own lives, seemingly ordinary, are woven into a larger divine tapestry, and how our faithfulness in small things can contribute to God's grand purposes. We are invited to embrace our identity in Christ and to live out our calling with the same dedication and purpose that characterized the Levites in their sacred service, carrying His presence and truth into the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous planning in genealogies, like that of Levi, deepen your trust in His overall plan for your life?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you, or has He already prepared you, for a specific "sacred service" within His kingdom, even if it doesn't involve a formal religious office?**
* **How can recognizing your spiritual heritage in Christ (being "joined" to Him) shape your identity and purpose today?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially here in Exodus?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, such as [Exodus 6:16](/exodus/6-16 "The Genealogy of Levi"), serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. They establish identity, tribal affiliation, and inheritance rights, which were foundational in ancient societies. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen lines, ensuring the fulfillment of covenant promises, and tracing the lineage of key figures like the priests and, ultimately, the Messiah. In Exodus, this genealogy specifically legitimizes the leadership of Moses and Aaron and sets the stage for the divinely appointed role of the Levites in Israel's worship, underscoring God's meticulous order and His sovereign hand in history as He prepares to deliver His people and establish His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 6:16 establishes the earthly lineage of the Levitical priesthood, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The Levites and the Aaronic priests served as temporary mediators, offering sacrifices and interceding for Israel, thereby pointing to a greater High Priest to come. Jesus, though not of the tribe of Levi but of Judah, perfectly fulfills the Levitical role as our eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, as explained in [Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Christ's Superior Priesthood"). He is the one truly "joined" to God and humanity, embodying the meaning of Levi's name in a profound spiritual sense. His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross (as described in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "The Superior Sacrifice of Christ")) superseded the need for animal sacrifices, and He continually intercedes for His people at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Thus, the shadows and types of the Old Covenant priesthood, rooted in Levi's lineage, find their complete and perfect reality in the person and work of Christ, the ultimate mediator of a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 3:17

And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

Genesis 46:11

And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:1

¶ The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:16

The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

Numbers 26:57

¶ And these [are] they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.

Exodus 6:18

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.

Genesis 35:28

And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.