Exodus 6:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמ֤וֹת
And these are the names
H8034
שְׁמ֤וֹת
And these are the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
2 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בְּנֵֽי
of the sons
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְתֹ֣לְדֹתָ֔ם
according to their generations
H8435
לְתֹ֣לְדֹתָ֔ם
according to their generations
Strong's:
H8435
Word #:
5 of 15
(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history
חַיֵּ֣י
of the life
H2416
חַיֵּ֣י
of the life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
10 of 15
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
שֶׁ֧בַע
and seven
H7651
שֶׁ֧בַע
and seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
12 of 15
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Cross References
Genesis 46:11And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.Numbers 3:17And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.1 Chronicles 6:1The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.1 Chronicles 6:16The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.Numbers 26:57And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- Which aspect of God's comprehensive salvation most speaks to your need?
- How does this covenant structure foreshadow Christ's redemption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.