Numbers 26:59
And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.
Original Language Analysis
וְשֵׁ֣ם׀
And the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֣ם׀
And the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
1 of 20
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בַּת
the daughter
H1323
בַּת
the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
5 of 20
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
and she bare
H3205
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
and she bare
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
8 of 20
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֹתָ֛הּ
H853
אֹתָ֛הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
and she bare
H3205
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
and she bare
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
12 of 20
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Jochebed defied Pharaoh's infanticide decree (Exodus 1:22), hiding Moses three months before placing him in the Nile. Her faith (Hebrews 11:23) saved Israel's deliverer. This census, 80+ years after Moses's birth, records her name with honor. The midwives and Moses's mother—women of faith—preserved the nation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jochebed's name ("YHWH is glory") reflect her faith in hiding Moses, trusting God's glory would prevail over Pharaoh's decree?
- What does the production of three major leaders from one family teach about godly parenting's generational impact?
- How does Jochebed's inclusion in a military census demonstrate that God values faithful mothers as much as warrior sons?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi—this staggering detail means Moses's mother was Levi's daughter, making her Amram's aunt (Exodus 6:20). Such unions were later forbidden (Leviticus 18:12), but before Sinai, they preserved Levitical purity. Jochebed (יוֹכֶבֶד, "YHWH is glory") bore the name of God—rare for pre-Mosaic times.
And she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister—three siblings who led the Exodus. A basket-making mother, a stammering son, a leprous daughter, and a son who made a golden calf (Aaron) changed world history. God uses broken families for glorious purposes. Jochebed's womb produced Israel's three foundational leaders.