Exodus 6:16 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

◄ Exodus 6:16 ►

New International Version
These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

New Living Translation
These are the descendants of Levi, as listed in their family records: The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. (Levi lived to be 137 years old.)

English Standard Version
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, the years of the life of Levi being 137 years.

Berean Standard Bible
These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. And the years of the life of Levi were one hundred and thirty-seven.

New American Standard Bible
And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; and the length of Levi’s life was 137 years.

NASB 1995
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon and Kohath and Merari; and the length of Levi’s life was one hundred and thirty-seven years.

NASB 1977
And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon and Kohath and Merari; and the length of Levi’s life was one hundred and thirty-seven years.

Legacy Standard Bible
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon and Kohath and Merari; and the years of Levi’s life were 137 years.

Amplified Bible
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their births: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; and Levi lived a hundred and thirty-seven years.

Christian Standard Bible
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their family records; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their genealogy: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

American Standard Version
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 a hundred thirty and seven years.

Contemporary English Version
Levi lived to be 137; his sons were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These are the names of the sons of [Levi] listed in birth order: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

Good News Translation
Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; they were the ancestors of the clans that bear their names. Levi lived 137 years.

International Standard Version
These are the names of Levi's sons according to their genealogies: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

Majority Standard Bible
These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

NET Bible
Now these are the names of the sons of Levi, according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. (The length of Levi's life was 137 years.)

New Heart English Bible
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 one hundred thirty-seven years.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 a hundred and thirty-seven years.

World English Bible
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 one hundred thirty-seven years.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And these [are] the names of the sons of Levi, as to their births: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi [are] one hundred and thirty-seven years.

Young's Literal Translation
And these are the names of the sons of Levi, as to their births: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi are a hundred and thirty and seven years.

Smith's Literal Translation
And these the names of the sons of Levi, according to their generation; Gershon, and Kohath and Merari. And the years of the life of Levi, seven and thirty and a hundred years.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And these are the names of the sons of Levi by their kindreds: Gerson, and Caath, and Merari. And the years of the life of Levi were a hundred and thirty seven.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And these are the names of the sons of Levi by their kindred: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. Now the years of the life of Levi were one hundred and thirty-seven.

New American Bible
These are the names of the sons of Levi, in their genealogical order: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. Levi lived one hundred and thirty-seven years.

New Revised Standard Version
The following are the names of the sons of Levi according to their genealogies: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, and the length of Levi’s life was one hundred thirty-seven years.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were a hundred and thirty-seven years.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And these are the names of the sons of Levi for their generations: Gershon and Qahath and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi, a hundred and thirty and seven years.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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 a hundred thirty and seven years.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their kindreds, Gedson, Caath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were a hundred and thirty-seven.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Genealogies of Moses and Aaron
…15The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon. 16These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. 17The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 46:8-11
Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. / The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. / The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. ...

Numbers 3:17-20
These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei. / The sons of Kohath by their clans were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. ...

1 Chronicles 6:1-3
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. / The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

1 Chronicles 23:6-13
Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. / The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all. ...

Numbers 26:57-59
Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans: The Gershonite clan from Gershon, the Kohathite clan from Kohath, and the Merarite clan from Merari. / These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram, / and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.

Genesis 29:34
Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi.

Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

Genesis 49:5-7
Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. / May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim. / Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.

Exodus 1:1-5
These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: / Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; / Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; ...

Numbers 1:47-50
The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers. / For the LORD had said to Moses: / “Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites. ...

Numbers 18:1-7
So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ...

Deuteronomy 10:8-9
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. / That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him.

Joshua 21:1-3
Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel / at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” / So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance:

1 Kings 8:4
and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up.

2 Chronicles 29:11
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

Treasury of Scripture

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.

sons

Genesis 46:11
And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Numbers 3:17
And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:1,16
The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari…

Kohath

Numbers 26:57
And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.

1 Chronicles 23:6
And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

an hundred

Exodus 6:18,20
And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years…

Genesis 35:28
And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.

Genesis 47:28
And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.

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Generations Gershon Hundred Kohath Levi Levi's Merari Merar'i Names Order Records Seven Thirty Thirty-Seven

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Exodus 6

1. God renews his promise by his name JEHOVAH
9. Moses vainly attempts to encourage the Israelites
10. He and Aaron are again sent to Pharaoh
14. Genealogies of Reuben, Simeon and Levi, of whom came Moses and Aaron
26. The history resumed

Berean Study Bible

These were the names
The phrase "These were the names" emphasizes the importance of lineage and identity in the Hebrew culture. Names in the Bible often carry significant meaning, reflecting character, destiny, or divine purpose. In the context of Exodus, the naming of Levi's sons underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel through specific family lines. The Hebrew word for "name" is "shem," which can also imply reputation or memorial, indicating that these individuals were to be remembered for their roles in God's unfolding plan.

of the sons of Levi
Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah, is the progenitor of the Levitical tribe, which holds a special place in Israel's history as the tribe set apart for religious duties. The "sons of Levi" are significant because they establish the priestly and service-oriented lineage within Israel. The Hebrew root for Levi, "lavah," means "to join" or "to attach," symbolizing the tribe's role in joining the people to God through worship and service.

according to their records
The phrase "according to their records" suggests a meticulous keeping of genealogical records, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights. In ancient Israel, these records were not only historical but also theological, as they demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people. The Hebrew term "toledot" often refers to genealogical accounts, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises through generations.

Gershon, Kohath, and Merari
These names represent the three main branches of the Levitical tribe, each with distinct roles in the service of the Tabernacle. Gershon, the eldest, was responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's fabrics and coverings. Kohath, the second son, had the most sacred duties, including the care of the Ark of the Covenant and other holy furnishings. Merari, the youngest, was tasked with the framework and structural elements of the Tabernacle. Each name and role highlights the organized and purposeful nature of worship in Israel, reflecting God's order and holiness.

Levi lived 137 years
The lifespan of Levi, "137 years," is noted, which is significant in the biblical narrative. The number 137 may not have specific symbolic meaning, but it underscores the longevity and enduring influence of Levi's lineage. In the context of the Pentateuch, the ages of patriarchs often serve to connect the reader to the historical and covenantal timeline of God's people. Levi's long life signifies the enduring legacy of the Levitical priesthood, which would play a crucial role in Israel's spiritual life for generations to come.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) Gershon, Kohath, and Merari were all born before Levi went into Egypt (Genesis 46:8; Genesis 46:11; Genesis 46:27), which was when he was about forty or fifty years of age. It is not unlikely that they were at that time all grown up. If Levi lived to be "an hundred thirty and seven years" old, he would probably before he died have seen his descendants of the fifth generation. Attempts have been made to show that the present genealogy is complete, and that Moses was Levi's great-grandson. But in Joshua's case there were ten generations (at least) between him and Jacob (1Chronicles 7:23-27); so that three generations only between Jacob and Moses are scarcely possible. The Israelites were in the habit of constructing their genealogies by omitting some of the links, as we see plainly in the genealogy of Ezra (Ezra 7:1-5) and in St. Matthew's genealogy of our Lord (Matthew 1:8). In this present genealogy four or five (perhaps more) names are probably omitted between Amram, the son of Kohath. and Amram, the father of Moses, as will appear if we model the genealogy of Moses upon that of Joshua. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - The sons of Levi. The same three sons are given in Genesis 46:11; Numbers 3:17; and 1 Chronicles 6:2. According to their generations. This phrase is introduced because the writer does not here stop at the sons, but proceeds on to the grandsons, great-grandsons, and other descendants. (See vers. 17-25.) He is concerned especially in this place with the descent of Moses, and therefore with the genealogy of the tribe of Levi, and has only inserted any account of the families descended from Reuben and Simeon, that he might not seem to disregard the claims of primogeniture. The years of the life of Levi. These began about forty or fifty years before the descent into Egypt, which took place after the birth of all his three sons, as appears front Genesis 46:8-11. The length of Levi's life is recorded, not from any chronological considerations, but to show God's blessing upon the family of Moses, which gave such length of days to so many of his ancestors.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

These
וְאֵ֨לֶּה (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

were the names
שְׁמ֤וֹת (šə·mō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the sons
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Levi
לֵוִי֙ (lê·wî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him

according to their records:
לְתֹ֣לְדֹתָ֔ם (lə·ṯō·lə·ḏō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8435: Descent, family, history

Gershon,
גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹן (gê·rə·šō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1648: Gershon -- a son of Levi

Kohath,
וּקְהָ֖ת (ū·qə·hāṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6955: Kohath -- a son of Levi

and Merari.
וּמְרָרִ֑י (ū·mə·rā·rî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4847: Merari -- a son of Levi

Levi
לֵוִ֔י (lê·wî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him

lived
חַיֵּ֣י (ḥay·yê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

137
שֶׁ֧בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

years.
וּשְׁנֵי֙ (ū·šə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8141: A year

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OT Law: Exodus 6:16 These are the names of the sons (Exo. Ex)