Exodus 6:16
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The three sons of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—are listed, with Levi's lifespan recorded as 137 years.
Context
Levi's line receives special attention, with his three sons establishing the three primary divisions of the Levitical priesthood. The specific notation of Levi's lifespan (137 years) parallels similar ages given for other patriarchs, suggesting exceptional longevity and connecting him to the patriarchal era. His descendants will become priests and temple servants in Israel's religious structure.
What Does Exodus 6:16 Mean?
Levi's line receives special attention, with his three sons establishing the three primary divisions of the Levitical priesthood. The specific notation of Levi's lifespan (137 years) parallels similar ages given for other patriarchs, suggesting exceptional longevity and connecting him to the patriarchal era. His descendants will become priests and temple servants in Israel's religious structure.
The genealogy of Levi is particularly significant because it traces the line from which Moses and Aaron would descend. By highlighting Levi's division into three families, the text establishes the structural foundation for the Levitical order that would emerge after the exodus and the giving of the law at Sinai.