Lexical Summary Yokebed: Jochebed Original Word: יוֹכֶבֶד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jochebed From Yhovah contracted and kabad; Jehovah-gloried; Jokebed, the mother of Moses -- Jochebed. see HEBREW Yhovah see HEBREW kabad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Yhvh and kabad Definition "the LORD is glory," mother of Moses NASB Translation Jochebed (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs יוֺכֶ֫בֶד proper name, feminine ᵐ5 Ἰωχαβεδ (׳י is glory; compare Phoenician כבדמלקרת) daughter of Levi, wife of Amram and mother of Moses Exodus 6:20; Numbers 26:59 (both P). יוּכַל see יְהוּכַל. p. 220. יוֺנָדָב see יְהוֺנָדָב. p. 220. יוֺנָתָן see יְהוֺנָתָן. p. 220. Topical Lexicon Genealogical Context Yochebed is introduced within the Levitical genealogies. Exodus 6:20 records, “Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses”. Numbers 26:59 adds that she was “a daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt,” and names her three children: Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Thus she stands at a strategic hinge in Israel’s history, linking the patriarchal house of Levi to the generation that will lead the exodus. Historical Setting in Egypt Yochebed’s life unfolded during the darkest phase of Israel’s sojourn in Egypt, when Pharaoh ordered the male infants of the Hebrews to be drowned (Exodus 1:22). Her family therefore lived under constant threat of annihilation, a setting that magnifies the courage she displayed in saving her newborn son. A Mother’s Courage under Pharaoh’s Edict Exodus 2 details the unnamed woman who hid her child three months, crafted a papyrus ark, and set it among the reeds of the Nile. Though her name is supplied only later, Scripture’s narrative logic makes clear that the mother in chapter 2 is Yochebed. Her actions exemplify faith-driven ingenuity: • Preservation – She defied the royal decree not out of mere maternal instinct but in conscious faith (Hebrews 11:23). Formative Influence on Israel’s Key Leaders All three of Yochebed’s children exercised pivotal ministries: Their unified leadership suggests a home environment steeped in reverence for the covenant promises, transmitted primarily through a mother whose faith shaped an entire nation’s destiny. Theological and Redemptive Significance 1. Model of Faith – Yochebed embodies the truth that God often works through obscurity and adversity to raise deliverers. Her trust in God over Pharaoh’s tyranny anticipates later themes of civil disobedience for righteousness’ sake (Acts 5:29). Later Recognition and Legacy Though mentioned by name only twice, Yochebed’s influence echoes throughout biblical history. The Mosaic legislation, Aaronic priesthood, and prophetic worship introduced by her children shaped Israel’s national and spiritual identity. Her reputation endures wherever Hebrews 11 is read, placing her among the “great cloud of witnesses” who encourage believers to persevere (Hebrews 12:1). Applications for Faith and Family • Spiritual Formation Begins at Home – A household committed to covenant truth can produce leaders of lasting significance. Yochebed’s brief biblical footprint thus anchors an expansive legacy: through her faith the deliverer of Israel was born, nurtured, and prepared to lead God’s people out of bondage. Forms and Transliterations יוֹכֶ֙בֶד֙ יוֹכֶ֤בֶד יוכבד yō·w·ḵe·ḇeḏ yoCheved yōwḵeḇeḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 6:20 HEB: עַמְרָ֜ם אֶת־ יוֹכֶ֤בֶד דֹּֽדָתוֹ֙ ל֣וֹ NAS: his father's sister Jochebed, and she bore KJV: took him Jochebed his father's sister INT: took Amram Jochebed his father's to wife Numbers 26:59 2 Occurrences |
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