King James Version

What Does Exodus 6:16 Mean?

Exodus 6:16 in the King James Version says “And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the yea...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 6:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.

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.

Read Exodus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 16 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 4-16 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
וְאֵ֨לֶּה1 of 15
H428

these or those

שְׁמ֤וֹת2 of 15

“And these are the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּנֵֽי3 of 15

“of 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

לֵוִ֔י4 of 15

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

לְתֹ֣לְדֹתָ֔ם5 of 15

“according to their generations”

H8435

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

גֵּֽרְשׁ֕וֹן6 of 15

“Gershon”

H1648

gereshon or gereshom, an israelite

וּקְהָ֖ת7 of 15

“and Kohath”

H6955

kehath, an israelite

וּמְרָרִ֑י8 of 15

“and Merari”

H4847

merari, an israelite

שָׁנָֽה׃9 of 15

“and the years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

חַיֵּ֣י10 of 15

“of the life”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לֵוִ֔י11 of 15

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

שֶׁ֧בַע12 of 15

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים13 of 15

“thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּמְאַ֖ת14 of 15

“were an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָֽה׃15 of 15

“and the years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 6:16 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 6:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 46:11Numbers 3:171 Chronicles 6:161 Chronicles 6:1Numbers 26:57Genesis 50:26

Test Your Knowledge

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

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