Question 1

What does Exodus 6:23 mean?

Accepted Answer

Exodus 6:23 states that Aaron, Moses' brother, married Elisheba, who was the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Naashon, and together they had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. This verse lists Aaron’s immediate family, highlighting the origins of the priestly line in Israel. In this part of Exodus, God is speaking to Moses and giving a genealogy to show the family background of Moses and Aaron. Naming Aaron’s wife and sons sets up the later roles these sons will play as priests. The verse also connects Aaron’s family to other important families in Israel by mentioning Elisheba’s father and brother.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Exodus 6:23

Accepted Answer

אֶלִישֶׁבַע (Elisheba, transliterated "Elisheva") means "God is my oath." Her name connects her to a faith tradition and is the Hebrew form of the name Elizabeth. נָדָב (Nadab, transliterated "Nadav") and אֲבִיהוּא (Abihu, transliterated "Avihu") are Aaron's first two sons, who will later be mentioned in significant events involving the priesthood. אֶלְעָזָר (Eleazar, transliterated "Elazar") and אִיתָמָר (Ithamar, transliterated "Itamar") are Aaron’s younger sons, who continue the priestly line after Nadab and Abihu.

Question 3

Why Exodus 6:23 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies the family origins of Israel’s first high priest and his descendants, grounding the priesthood in a specific lineage. By naming Elisheba’s father and brother, the verse shows connections between the priestly family and other leading tribes, especially Judah, since Naashon is a prominent leader from that tribe. Understanding who Aaron’s sons are is important for following later stories in the Torah, where these sons play key roles in the history of Israel’s worship and priesthood.

Exodus 6:23 (KJV)