Exodus 6:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Korah {H7141}; Assir {H617}, and Elkanah {H511}, and Abiasaph {H23}: these are the families {H4940} of the Korhites {H7145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Korach were Asir, Elkanah and Avi'asaf. These were the Korchi families.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph. These were the clans of the Korahites.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:24 provides a concise genealogical record, listing the three sons of Korah—Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph—and explicitly identifying them as the progenitors of the Korhite families. This verse is an integral part of the broader Levitical genealogies in Exodus 6, which serve to establish the tribal and familial identities of key figures within Israel, particularly those destined for sacred service, and subtly sets the stage for future narratives involving this prominent Levite lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly structured genealogical section in [Exodus 6](/exodus/6 "Exodus 6 - The Genealogies of Moses and Aaron"). Following the divine commission of Moses and Aaron and the initial resistance from Pharaoh, the narrative pauses to provide the lineage of Israel's tribal heads, emphasizing Reuben, Simeon, and most significantly, Levi. The detailed ancestry of Levi culminates in the specific identification of Moses and Aaron as his descendants, thereby legitimizing their leadership roles. Within this framework, the mention of Korah's sons, though brief, is not incidental; it meticulously documents the specific family lines within the Levite tribe, laying essential groundwork for understanding their future roles and interactions within the unfolding wilderness narrative, particularly their connection to the Tabernacle service.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were foundational documents that established identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for specific roles, especially within the priestly and Levitical service. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for sacred duties related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Understanding their family lines was crucial for maintaining the divine order of worship and service. The mention of Korah's family here is particularly significant given the later rebellion of Korah against Moses and Aaron, as recorded in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). This seemingly dry genealogical entry in Exodus thus serves as a vital historical marker, preparing the reader for the complex dynamics and divine judgments that would later impact this specific Levite family.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 6:24 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Order and Election**, demonstrating God's meticulous planning in establishing the structure of Israelite society and the specific roles within it, particularly the chosen lineage of Levi for sacred service. The inclusion of Korah's sons also subtly introduces the theme of **Generational Continuity and Legacy**, highlighting how family lines, even those marked by future rebellion, can persist and be repurposed by God's sovereign will. Furthermore, the detailed genealogies underscore the **Faithfulness of God to His Covenants**, showing how He meticulously preserves the lineage through whom His promises, particularly those related to the priesthood and the ultimate Messiah, would be fulfilled, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and its unfolding through Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Exodus 6:24 states: "And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these [are] the families of the Korhites." This verse is a direct and unadorned genealogical statement, serving primarily to identify the immediate descendants of Korah and establish the family branches that would bear his name.

#### Key Word Analysis

* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "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.)." Here, it denotes direct male offspring who would continue the family line and contribute to its identity and legacy within the tribal structure of Israel.
* **Abiasaph (Hebrew, _ʼĂbîyʼâçâph'_):** From H23, meaning "father of gathering (i.e. gatherer)." This name, like many ancient Hebrew names, carries a theological or descriptive meaning. "Father of gathering" could imply a role in assembling people or resources, or perhaps a characteristic of the family he would father.
* **families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** From H4940, meaning "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." In this context, it refers to the distinct household units or clans that would descend from Korah's three sons, forming the specific "Korhite" branch within the larger Levitical tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph:"** This clause directly names Korah's three immediate male offspring. This naming is crucial for establishing the direct progenitors of the future Korhite families. The specific mention of these three sons indicates that they survived their father's later rebellion, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - The Preservation of Korah's Sons"), which notes that "the children of Korah died not." This detail in Exodus 6:24, though presented neutrally, thus carries a subtle, profound foreshadowing of divine preservation amidst judgment.
* **"these [are] the families of the Korhites."** This concluding clause confirms that the three named sons became the patriarchal heads of distinct family units or clans. The term "Korhites" (H7145, _Qorchîy_) is a patronymic, identifying the collective descendants of Korah. This designation is significant because these "families of the Korhites" would later play prominent roles in Israel's history, particularly in the sacred service of the Tabernacle and Temple, serving as gatekeepers, musicians, and singers, with several Psalms ([Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As the Deer Pants"), [Psalm 44](/psalms/44 "Psalm 44 - For God's Deliverance"), [Psalm 45](/psalms/45 "Psalm 45 - A Royal Wedding Song"), [Psalm 46](/psalms/46 "Psalm 46 - God is Our Refuge and Strength"), [Psalm 47](/psalms/47 "Psalm 47 - God's Sovereignty"), [Psalm 48](/psalms/48 "Psalm 48 - The Beauty of Zion"), [Psalm 49](/psalms/49 "Psalm 49 - The Folly of Trusting in Riches"), [Psalm 84](/psalms/84 "Psalm 84 - Longing for God's Courts"), [Psalm 85](/psalms/85 "Psalm 85 - Prayer for Revival"), [Psalm 87](/psalms/87 "Psalm 87 - Zion, City of God"), [Psalm 88](/psalms/88 "Psalm 88 - A Prayer of Despair")) explicitly attributed to them.

#### Literary Devices

While a brief genealogical entry, Exodus 6:24 employs **Conciseness** and **Foreshadowing**. The verse is remarkably succinct, providing only the essential names and their collective identity without embellishment. This conciseness is characteristic of biblical genealogies, which prioritize the factual transmission of lineage. More profoundly, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**. By naming Korah's sons here, long before their father's infamous rebellion in Numbers 16, the text subtly prepares the reader for the later narrative. The very existence of these named sons, who would survive the judgment that consumed their father, implicitly foreshadows God's selective judgment and His capacity for grace and preservation, even within a lineage marked by sin. This subtle narrative technique enriches the reader's understanding of divine justice and mercy as the broader story unfolds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 6:24, though a seemingly minor detail, is rich with theological implications, underscoring God's meticulous order, His sovereign preservation, and the enduring nature of His purposes. The detailed genealogies throughout Scripture, including this one, affirm that God works through specific individuals and families within history, meticulously preparing the way for His redemptive plan. The very survival of Korah's sons, despite their father's catastrophic rebellion, is a profound testament to God's mercy, demonstrating that the sins of parents do not automatically condemn their children. This principle highlights individual accountability before God while simultaneously showcasing His capacity to redeem and repurpose even a lineage marred by significant sin for His sacred service.

* [Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - The Survival of Korah's Sons")
* [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Responsibility")
* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - Better is One Day in Your Courts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Exodus 6:24, though a simple genealogical entry, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail; He orchestrates history, including the seemingly mundane aspects of family lines, with intentionality. This should instill in us a deep trust in His sovereign plan for our own lives, knowing that even our seemingly insignificant details are part of His grand design. Furthermore, the preservation of Korah's sons, despite their father's rebellion, serves as a powerful beacon of God's redemptive grace. It assures us that our past, or the past of our families, does not irrevocably define our future in God's eyes. He is capable of taking brokenness, sin, and rebellion, and through His mercy, raising up a legacy of worship and service. This encourages us to pursue faithfulness, knowing that God can use us and our descendants for His glory, regardless of our origins or past failings, transforming a history of rebellion into a heritage of praise.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like Exodus 6:24, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and attention to detail in His plan for humanity?**
* **What hope does the survival and later blessed service of Korah's sons offer you regarding God's mercy and His ability to redeem and repurpose individuals and families, even those with troubled legacies?**
* **In what ways can you actively contribute to a legacy of faith and worship for future generations, even if your own family history has been marked by challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies like Exodus 6:24 included in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several profound reasons. They meticulously establish **tribal identity** and **inheritance rights**, particularly vital for the Levites, like the Korhites, who had specific roles in Tabernacle and Temple worship. They also serve to trace the lineage of kings, ensuring the legitimacy of their rule, and most importantly, they meticulously preserve the **messianic line**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises across generations. These records provide a historical framework that authenticates the continuity of God's people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, ultimately pointing towards the coming of the [promised Messiah](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Exodus 6:24 is a specific genealogical detail, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment within the broader narrative of God's meticulous plan for humanity and His overarching redemptive purpose. The preservation of Korah's sons, despite their father's rebellion, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of God's grace that transcends human sin and judgment, a grace perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all genealogies, the promised "seed" of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham")). As the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus takes away the sin of the world, offering redemption not based on human lineage or merit, but on His perfect sacrifice. Through Christ, we are not defined by our earthly ancestry or past failures, but by our new identity as children of God, adopted into His eternal family ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). He transforms broken legacies into a glorious spiritual heritage, making us priests in His kingdom ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), fulfilling the Levitical purpose in a new and greater 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

1 Chronicles 6:22

The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

1 Chronicles 6:23

Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son,

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.

Exodus 6:21

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

1 Chronicles 6:33

And these [are] they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,

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.