The sons of Izhar: Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text specifically names Korah, but then notes that his two brothers, Nepheg and Zichri, are not mentioned again in Scripture. This subtle detail highlights that Korah's story, though infamous, overshadows his family members who played no recorded role in biblical history.
The sons of Izhar: Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy, tracing the lineage of Moses and Aaron back through the tribe of Levi. It's presented just before God reaffirms His covenant promises to Israel and commissions Moses to confront Pharaoh. Mentioning Korah here is significant, as this same individual will later lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, making his inclusion among their ancestors a stark foreshadowing of future conflict.
This verse is incredibly short, just a list of names. Why is Korah mentioned here, and what does his presence foreshadow?
This brief genealogy isn't just a dry list of names; it's a narrative thread woven through Scripture. While Nepheg and Zichri fade into obscurity, Korah's name echoes loudly because of his future rebellion.
A Future Rebel
Impartiality in the Record
Ask a follow-up
Genealogies can seem tedious. What's the real 'why' behind listing these names in Exodus?
These family records, like the one in Exodus 6, serve a crucial purpose beyond simply cataloging names. They root the grand redemptive story in real human history and lineage.
Establishing Divine Authority
A Foundation for Faith
Understand the original words
ben · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to male descendants or children, often used in genealogical lists to establish lineage, inheritance rights, and tribal identity. It frequently denotes the next generation of a particular patriarch or family line.
Qorach · Hebrew Noun
A common Hebrew name meaning "bald" or "ice," used here as a proper noun identifying a descendant of Levi in the priestly lineage.
This seemingly simple genealogical entry gains profound significance when we remember that Korah, a descendant of Izhar, later leads a disastrous rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The inclusion of his name here, even as a 'son' of Izhar, highlights the impartiality of Scripture and foreshadows the conflict that would shake the Israelite community.
c. 1446 BC
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
The descendants of Abraham are freed from over 400 years of slavery in Egypt under Moses and Aaron.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites journey through the Sinai Peninsula after their exodus, receiving laws and provisions from God.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Korah's Rebellion
Korah, a Levite and descendant of Izhar, leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron's authority, resulting in divine judgment.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following Korah's rebellion and the subsequent death of Moses, Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land.
This passage directly names Korah, the most prominent son of Izhar mentioned here, as the leader of a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron. It immediately connects his lineage to a pivotal, cautionary event in Israel's history.
1 Chronicles 6:38This passage reiterates the lineage, placing Korah and his father Izhar within the genealogy of the Levites. It further emphasizes Korah's familial connection to the Levitical service and leadership.
Exodus 6:16-20This passage details the genealogy of Levi, including Kohath and his sons Amram (father of Moses and Aaron) and Izhar. It places Korah's family within the immediate ancestral line of Israel's great leaders, highlighting the close relationships involved in the Exodus.
Psalm 44:9This psalm reflects on Israel's history, mentioning times when their ancestors were put to shame and their land was not taken. While not naming Korah directly, it speaks to the broader theme of divine deliverance and historical memory, where figures like Korah represent significant national challenges that God ultimately overcame.
gillExodus 6:21: "And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri."
And the sons of Izhar, Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. These seem to be mentioned for the sake of Korah, concerning whom is a remarkable history in the following book; for the other two are nowhere else spoken of.
clarkeExodus 6:21: "And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri."
Korah - Though he became a rebel against God and Moses, (see Numbers 16:1 , etc)., yet Moses, in his great impartiality, inserts his name among those of his other progenitors.
The text specifically names Korah, but then notes that his two brothers, Nepheg and Zichri, are not mentioned again in Scripture. This subtle detail highlights that Korah's story, though infamous, overshadows his family members who played no recorded role in biblical history.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy, tracing the lineage of Moses and Aaron back through the tribe of Levi. It's presented just before God reaffirms His covenant promises to Israel and commissions Moses to confront Pharaoh. Mentioning Korah here is significant, as this same individual will later lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, making his inclusion among their ancestors a stark foreshadowing of future conflict.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy, tracing the lineage of Moses and Aaron back through the tribe of Levi. It's presented just before God reaffirms His covenant promises to Israel and commissions Moses to confront Pharaoh. Mentioning Korah here is significant, as this same individual will later lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, making his inclusion among their ancestors a stark foreshadowing of future conflict.
"The sons of Izhar: Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri." — The text specifically names Korah, but then notes that his two brothers, Nepheg and Zichri, are not mentioned again in Scripture. This subtle detail highlights that Korah's story, though infamous, ov…
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Last reviewed October 2026