Exodus 6:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Amram {H6019} took {H3947} him Jochebed {H3115} his father's sister {H1733} to wife {H802}; and she bare {H3205} him Aaron {H175} and Moses {H4872}: and the years {H8141} of the life {H2416} of Amram {H6019} were an hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970} and seven {H7651} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Amram married Yokheved his father's sister, and she bore him Aharon and Moshe. 'Amram lived to be 137 years old.

Berean Standard Bible

And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.

American Standard Version

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 a hundred and thirty and seven years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Meticulously records the lineage of Amram and Jochebed, highlighting their union and the birth of their sons, Aaron and Moses. This verse serves as a pivotal genealogical anchor within the broader tribal records of Israel, specifically establishing the parental origins of the two most significant leaders in the Exodus narrative and providing foundational context for their divinely appointed roles in the deliverance and establishment of the Israelite nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a detailed genealogical section in [Exodus 6](/exodus/6 "Exodus Chapter 6 - Genealogies of Israel"), which systematically traces the descendants of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. Following God's reaffirmation of His covenant with Moses and His promise to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage (cf. [Exodus 6:2-8](/exodus/6-2-8 "God's Covenant Reaffirmed to Moses")), the narrative pauses to establish the credentials of Moses and Aaron. This genealogical interlude is not merely a list of names but serves to authenticate the lineage of the appointed deliverers, connecting them directly to the covenant people and the tribe of Levi, from which the priesthood would later emerge. It underscores the divine order and preparation for the monumental events of the Exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this narrative, the Israelites were deeply entrenched in Egyptian slavery, a period marked by severe oppression and a desperate need for divine intervention. The mention of Amram and Jochebed's marriage, specifically that Jochebed was Amram's "father's sister" (his aunt), reflects a marital practice that was acceptable, or at least common, in the patriarchal era before the explicit prohibitions later codified in the [Mosaic Law](/leviticus/18-12 "Leviticus 18:12 - Prohibition against marrying an aunt"). This detail provides a glimpse into the social customs of the pre-Sinai period, contrasting with the more restrictive laws that would define the covenant community's distinctiveness. It also grounds the birth of Moses and Aaron within a specific historical and cultural framework, highlighting God's work within existing societal structures.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "Amram, Jochebed, Aaron, and Moses") contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous preparation of His chosen instruments (Moses and Aaron) long before their public ministry. Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Lineage and Covenant Continuity**, linking these pivotal leaders directly to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, particularly through the tribe of Levi. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Progressive Revelation**, particularly regarding God's laws, as seen in the permissible marriage practice that would later be forbidden. Finally, it underscores the **Foundation of the Priesthood**, laying the groundwork for Aaron's future role as the first High Priest, a crucial institution for Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God (cf. [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron and his sons set apart for priesthood")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jochebed (Hebrew, _Yôwkebed'_):** From "Jehovah contracted" and "gloried," meaning "Jehovah-gloried." This name, unique in the Old Testament, is deeply significant. It suggests a theological understanding or hope within the family, even amidst Egyptian bondage, that God (Yahweh) would be glorified. The mother of Moses and Aaron, her name subtly prefigures the glorification of Yahweh through the coming Exodus.
* **father's sister (Hebrew, _dôwdâh'_):** Feminine of "dôwd," meaning "an aunt." This specific familial descriptor highlights the consanguineous marriage between Amram and Jochebed. While later Mosaic Law would prohibit such unions (e.g., [Leviticus 18:12](/leviticus/18-12 "Leviticus 18:12 - Laws concerning prohibited degrees of kinship")), its mention here serves as a historical marker, indicating the cultural norms of the patriarchal period before the giving of the Law at Sinai. It underscores the progressive nature of God's revelation concerning social and moral codes for His covenant people.
* **bare (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." This verb is fundamental in genealogies, signifying the act of giving birth and establishing lineage. In this context, it emphasizes the physical reality of Moses and Aaron's birth from this specific union, underscoring their human origins while simultaneously pointing to the divine hand in their conception and raising, preparing them for their extraordinary destinies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife":** This opening clause establishes the parental union that would bring forth Israel's key deliverers. Amram, a descendant of Levi, married Jochebed, who is explicitly identified as his aunt (his father's sister). This detail, while potentially surprising to a modern reader due to later biblical prohibitions, was permissible in the pre-Mosaic era. It highlights the historical context of the patriarchal period and the specific family line from which Moses and Aaron would emerge, emphasizing their legitimate and divinely ordained heritage.
* **"and she bare him Aaron and Moses":** This is the pivotal statement of the verse, naming the two sons born from this union. Aaron is mentioned first, indicating his elder status, followed by Moses, the younger. This concise declaration immediately links these two central figures of the Exodus narrative to their specific Levite parentage. Their birth is presented as a direct outcome of this marriage, underscoring God's sovereign plan in raising up His chosen instruments for the deliverance of Israel and the establishment of the covenant. Aaron's future role as the first High Priest and Moses's as the prophet and lawgiver are implicitly foreshadowed by their very existence.
* **"and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years":** The inclusion of Amram's lifespan is a common feature in biblical genealogies. It serves multiple purposes: to authenticate the historical record, providing a verifiable chronological marker; to connect this generation to the longer lifespans characteristic of the patriarchal era, thereby establishing continuity with the earlier narratives of Genesis; and to provide a temporal framework for the period leading up to the Exodus, placing the birth and early life of Moses and Aaron within a specific historical context. This detail grounds the extraordinary events of the Exodus in a tangible, historical reality.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "Amram, Jochebed, Aaron, and Moses") is **Genealogy**. This verse functions as a crucial entry within a broader genealogical record, serving to establish the lineage and credentials of key figures. It is not merely a list of names but a purposeful tracing of descent that authenticates the historical claims and divine appointments within the narrative. The specific mention of Jochebed as Amram's "father's sister" also introduces an element of **Historical Realism**, grounding the narrative in the cultural and legal practices of the time, which differed from later Mosaic codes. Furthermore, the naming of Aaron and Moses within this familial context serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of their future, monumental roles in Israel's history, hinting at the divine preparation of these individuals for their unique callings as deliverer, lawgiver, and high priest. The brevity and directness of the statement also contribute to a sense of **Conciseness**, characteristic of biblical genealogical entries, yet packed with profound significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "The family of Moses and Aaron") profoundly underscores God's meticulous and sovereign preparation of leaders for His redemptive purposes. Moses and Aaron were not random individuals but were born into a specific, divinely chosen family line within the tribe of Levi, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His intricate planning for the deliverance of His people. This verse lays the essential groundwork for understanding their authority and divine appointment, particularly for Aaron's future role as the inaugural High Priest, establishing the hereditary nature of the priesthood within Israel. It also subtly illustrates the progressive nature of divine revelation, where certain practices, acceptable in one era, would later be refined or prohibited as God established a more defined and holy covenant relationship with His people.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham") - God's initial promise to bless Abraham and make him a great nation, from whom deliverers would arise.
* [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5-10 "The Appointment of the Levites and Aaron's Sons") - The formal establishment of the Levites for service and Aaron's sons for the priesthood, building upon the lineage presented here.
* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Moses' Prophecy of a Prophet like Him") - Moses' prophecy of a future prophet like himself, highlighting the significance of his divinely appointed role.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "The genealogy of Moses and Aaron") offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's sovereign plan often unfolds through seemingly ordinary individuals and families, meticulously prepared for His purposes. The fact that Moses and Aaron, the central figures of the Exodus, emerged from this specific, documented lineage underscores God's intricate orchestration of history. Amram and Jochebed, though not extensively detailed, are presented as the humble parents through whom God brought forth extraordinary leaders. This should encourage us that God frequently uses unexpected origins and seemingly mundane circumstances to accomplish His grand designs. Our own lives, families, and backgrounds, no matter how ordinary or imperfect, can be part of God's greater redemptive narrative. It also teaches us about the patience of God's timing; the preparation for Moses and Aaron's leadership began long before their public ministry, emphasizing that God's work in us is often a long process of shaping and refining. Finally, the verse subtly illustrates the progressive nature of God's revelation, reminding us that understanding and obedience to God's will deepen over time as He reveals more of His character and purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed genealogy of Moses and Aaron in this verse affirm God's sovereign planning in raising up leaders?**
* **What does the mention of Amram and Jochebed's marriage, despite later prohibitions, teach us about the progressive nature of God's revelation and our understanding of His will?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing "ordinary" people or families today for "extraordinary" purposes within His kingdom?**
* **How can reflecting on God's meticulous preparation of Moses and Aaron encourage us to trust His timing and process in our own lives and callings?**

### FAQ
**Why did Amram marry his aunt, Jochebed, if such unions were later forbidden?**

Answer: The prohibition against marrying close relatives, including an aunt, was given later in the Mosaic Law, specifically in [Leviticus 18:12](/leviticus/18-12 "Leviticus 18:12 - Laws concerning prohibited degrees of kinship"). At the time of Amram and Jochebed, prior to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, such unions were evidently not prohibited or were culturally acceptable within their society. This illustrates the progressive nature of God's revelation and the establishment of specific laws for His covenant people as they transitioned from a patriarchal clan to a distinct nation under God's explicit covenant.

**Why is Amram's age at death mentioned in this genealogical record?**

Answer: The inclusion of lifespans in biblical genealogies serves several crucial purposes. It helps to authenticate the historical record, providing a chronological framework for the events and individuals. It also connects the individuals to the broader narrative of God's people, establishing continuity with the longer lifespans of the patriarchal era (e.g., [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah")). In this context, Amram's lifespan grounds the lineage of Moses and Aaron within a verifiable historical timeline, emphasizing the reality of their existence and the historical context of the Exodus.

**Does this verse suggest that God's laws change over time?**

Answer: This verse highlights the progressive nature of God's covenant laws rather than a change in His immutable character or moral principles. While God's moral character and ultimate truth are unchanging, the specific legal and ceremonial regulations given to Israel evolved as God established a more defined covenant relationship with His people. What was permissible or tolerated in one era might be explicitly regulated or prohibited in a later covenant context to establish holiness, order, and distinctiveness for His chosen nation. This demonstrates God's wisdom in guiding humanity and His people towards a deeper understanding of His will and a more perfect expression of His holiness (cf. [Hebrews 8:7-13](/hebrews/8-7-13 "The New Covenant is Superior")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogical record in [Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "The family of Moses and Aaron"), establishing the lineage of Moses and Aaron, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses himself is a profound type of Christ—a deliverer who led His people out of bondage (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Moses' Prophecy of a Prophet like Him"), [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Peter's Sermon: A Prophet like Moses")), a prophet who spoke God's words, and a lawgiver who mediated the covenant. Aaron, as the first High Priest, prefigures Christ's perfect and eternal high priesthood, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for sin (cf. [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Jesus the Great High Priest"), [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Christ's Superior Priesthood")). The divine preservation of a specific lineage, culminating in these two pivotal figures who led Israel out of Egyptian bondage, powerfully foreshadows God's faithfulness in preserving the messianic line, through which the ultimate Deliverer and High Priest, Jesus Christ, would come. Christ embodies and perfects all the roles and promises hinted at in the lives of Moses and Aaron, fulfilling the Law and establishing a new covenant of grace and freedom, not from physical slavery, but from the bondage of sin and death (cf. [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Son Sets You Free"), [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Freedom in Christ")).

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 26:59

And the name of Amram's wife [was] Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom [her mother] bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.

Exodus 2:1

¶ And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took [to wife] a daughter of Levi.

Exodus 2:2

And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he [was a] goodly [child], she hid him three months.

Exodus 6:16

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.

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.