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.

EXODUS 6:16KJV
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Exodus 6:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 6:16 mean?

Exodus 6:16 lists the names of Levi’s sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and records that Levi lived 137 years. This verse traces the family line of Levi, setting up the genealogy of the Levites, who would later serve important roles among the Israelites.

In this part of Exodus, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron, giving them instructions and reassurance as they prepare to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The genealogy here helps establish the family background of Moses and Aaron, showing their connection to the tribe of Levi. By naming Levi’s sons and his lifespan, the verse roots the story in real family history and highlights the importance of the Levite line.

Where else these words appear

“Gershon” Hebrew H1648 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 3:25 And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
  • Numbers 10:17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

“Kohath” Hebrew H6955 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 7:9 But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:16 The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

“Merari” Hebrew H4847 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 10:17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

“generations” Hebrew H8435 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
  • Genesis 37:2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
  • Numbers 1:40 Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;