And Amram married his father’s sister JochebedThis phrase highlights a familial relationship that was later prohibited in the Mosaic Law (
Leviticus 18:12). The marriage of Amram and Jochebed reflects the early patriarchal period's customs before the Law was given. Jochebed, being Amram's aunt, indicates the close-knit family structures of the Israelites during their time in Egypt. This union is significant as it produced two of Israel's most important leaders, Aaron and Moses. The name Jochebed means "Yahweh is glory," which may reflect the faith and hope of the Israelites during their bondage in Egypt.
and she bore him Aaron and Moses
Aaron and Moses are central figures in the narrative of the Exodus. Aaron, the elder brother, became the first high priest of Israel, establishing the Aaronic priesthood. Moses, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, is a type of Christ as a deliverer and mediator. Their births are significant in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Israel. The mention of their mother, Jochebed, emphasizes the importance of maternal influence and faith, as seen in her actions to save Moses from Pharaoh's decree (Exodus 2:1-10).
Amram lived 137 years
The lifespan of Amram, 137 years, is consistent with the long lifespans recorded in the genealogies of the patriarchs. This detail underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises through the generations. The longevity of Amram's life allowed him to witness the growth of his sons and the initial stages of God's deliverance of Israel. It also reflects the historical context of the time, where such lifespans were not uncommon among the patriarchs, as seen in the genealogies of Genesis.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AmramA member of the tribe of Levi, Amram is the father of Aaron and Moses. His marriage to Jochebed, his father's sister, is noted in this verse, highlighting the familial lineage of two significant biblical figures.
2.
JochebedThe mother of Aaron and Moses, Jochebed is a key figure in the preservation and upbringing of Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
3.
AaronThe elder brother of Moses, Aaron becomes the first high priest of Israel and plays a crucial role in the Exodus account and the establishment of the priesthood.
4.
MosesOne of the most prominent figures in the Bible, Moses is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai.
5.
LeviThe tribe of Levi is significant in Israel's history, as it is the tribe from which the priestly line is established. Amram and Jochebed's lineage is rooted in this tribe.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Family LineageUnderstanding the family lineage of biblical figures like Moses and Aaron helps us appreciate God's providential plan in history. It reminds us that God often works through families to accomplish His purposes.
Faith and Courage in Adverse CircumstancesJochebed's faith and courage in protecting Moses serve as an example for believers to trust God and act righteously, even when facing difficult circumstances.
God's Sovereign ChoiceThe selection of Moses and Aaron from the tribe of Levi underscores God's sovereign choice in raising leaders for His people. It encourages us to recognize and accept God's calling in our own lives.
The Role of Women in God's PlanJochebed's role highlights the significant impact women have in God's redemptive history. It challenges us to value and support the contributions of women in the faith community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 6:20?
2.How does Exodus 6:20 highlight the importance of family lineage in God's plan?
3.What can we learn from Amram and Jochebed's faithfulness in Exodus 6:20?
4.How does Exodus 6:20 connect to Moses' leadership role in Israel's deliverance?
5.How can we apply the faith of Moses' parents to our family life?
6.What does Exodus 6:20 teach about God's sovereignty in using imperfect people?
7.How does Exodus 6:20 align with the genealogies in other parts of the Bible?
8.Why is the marriage of Amram and Jochebed significant in Exodus 6:20?
9.Does Exodus 6:20 provide historical evidence for Moses' lineage?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 6?
11.What were the key events in Aaron's life?
12.What is the name of Moses' mother?
13.Exodus 2:2 – How could a newborn be successfully hidden for three months without detection by Pharaoh’s forces?
14.Who are the close relatives in the Bible?What Does Exodus 6:20 Mean
Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed• “And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed…” (Exodus 6:20)
• By naming both parents, Scripture roots Moses and Aaron firmly in the tribe of Levi (Exodus 6:16–19); this priestly line later receives its charge inNumbers 3:5–10.
• The marriage predates the Sinai legislation, so it precedes the prohibition later recorded inLeviticus 18:12.
• God is quietly weaving redemptive history through ordinary family lines—just as He did with Abraham’s union to Sarah his half-sister (Genesis 20:12) and with the preservation of Judah’s line through Tamar (Genesis 38). The pattern shows divine sovereignty overruling human weakness to accomplish His purposes (Romans 8:28).
She bore him Aaron and Moses• “…and she bore him Aaron and Moses.”
• Two sons, two complementary callings:
– Aaron becomes Israel’s first high priest (Exodus 28:1;Hebrews 5:1).
– Moses becomes the mediator of the covenant and lawgiver (Deuteronomy 34:10;John 1:17).
• The siblings work in tandem—Aaron speaks while Moses leads (Exodus 4:14–16); later both stand before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1–2) and intercede for the nation (Psalm 106:23;Numbers 16:47–48).
• Their joint birth to the same parents underscores God’s deliberate preparation: He raises up exactly the leaders Israel will need (Psalm 105:26).
Amram lived 137 years• “Amram lived 137 years.”
• The span links to earlier patriarchal ages (Ishmael 137,Genesis 25:17) and bridges Genesis-Exodus history. It reminds readers that even long-lived servants pass away; only God’s covenant endures (Psalm 90:1-4).
• A lifetime covering Israel’s shift from favor in Egypt (Genesis 47:6) to oppression (Exodus 1:8-14) accents the urgency of deliverance. Amram’s years bookend that transition, situating Moses’ birth “when the cry of the Israelites had come up to God” (Exodus 2:23-24).
summaryExodus 6:20 records more than a family fact: it reveals God’s meticulous orchestration of lineage, leadership, and timing. Through the union of Amram and Jochebed the Lord raises Moses and Aaron, perfectly equipped brothers who will confront Pharaoh, shepherd Israel, and inaugurate both deliverance and priesthood. Even Amram’s 137 years serve the story, anchoring their emergence in real history and testifying that while human lifespans end, God’s redemptive plan moves steadily forward.
(20)
Amram took him Jocheoed his father's sister to wife.--Marriages with aunts and nieces were not unlawful before the giving of the Law. They were common throughout the East, and at Sparta (Herod. vi. 71, 7:239).
Theyearsof the life of Amram.--The long lives of Levi, Kohath, and Amram, the father of Moses, are not recorded for any chronological purpose, but to show that the blessing of God rested in an especial way on the house of Levi, even before it became the priestly tribe. Life in Egypt at the time not unfrequently reached 120 years; but the 137 of Levi, the 133 of Kohath, and the 137 of Amram, the father of Moses, would, even in Egypt, have been abnormal.
Verse 20. -
Amram. That this Amram is the "man of the house of Levi" mentioned in
Exodus 2:1, cannot be doubted; but it is scarcely possible that he should be the Amram of ver. 18, the actual son of Kohath and contemporary of Joseph. He is probably a descendant of the sixth or seventh generation, who bore the same name, and was the head of the Amramite house. That house, at the time of the Exodus, numbered above two thousand males (
Numbers 3:27, 28). See the excellent remarks of Keil and Delitzsch, 'Biblical Commentary,' vol. 1. p. 470, E. T.; and compare Kurtz, 'History of Old Covenant,' vol. 2. p. 144, and Cook, in 'Speaker's Commentary,' vol. 1. p. 274.
Jochebed his father's sister. Marriages with aunts and nieces have been common in many countries, and are not forbidden by any natural instinct. They first became unlawful by the positive command recorded in
Leviticus 18:12. The name Jochebed is the earliest known compounded with Jah, or Jehovah. It means "the glory of Jehovah."
She bare him Aaron and Moses. Aaron is placed first, as being older than Moses (
Exodus 7:7). Miriam is omitted, since the object of the writer is confined to tracing descent in the male line.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Amramעַמְרָ֜ם(‘am·rām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6019:Amram -- the father of Moses, also an Israelitemarriedוַיִּקַּ֨ח(way·yiq·qaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To takehis father’s sisterדֹּֽדָתוֹ֙(dō·ḏā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1733:An auntJochebed,יוֹכֶ֤בֶד(yō·w·ḵe·ḇeḏ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3115:Jochebed -- 'the LORD is glory', mother of Mosesand she boreוַתֵּ֣לֶד(wat·tê·leḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineagehim Aaronאַהֲרֹ֖ן(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesand Moses.מֹשֶׁ֑ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverAmramעַמְרָ֔ם(‘am·rām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6019:Amram -- the father of Moses, also an Israelitelivedחַיֵּ֣י(ḥay·yê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life137שֶׁ֧בַע(še·ḇa‘)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite numberyears.וּשְׁנֵי֙(ū·šə·nê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8141:A year
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OT Law: Exodus 6:20 Amram took Jochebed his father's sister (Exo. Ex) 
