Exodus 2:1
And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִ֖ישׁ
a man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִבֵּ֣ית
of the house
H1004
מִבֵּ֣ית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Exodus 6:20 and Numbers 26:59 identify Amram and Jochebed as Moses' parents. Jochebed was Amram's aunt (Leviticus 18:12 later forbids such unions), showing this occurred before Sinai's law. Marrying within the tribe of Levi preserved tribal purity during a period of intense assimilation pressure in Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the initial anonymity of Moses' parents emphasize God's sovereign choice over human pedigree?
- What does Levitical lineage for Moses suggest about his future role as mediator between God and Israel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi (וַיֵּלֶךְ אִישׁ מִבֵּית לֵוִי, vayyelekh ish mibbeit Levi)—Moses' birth begins with deliberate understatement: "a man of Levi" and "a daughter of Levi," unnamed until later (6:20: Amram and Jochebed). This anonymity focuses attention on God's providential action rather than human greatness. House of Levi is significant: from the tribe set apart for priestly service comes the mediator of the old covenant. The verb went (הָלַךְ, halakh) suggests purposeful action, though the text understates the drama—these parents will act in faith to save their child (Hebrews 11:23).