Exodus 6 21

Exodus 6:21 kjv

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

Exodus 6:21 nkjv

The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.

Exodus 6:21 niv

The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg and Zikri.

Exodus 6:21 esv

The sons of Izhar: Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.

Exodus 6:21 nlt

The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zicri.

Exodus 6 verses

Exodus 6 21 Meaning

Exodus 6:21 identifies three individuals—Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri—as the direct descendants of Izhar, who was a son of Kohath and grandson of Levi. This verse is part of a genealogical list establishing the lineage of Moses and Aaron within the tribe of Levi, asserting their priestly heritage and their right to speak on behalf of God. It particularly foreshadows the significant role, both positive and negative, that some of these individuals and their descendants would play in the history of Israel.

Exodus 6 21 Context

Exodus chapter 6 begins with God reiterating His covenant promises to Moses, reminding him of His name Yahweh and His mighty works to free Israel from Egyptian bondage, a promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Verses 1-13 detail Moses' reluctance and the Israelites' despair. Verses 14-27 then shift to provide the lineage of the key figures involved—Reuben, Simeon, and Levi—culminating in the specific family of Moses and Aaron (from Levi's line). This genealogical insertion serves several crucial purposes: it authenticates the divine commission of Moses and Aaron by demonstrating their legitimate lineage within the consecrated tribe of Levi; it grounds their authority in Israel's history; and for an audience aware of subsequent events, it subtly introduces characters who will later become significant, such as Korah.

Exodus 6 21 Word analysis

• The sons: Hebrew benim (בְּנֵי), meaning children or descendants. This emphasizes the direct lineage and inheritance. In ancient Israelite society, lineage was paramount for identity, status, and rights.
• of Izhar: Hebrew Yits'har (יִצְהָר), meaning "oil" or "brightness." Izhar was one of the four sons of Kohath, who was Levi's second son. He represents a significant branch within the tribe of Levi, specifically within the Kohathite clan. The Kohathites had a sacred duty to carry the Ark of the Covenant and other holy articles of the tabernacle (Num 3:31).
• Korah: Hebrew Qorach (קֹרַח), possibly meaning "baldness" or "ice." This name, though seemingly neutral here, carries immense weight due to the pivotal rebellion recorded in Numbers 16. For the original Israelite audience, Korah would have been a well-known figure of defiance against divine authority, despite his Levitical status. His inclusion here in a line meant to legitimize Moses and Aaron is an example of the biblical narrative unflinchingly presenting both the righteous and the rebellious within the chosen line, highlighting God's faithfulness despite human failure. This might serve as an indirect polemic against those who questioned Moses and Aaron, showing that opposition came even from within the established sacred order, but was ultimately overcome.
• Nepheg: Hebrew Nepheg (נֶפֶג), possibly meaning "sprout." Little is known about this individual beyond this genealogical mention. His name ensures the completeness of the family record.
• and Zichri: Hebrew Zikhri (זִכְרִי), meaning "my memory" or "remembered by Yahweh." Like Nepheg, Zichri is not detailed further in this context but completes the listing of Izhar's direct male descendants. Other Zichris are mentioned elsewhere in the genealogies (e.g., 1 Chr 8:23; 9:15), indicating this was not an uncommon name.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The sons of Izhar: This phrase highlights a specific sub-clan within the larger Kohathite clan, narrowing the focus within the tribe of Levi. It emphasizes that this list pertains directly to a particular lineage descending from Kohath.
• Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri: This tripartite listing completes the immediate family unit for Izhar, identifying all his known direct male heirs relevant to the biblical record. The sequence underscores the chronological and familial completeness required for genealogical records.

Exodus 6 21 Bonus section

The careful preservation of genealogies, like the one in Exodus 6:21, was critical in ancient Israel for several reasons: it established legal claims to land inheritance (Joshua 13-19); it affirmed tribal identities and their specific roles (e.g., Levi for priesthood); it was vital for the legitimacy of leadership roles (priests, kings, prophets); and ultimately, it served to track the promised line of the Messiah (e.g., from Abraham to David to Jesus). The persistence of "the Sons of Korah" as temple musicians and gatekeepers for centuries after their ancestor's rebellion (as seen in the Psalms and Chronicles) exemplifies God's covenant faithfulness and the possibility of redemption, even for descendants of those who significantly sinned against Him. This also teaches that personal rebellion, while judged, does not always completely nullify future blessings or roles for subsequent generations who walk in obedience.

Exodus 6 21 Commentary

Exodus 6:21, though seemingly a simple entry in a genealogical list, serves multiple functions within the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it anchors Moses and Aaron's leadership and priestly authority within the established and consecrated tribe of Levi, emphasizing their legitimate heritage and God's sovereign choice of this specific lineage. Secondly, the inclusion of "Korah" is exceptionally significant. For the initial audience familiar with Israel's wilderness wanderings, this name immediately evokes the powerful memory of Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron, a direct challenge to God-ordained authority detailed in Numbers 16. Thus, this verse carries a profound layer of dramatic irony and subtle foreshadowing. It subtly preps the reader for understanding why Korah, though from a respected Levitical line, acted as he did, and sets the stage for the narrative of divine judgment and mercy (as his sons were spared, leading to a long line of faithful temple servants and psalmists). The mention of all sons (Korah, Nepheg, Zichri) signifies the comprehensive nature of God's chosen lineage, incorporating both figures of faithfulness and those of tragic rebellion, yet all within His overarching plan.