King James Version

What Does Exodus 6:20 Mean?

Exodus 6:20 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 6:20 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.

20

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.

21

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

22

And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.

Read Exodus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 20 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 4-20 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 · 20 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 20

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עַמְרָ֔ם2 of 20

“And Amram”

H6019

amram, the name of two israelites

אֶת3 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יוֹכֶ֤בֶד4 of 20

“him Jochebed”

H3115

jokebed, the mother of moses

דֹּֽדָתוֹ֙5 of 20

“his father's sister”

H1733

an aunt

ל֣וֹ6 of 20
H0
לְאִשָּׁ֔ה7 of 20

“to wife”

H802

a woman

וַתֵּ֣לֶד8 of 20

“and she bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֔וֹ9 of 20
H0
אֶֽת10 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַהֲרֹ֖ן11 of 20

“him Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶת12 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֹשֶׁ֑ה13 of 20

“and Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

שָׁנָֽה׃14 of 20

“and the years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

חַיֵּ֣י15 of 20

“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

עַמְרָ֔ם16 of 20

“And Amram”

H6019

amram, the name of two israelites

שֶׁ֧בַע17 of 20

“and seven”

H7651

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

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים18 of 20

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּמְאַ֖ת19 of 20

“were an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָֽה׃20 of 20

“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 6:20 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 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:59Exodus 2:1-2Exodus 6:16Exodus 6:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

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