Exodus 6 25

Exodus 6:25 kjv

And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.

Exodus 6:25 nkjv

Eleazar, Aaron's son, took for himself one of the daughters of Putiel as wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites according to their families.

Exodus 6:25 niv

Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the Levite families, clan by clan.

Exodus 6:25 esv

Eleazar, Aaron's son, took as his wife one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites by their clans.

Exodus 6:25 nlt

Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she gave birth to his son, Phinehas. These are the ancestors of the Levite families, listed according to their clans.

Exodus 6 verses

Exodus 6 25 Meaning

Exodus 6:25 provides a key genealogical detail within the Levitical tribal listing, specifically concerning the priestly line of Aaron. It states that Eleazar, Aaron’s son, married one of the daughters of Putiel, and they became the parents of Phinehas. The verse concludes by identifying this specific lineage, initiated by Aaron, through Eleazar and Phinehas, as the recognized "heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families," underscoring its prominence and authority within the Levitical priesthood.

Exodus 6 25 Context

Exodus chapter 6 continues the narrative of God’s promise to deliver Israel from Egypt, reinforcing His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. After Moses expresses discouragement due to Pharaoh's increased oppression, the Lord reasserts His intention to act mightily. The latter part of the chapter, specifically verses 14-25, presents a genealogy of the principal families of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. This specific genealogy, unlike a typical sequential lineage, seems to function as an authoritative confirmation of the identities and qualifications of Moses and Aaron for their divine calling, rooting them firmly within Israel's ancestral lines. Verse 25, concluding the listing for the tribe of Levi and the house of Aaron, establishes the lineage of the High Priesthood through Eleazar and his son Phinehas, a critically important figure for the priesthood's future. The inclusion of the unusual name "Putiel" provides a subtle yet significant detail within this otherwise formal record.

Exodus 6 25 Word analysis

• And Eleazar, Aaron’s son,

  • Eleazar: (Hebrew: אֶלְעָזָר, 'El'azar) Meaning "God has helped" or "God is helper." This name itself carries theological significance, pointing to divine assistance. He was Aaron’s third son, destined to succeed him as the High Priest (Num 20:25-28).
  • Aaron's son: This phrase immediately establishes his direct descent and inherent qualification for the priestly role within the divinely appointed lineage. His brothers Nadab and Abihu died due to offering unauthorized fire (Lev 10:1-2), leaving Eleazar and Ithamar. Eleazar's line became the dominant one for the high priesthood.

• took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife;

  • took him... to wife: Signifies the legal and cultural act of marriage, crucial for establishing legitimate lineage in a patriarchal society.
  • daughters of Putiel: (Hebrew: פּוּטִיאֵל, Putiel) The name "Putiel" is unusual among Hebrew names, and its meaning is debated. Possibilities include "God is my fatness/portion" (implying prosperity or abundance from God) or "afflicted by God." Scholars also note a potential connection to Egyptian roots (similar to "Potiphar," meaning "he whom Ra has given"). This detail has intrigued scholars because it suggests the possibility of intermarriage, or at least the presence of names with non-Israelite origins within a lineage destined for the holiest office in Israel. This inclusion is notable in a genealogy emphasizing the distinct identity of the Levitical priesthood.

• and she bare him Phinehas:

  • Phinehas: (Hebrew: פִּינְחָס, Pinchas) This name is also likely of Egyptian origin, possibly meaning "the Nubian" or "the dark-skinned one." This would further support the idea of an Egyptian connection through his mother’s family. The identity and actions of Phinehas become foundational later in Israel's history (Num 25), where his zealous act secures a covenant of perpetual priesthood for his descendants. His name, therefore, holds significant prophetic weight within this verse, anticipating his future role.

• these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.

  • these are the heads of the fathers: (Hebrew: רָאשֵׁי אֲבוֹת, rashei 'avot) This phrase designates the patriarchs or leading figures of the various clans or sub-divisions of a tribe. It highlights that the line of Eleazar and Phinehas represents a primary and authoritative branch within the Levites, specifically as it pertains to the high priesthood.
  • of the Levites according to their families: Confirms that the preceding genealogical record serves to outline the primary families of the tribe of Levi, emphasizing the hierarchical structure and established order within the sacred lineage designated for service to God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And Eleazar, Aaron's son, took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife;": This segment precisely details the specific marriage that will ensure the continuation of Aaron's priestly line. The unusual name "Putiel" subtly introduces a broader context, showing how God's divine plan might include individuals or lineages with origins that were not exclusively Israelite, underscoring His sovereignty over all.
• "and she bare him Phinehas:": This concisely states the birth of a pivotal figure. Phinehas, despite potentially having an Egyptian name, would become a profound example of zeal for God's holiness and an essential high priest, signifying that divine election and anointing transcend superficial origins.
• "these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.": This concluding declaration underlines the verse's main purpose: to establish and validate the lineage through which the high priestly office would legitimately pass. It grants authority and divine sanction to the specific genealogical path laid out, setting the stage for Phinehas's critical future roles and the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood.

Exodus 6 25 Bonus section

The mention of Eleazar marrying "a daughter of Putiel" and her bearing Phinehas, especially with the likely Egyptian etymology of "Putiel" and "Phinehas," presents a theological subtlety often overlooked. It suggests that while the Israelite priesthood was meant to be distinct, God’s choice and blessing could extend even to those with foreign ties in their ancestry. This provides an early, albeit understated, example of how God's work of redemption would not be rigidly confined by strict ethnic purity in all instances. This could subtly counteract any rigid later legalistic interpretations that would view any mixed heritage as automatically disqualifying. It ultimately foregrounds the spiritual purity of Phinehas's zeal (Numbers 25) over his specific genealogical or name origins. This specific record ensures that the continuity and legitimacy of the Aaronic high priesthood, crucial for all Israelite worship, is unequivocally established and traced from its very foundation.

Exodus 6 25 Commentary

Exodus 6:25, though seemingly a dry genealogical entry, holds profound significance. It anchors the high priestly line squarely within the chosen tribe of Levi, through Aaron and his son Eleazar, establishing a divinely appointed succession. The seemingly ordinary detail of Eleazar marrying a daughter of Putiel introduces a compelling dimension: the names "Putiel" and "Phinehas" possibly derive from Egyptian roots, suggesting that elements outside a purely Israelite lineage were incorporated into the most sacred office. This inclusion could subtly illustrate God’s capacity to work through diverse backgrounds, preparing His people to accept a broader understanding of His covenant later revealed in a Messiah who unites all peoples. More crucially, the verse serves as a crucial preface to the extraordinary actions of Phinehas recounted in Numbers 25, where his decisive zeal leads to a covenant of perpetual priesthood. Thus, Exodus 6:25 is not just a historical record but a prophetic groundwork, setting the stage for God's establishment of righteous leadership and highlighting His sovereign plan within specific chosen lines, yet hinting at a broader reach.