Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 6:23
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Elisheba, Aaron's wife, a woman from the tribe of Judah, whose name means 'God has sworn' or 'God is an oath'.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at Exo.6.23; daughter of: Amminadab (H5992); sister of: Nahshon (H5177); married to Aaron (H0175); mother of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) § Elisheba = "my God has sworn" or "God is an oath" Aaron's wife
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Elisheba. See also: Exodus 6:23.
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
Amminadab means my kinsman is noble, a name given to several Israelites, including a man in the tribe of Levi and the father of Nahshon. He is mentioned in Exodus 6:18 and is an ancestor of King David. Amminadab is also the father of Korah and other notable figures.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.18; son of: Kohath (H6955); brother of: Amram (H6019), Hebron (H2275B) and Uzziel (H5816); father of: Korah (H7141I), Nepheg (H5298), Zichri (H2147) and Shelomith (H8019A) Another name of yits.har (יִצְהָר "Izhar" H3324) § Amminadab = "my kinsman is noble" 1) son of Ram or Aram and father of Nahshon or Naasson and an ancestor of Jesus; father-in-law of Aaron 2) a Kohathite Levite and chief of the sons of Uzziel 3) a Levite, son of Kohath; also 'Izhar'
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Amminadab. See also: Exodus 6:23; Ruth 4:19; 1 Chronicles 15:11.
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
Nahshon was an Israelite leader from the tribe of Judah, mentioned in Exodus 6:23 as the son of Amminadab and father of Salmon. He was an ancestor of Jesus and played a key role in Israel's wilderness journey. His name means enchanter.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Amminadab (H5992); brother of: Elisheba (H0472); father of: Salmon (H8007) Also named: Naassōn (Ναασσών "Nahshon" G3476) § Nahshon = "enchanter" son of Amminadab and prince of the Judah at the first numbering in the wilderness; 5th in descent from Judah in the genealogy of Christ
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Naashon, Nahshon. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 7:17; 1 Chronicles 2:11.
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Nadab was the name of several Israelites, including the son of Aaron who was struck dead by God. The name means 'generous' and is mentioned in the books of Chronicles and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.30; son of: Abiel (H0022) and Maacah (H4601N); brother of: Kish (H7027), Ner (H5369), Abdon (H5658J), Zur (H6698I), Baal (H1168B), Gedor (H1446I), Ahio (H0283I), Zecher (H2144) and Mikloth (H4732) § Nadab = "generous" 1) eldest son of Aaron by Elisheba; struck dead before the sanctuary in the wilderness for kindling the censers with strange fire 2) son of king Jeroboam I of the northern kingdom of Israel and king of Israel for 2 years before being slain by Baasha 3) a Jerahmeelite, son of Shammai, of the tribe of Judah 4) a son of Gibeon of the tribe of Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Nadab. See also: Exodus 6:23; 1 Kings 15:25; 1 Chronicles 24:2.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Abihu was a son of Aaron, a priest in the Bible. His name means 'he is my father'. Abihu made a mistake by offering wrong sacrifices to God and was punished. He's mentioned in Exodus 6:23.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Aaron (H0175) and Elisheba (H0472); brother of: Nadab (H5070), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) § Abihu = "he is (my) father" a son of Aaron destroyed for sacrificing strange fire to God
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Abihu. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:4; 1 Chronicles 24:2.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Eleazar means God has helped, and was the name of several Israelites, including a high priest and one of David's warriors.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.42 § Eleazar = "God has helped" 1) the high priest son of Aaron 2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark 3) the priest who rebuilt and dedicated the restored walls of Jerusalem in time of Ezra 4) one of David's mighty warriors 5) a Levite 6) one of the line of Parosh
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: Eleazar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 31:51; Nehemiah 12:42.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Ithamar was a son of Aaron, a leader in the tribe of Levi, first mentioned in Exodus 6:23. He was the youngest of four brothers, including Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar. His name means 'coast of palms'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Aaron (H0175) and Elisheba (H0472); brother of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030) and Eleazar (H0499) § Ithamar = "coast of palms" fourth and youngest son of Aaron
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Ithamar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 7:8; Ezra 8:2.
Context — Genealogies of Moses and Aaron
21The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.
22The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri.
23And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
24The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph. These were the clans of the Korahites.
25Aaron’s son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the Levite families by their clans.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Ruth 4:19–20 |
Hezron was the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, Nahshon was the father of Salmon, |
| 2 |
Numbers 2:3 |
On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the descendants of Judah is Nahshon son of Amminadab, |
| 3 |
Numbers 1:7 |
from Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab; |
| 4 |
1 Chronicles 2:10 |
Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of the descendants of Judah. |
| 5 |
1 Chronicles 6:3 |
The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. |
| 6 |
Matthew 1:4 |
Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon. |
| 7 |
Leviticus 10:1–2 |
Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. |
| 8 |
Numbers 20:25 |
Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. |
| 9 |
1 Chronicles 24:1–2 |
These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. |
| 10 |
Exodus 24:9 |
Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, |
Exodus 6:23 Summary
[Exodus 6:23 tells us about Aaron's family, including his wife Elisheba and their four sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. This verse shows us the importance of family and lineage in the Bible, as God often works through families to accomplish His plans, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Psalm 78:1-8. By looking at Aaron's family, we can learn about the value of faith, obedience, and trust in God's goodness, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Ephesians 6:1-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elisheba and why is she mentioned in Exodus 6:23?
Elisheba was the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Nahshon, a notable figure in the tribe of Judah, as seen in Numbers 1:7, and she became the wife of Aaron, bearing him four sons, as mentioned in Exodus 6:23.
What is the significance of Aaron's marriage to Elisheba?
Aaron's marriage to Elisheba, as recorded in Exodus 6:23, highlights the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's covenant with His people, as seen in Genesis 17:1-14 and Exodus 2:1-10.
Who were the sons of Aaron mentioned in Exodus 6:23?
The sons of Aaron mentioned in Exodus 6:23 were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, all of whom played significant roles in the priestly lineage, with Eleazar and Ithamar continuing the priestly line, as seen in Exodus 28:1 and Numbers 3:2-4.
How does Exodus 6:23 relate to the broader biblical narrative?
Exodus 6:23 is part of the larger story of God's redemption of His people, Israel, and the establishment of the priestly order, which points forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, as seen in Hebrews 3:1-6 and 4:14-16.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the example of Aaron's family about the importance of faith and obedience in our own families?
- How does the mention of Elisheba's family background in Exodus 6:23 highlight the interconnectedness of God's people across different tribes and generations?
- In what ways can we, like Aaron and Elisheba, trust God to build and establish our families according to His purposes, as seen in Psalm 127:1-5?
- What role do you think the family of Aaron played in the spiritual leadership of Israel, and what lessons can we apply to our own roles in our families and communities?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 6:23
And Aaron took him Elisheba,.... The same name we pronounce Elizabeth; and of this name was the wife of Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, Lu 1:5, this woman Aaron took was the daughter of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 6:23
And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Elisheba , [Septuagint, Elisabet] - i:e., Elizabeth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 6:23
Amminadab a prince of the tribe of Judah, . Marriages were not yet confined to their own tribes; and when they were, the Levites seem to have had this privilege, that they might marry a daughter of any other tribe, because indeed the reason of that law did not concern them, there being no danger of confusion or loss of inheritance on their part. And especially there were many marriages made between the tribes of Judah and Levi, to signify that both were united in Christ, who was to be both king and priest. It is observable, that Moses is here silent in his own progeny, but gives a particular account of his brother’ s, not only from his great humility and modesty, which shines forth in many other passages, but because it was of more concernment; and the honour of priesthood given to Aaron was to be hereditary, and peculiar to his seed, and therefore it was necessary they should be exactly known; whereas Moses’ s honour and government was only personal, and did not pass to his children.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 6:23
Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.Ver. 23. Elisheba.] Or, Elizabeth, a prince’ s sister. Our English Elizabeth was by a French duchess said to be the most glorious and most happy woman that ever swayed sceptre.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 6:23
(23) Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon.—Amminadab and Naashon were among the ancestors of David (Rth 4:19-20; 1 Chronicles 2:10-15), and their names are consequently found in the genealogies of our Lord (Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:32-33). Naashon was “prince of Judah” at the time of the Exodus (Numbers 1:7; Numbers 1:16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 6:23
Verse 23. Elisheba] The oath of the Lord. It is the same name as Elizabeth, so very common among Christians. She was of the royal tribe of Judah, and was sister to Nahshon, one of the princes; see Numbers 2:3. Eleazar] He succeeded to the high priesthood on the death of his father Aaron, Numbers 20:25, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 6:23
14–27. Genealogies are frequent in P (Genesis 5, 11, Genesis 25:12-16, Genesis 46:8-27, &c.); and here, at his first mention of Moses and Aaron, he is careful to define their position among the descendants of Jacob: they belonged to the tribe of Levi, which claimed descent from Jacob’s third son, Levi, and the particulars about the descendants of the two elder sons, Reuben and Simeon (vv. 14b–15), are introduced merely for the purpose of leading up to Levi, about which tribe more circumstantial particulars are given (vv. 16–25). The particulars in vv. 14, 15, 16a are identical with those given in the list of Jacob’s descendants who came down into Egypt, Genesis 46:9-11.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 6:23
23-25. Elisheba, (Elisabeth,) which means, God is her oath, that is, She owns and worships God.
Sermons on Exodus 6:23
| Sermon | Description |
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Fire of God
by Leonard Ravenhill
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In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a gathering where the bishop, who has been acting strangely, stands up and weeps while struggling to deliver a text. It is revealed |
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A Warning to Professors
by Jonathan Edwards
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In this sermon by Jonathan Edwards, he addresses those who attend religious ordinances but continue to engage in known sins. He warns them about the mockery they are guilty of by p |
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A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation
by E.A. Johnston
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In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit |
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God's Work in the Darkness
by Leonard Ravenhill
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed |
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The Solemn Side of Worship
by J. Glyn Owen
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Aaron and his two sons who were struck down by God's judgment. The speaker emphasizes that God's judgment was not disproportionat |
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An Introduction to the Day of Atonement
by Ron Bailey
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In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T |
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(Daniel) the Writing on the Wall
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel in the Bible. The sermon begins by describing how Belshazzar and his companions were en |