Exodus 6:21

KJV

And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Izhar {H3324}; Korah {H7141}, and Nepheg {H5298}, and Zichri {H2147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yitz'har were Korach, Nefeg and Zikhri.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:21 presents a concise genealogical record, identifying Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri as the three sons of Izhar. This verse is an integral part of a broader Levitical lineage presented in Exodus 6:14-27, which meticulously traces the ancestry of Moses and Aaron back to Levi, thereby establishing their legitimate tribal and familial credentials for their divinely appointed leadership and priestly roles within the burgeoning nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 6:21 is situated within a critical genealogical interlude (Exodus 6:14-27) that follows God's powerful reaffirmation of His covenant promises to Moses and His commitment to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. This detailed lineage serves as a foundational bridge, connecting the broader narrative of Israel's oppression and impending deliverance to the specific individuals God has chosen to lead this monumental task: Moses and Aaron. By meticulously tracing their ancestry through Levi, Kohath, and Amram, the text not only establishes their tribal identity but also implicitly validates their authority and suitability for the divine mission ahead, setting the stage for the subsequent confrontations with Pharaoh and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly within Israelite culture, genealogies were far more than mere family trees; they were vital legal, social, and theological documents. They established tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, social standing, and, crucially, the legitimacy of leadership, especially for priestly and royal roles. The meticulous recording of the Levite lineage in [Exodus 6](/exodus/6 "Exodus 6 - The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron") reflects the importance of purity of descent for those who would serve in the tabernacle and priesthood. Furthermore, the mention of specific family branches, like that of Izhar, highlights the structured and orderly nature of Israelite society, even as they were enslaved, underscoring God's preservation of their identity and future roles amidst adversity.
* **Key Themes:** This genealogical section, including [Exodus 6:21](/exodus/6-21 "Exodus 6:21 - The Sons of Izhar"), contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Appointment and Legitimacy**, demonstrating that Moses and Aaron's authority was not self-proclaimed but divinely ordained through their established lineage. It also subtly introduces the theme of **Human Rebellion**, particularly through the inclusion of Korah, whose future defiance against Moses and Aaron's leadership (as detailed in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")) stands in stark contrast to the divine order being established. Finally, the meticulous nature of the record underscores **God's Order and Sovereignty** in establishing the foundational structures for His covenant people, ensuring that every aspect of their national and spiritual life was rooted in His design, from their tribal organization to their future worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root _bānāh_ meaning "to build," this word signifies a male offspring, but in a broader sense, it refers to a descendant, a builder of the family name, or one who belongs to a particular group or condition. In this context, it emphasizes the direct familial relationship and the continuation of the lineage from Izhar, highlighting the generational continuity within the Levite tribe.
* **Izhar (Hebrew, _Yitshâr'_):** This name means "oil" or "shining," and refers to the specific individual, Izhar, who was a son of Kohath and grandson of Levi. His inclusion here as the father of Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri anchors this particular branch within the broader Levitical genealogy, establishing the direct paternal link for these three individuals.
* **Korah (Hebrew, _Qôrach'_):** Meaning "ice" or "baldness," Korah is the most prominent of Izhar's sons listed in this verse due to his later infamous rebellion against Moses and Aaron's authority, recorded in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). His mention here, seemingly innocuous, serves as a significant literary foreshadowing, hinting at future conflict and the challenges to divinely appointed leadership from within the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Izhar;"**: This opening clause establishes the familial relationship, identifying the individuals to follow as direct male descendants of Izhar. It places them firmly within the Kohathite branch of the Levite tribe, a lineage crucial for understanding their later roles and, in Korah's case, his challenge to the Aaronic priesthood.
* **"Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri."**: This clause provides the specific names of Izhar's three sons. While Korah is historically significant due to his rebellion, Nepheg and Zichri are otherwise unmentioned in the biblical narrative, serving primarily to complete the genealogical record and demonstrate the meticulousness with which the tribal lineages were preserved. Their inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of these records, even for individuals who do not play prominent roles in the unfolding history.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 6:21, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Genealogy**, meticulously recording the lineage of key figures. This device is not merely for historical record-keeping but serves to establish legitimacy, tribal identity, and the divine order within Israel. The inclusion of Korah's name, given his later actions, functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**. This subtle hint prepares the discerning reader for future narrative developments, creating dramatic irony and highlighting the pervasive nature of human rebellion even within God's chosen people. Finally, the verse's structure, listing names in a series, is a form of **Enumeration**, a common feature in biblical genealogies that emphasizes completeness and the systematic organization of families and tribes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical entry carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous care in establishing the foundational structures for His covenant people. It highlights the divine emphasis on lineage and order, particularly for those entrusted with sacred responsibilities. The inclusion of Korah's name, while establishing his legitimate place within the Levite tribe, also subtly introduces the theme of internal challenge to God-ordained authority, a recurring motif throughout Israel's history. This verse thus serves as a reminder that even within the divinely chosen community, the potential for rebellion and deviation from God's established order exists, necessitating a constant reliance on His sovereign guidance and grace.

* [Numbers 16:1-3](/numbers/16-1-3 "Korah's Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron")
* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "No One Takes This Honor Upon Himself")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order, Not Disorder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a concise list of names, Exodus 6:21 offers valuable insights for contemporary believers. It underscores the profound truth that God is a God of order, intentionality, and purpose. He meticulously establishes structures and appoints individuals for His work, and recognizing and respecting this divine order is crucial for spiritual flourishing. The inclusion of Korah's name serves as a timeless cautionary tale: even those intimately connected to God's people and work can harbor pride and rebellion, leading to devastating consequences. This reminds us of the constant need for humility, submission to legitimate authority, and discernment within the community of faith. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He sees and orchestrates every detail, even the seemingly insignificant, for His grand redemptive purposes, and that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a part in His unfolding story.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous attention to lineage and order in Exodus 6:21 impact your view of His character?**
* **In what ways might the subtle foreshadowing of Korah's rebellion serve as a warning for us today regarding challenges to spiritual authority?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of discerning and submitting to divinely appointed leadership within the church?**

### FAQ
**Why is Korah mentioned in this genealogy, and what is his significance?**

Answer: Korah is mentioned in [Exodus 6:21](/exodus/6-21 "The Sons of Izhar") as one of the sons of Izhar, establishing his direct lineage within the Kohathite branch of the Levite tribe. His significance, though not immediately apparent in this verse, becomes profoundly clear later in the Pentateuch. This early inclusion serves as a powerful foreshadowing for readers familiar with the biblical narrative, alerting them to his infamous rebellion against the divinely appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron, detailed extensively in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Korah's Rebellion and its Consequences"). His presence here highlights the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which often include figures who will play pivotal roles, both positive and negative, in the unfolding of God's redemptive history.

**What is the broader purpose of genealogies in the Old Testament, particularly in books like Exodus?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Old Testament serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record-keeping. In books like Exodus, they are fundamental for establishing **identity** and **tribal affiliation** for the nascent nation of Israel. Crucially, they validate the **legitimacy of leadership and priestly roles**, as seen with Moses and Aaron's detailed lineage in [Exodus 6](/exodus/6 "Exodus 6 - The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron"). These lists also demonstrate God's unwavering **covenant faithfulness** across generations, His preservation of the chosen line, and His orderly establishment of the nation of Israel as His peculiar people. Ultimately, they provide the historical framework for God's unfolding redemptive plan, tracing the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah.

**Do Nepheg and Zichri have any further significance or mentions in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: No, Nepheg and Zichri are mentioned only in [Exodus 6:21](/exodus/6-21 "The Sons of Izhar") and do not appear elsewhere in the biblical narrative. Their significance lies solely in their inclusion within this specific genealogical record, which contributes to the comprehensive listing of the Levite families. Their presence underscores the meticulousness of the biblical account in documenting the family structures of Israel, even for individuals who do not play prominent or active roles in the broader historical or theological narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 6:21 focuses on the earthly lineage of the Levites and the subtle foreshadowing of human rebellion, it ultimately points to Christ in profound ways. The meticulous care with which God establishes and records the lineage of His chosen servants, like Moses and Aaron, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the perfect, divinely appointed lineage of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levitical priesthood, which was inherited and temporary, Christ's priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, established not by human descent but by divine oath, "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ a Priest Forever")). The rebellion of Korah, a challenge to God's appointed leadership and a stark reminder of humanity's fallen nature, underscores the pervasive need for a perfect mediator. Christ, in stark contrast to Korah, perfectly submitted to the Father's will, becoming the ultimate leader and deliverer. Through His atoning sacrifice, He overcame all rebellion and sin, establishing a new spiritual lineage for all who believe in Him, bringing them into the [household of God](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints") and making them "sons of God" by faith ([Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God Through Faith in Christ Jesus")). He is the true and faithful High Priest, whose authority is not merely inherited but eternally established, providing access to God for all who come to Him.

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 16:1

¶ Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took [men]:

1 Chronicles 6:37

The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

1 Chronicles 6:38

The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.

Numbers 26:10

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

Numbers 26:11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

Exodus 6:24

And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these [are] the families of the Korhites.

Numbers 16:32

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that [appertained] unto Korah, and all [their] goods.