What does Exodus 6:20 mean?

Amram was the oldest son of Kohath (Exodus 6:16, 18). First, he is described as husband of Jochebed "his fa-ther's sister." In other words, she was considered an aunt, though the connection may refer to a more distant family member. The emphasis of this passage remains on showing both the father and mother of Moses and Aaron are Le-vites.

This verse also clearly names the parents of Moses and Aaron. They were left unnamed in Moses' birth account (Exodus 2:1). Given her role in Exodus 2 and the age difference between Aaron and Moses (Exodus 7:7), it seems Miriam was the eldest, followed by Aaron, and then Moses (Exodus 15:20). Amram's lifespan is noted as 137 years, the same as Levi (Exodus 6:16). This means Amram was possibly still alive when Moses, at age eighty (Exodus 7:7), returned to Egypt. He may have died in the wilderness before entering Canaan (Numbers 14:29), or in Egypt before the nation was freed. The Bible does not clearly comment on either view. One Jewish tradition holds that Amram lived long enough to see his own great-great-grandchildren.