King James Version

What Does Exodus 6:14 Mean?

Exodus 6:14 in the King James Version says “These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 6:14 · KJV

Context

12

And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?

13

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

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.

Read Exodus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 14 continues the covenantal reaffirmation. God's sevenfold promise ('I will bring out, deliver, redeem, take, be your God, bring in, give') comprehensively describes salvation from multiple angles, foreshadowing the gospel's complete deliverance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern covenant formulas used repetitive structures to emphasize commitment. The detailed promises in verses 4-14 establish the legal and relational foundation for the Exodus.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which aspect of God's comprehensive salvation most speaks to your need?
  2. How does this covenant structure foreshadow Christ's redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אֵ֖לֶּה1 of 15
H428

these or those

רָאשֵׁ֣י2 of 15

“These be the heads”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

בֵית3 of 15

“houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבֹתָ֑ם4 of 15

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּנֵ֨י5 of 15

“The sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְאוּבֵֽן׃6 of 15

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

בְּכֹ֣ר7 of 15

“the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל8 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

חֲנ֤וֹךְ9 of 15

“Hanoch”

H2585

chanok, an antediluvian patriach

וּפַלּוּא֙10 of 15

“and Pallu”

H6396

pallu, an israelite

חֶצְרֹ֣ן11 of 15

“Hezron”

H2696

chetsron, the name of a place in palestine; also of two israelites

וְכַרְמִ֔י12 of 15

“and Carmi”

H3756

karmi, the name of three israelites

אֵ֖לֶּה13 of 15
H428

these or those

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת14 of 15

“these be the families”

H4940

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

רְאוּבֵֽן׃15 of 15

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 6:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 46:91 Chronicles 5:3Numbers 26:5-7Joshua 13:231 Chronicles 7:2Exodus 6:25

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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