Zichri, Levite of the Exodus
Who was Zichri in the Bible?
A Levite during the era of the Egyptian sojourn and Exodus, Zichri was the son of Izhar and a brother of the well-known Korah.
This is one of 12 people named Zichri in the Bible. See all 12 →
Zichri was a member of the tribe of Levi who lived during the pivotal era of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt and the subsequent Exodus. As a grandson of Kohath, he belonged to one of the most significant lineages within the Levitical structure, tasked with the most sacred duties regarding the transport and care of the Tabernacle's holiest objects.
His primary mention in the biblical text occurs within the genealogies of Exodus, which serve to establish the credentials of Moses and Aaron and to delineate the various families of the Levites. Although his personal actions are not detailed in the narrative, his placement within the family of Izhar connects him to some of the most dramatic events of the wilderness wanderings.
Background and Family
Zichri was the son of Izhar, who was the son of Kohath and the grandson of Levi. This lineage placed Zichri in the Kohathite branch of the Levites, the group specifically designated for the handling of the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and other sacred furniture of the Tabernacle. According to Exodus 6:21, Zichri had two brothers: Korah and Nepheg. He is also identified as a sibling of Shelomith through the line of Izhar.
His family background is defined by the transition from Egyptian bondage to the freedom of the wilderness. As part of the generation that witnessed the plagues of Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, Zichri would have been part of the large nomadic community moving toward the Promised Land.
Major Life Events
Zichri appears exclusively in the genealogical records of Exodus 6. This passage is strategically placed by the author to provide the ancestral credentials for the leaders of the Exodus. While the text does not record specific words or deeds attributed to Zichri, his existence is part of the foundational census that organized the Hebrew people into their respective tribal and familial units.
The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri. (Exodus 6:21, BSB)
Because he is listed alongside Korah, Zichri's life is inextricably linked to the household that would later become infamous for the rebellion against Moses and Aaron. However, the text does not explicitly implicate Zichri in the rebellion recorded in Numbers 16; his mention is limited to the initial record of the Levite heads of houses.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Zichri’s most notable relationship is his brotherhood with Korah. In the Levitical hierarchy, being a son of Izhar meant being a first cousin to Moses and Aaron (the sons of Amram, Izhar’s brother). This familial proximity to the top leadership of Israel highlights the status of Zichri’s immediate family. While his brother Korah sought a greater share of the priesthood, Zichri remains a silent figure in the background of the clan’s history.
Spiritual Significance
The presence of Zichri in the biblical text, despite the brevity of the mention, underscores the importance of genealogy in the Old Testament. For the ancient Israelites, being named in the record of the Exodus served as a permanent witness to one's inclusion in the covenant community. Zichri represents the many individuals who played their part in the preservation of the Levitical line and the transition of the Israelite nation from a group of enslaved families into a structured, liturgical community serving the Tabernacle.
Zichri’s inclusion in the genealogy of Exodus 6 serves to document the expansion of the tribe of Levi and the specific branch of the Kohathites. His presence helps establish the historical reality of the families that survived the Egyptian sojourn, providing a bridge between the patriarchal era and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood in the wilderness.
From a theological perspective, Zichri represents the 'hidden' members of the covenant people—those who are recorded by name in the divine record but whose specific lives are overshadowed by more prominent siblings or leaders. His name, which likely means 'memorable' or 'my remembrance,' ironically contrasts with the silence of the biblical record regarding his individual exploits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Zichri's father?
Zichri was the son of Izhar, who was a son of Kohath from the tribe of Levi.
Was Zichri involved in Korah's rebellion?
The Bible does not state that Zichri was involved in the rebellion. While he was Korah's brother, only Korah is named as the leader of the uprising in Numbers 16.
What tribe did Zichri belong to?
Zichri belonged to the tribe of Levi, specifically the Kohathite clan.
Where is Zichri mentioned in the Bible?
This specific Zichri is mentioned only once, in Exodus 6:21.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Izhar, Levite of the ExodusFatherExodus 6:21Stated
Zichri, Levite of the ExodusThis page
Korah, Levite of the ExodusBrotherExodus 6:21Stated
Nepheg, Son of IzharBrotherExodus 6:21Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Father · Exodus 6:21
A prominent Levite of the Kohathite clan and the father of Korah, known for his genealogical position during the Egyptian sojourn and the wilderness wanderings.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: Exodus 6:1814 versesLevite PatriarchLevi
Brother · Exodus 6:21
A Levite who led a major insurrection against the leadership of Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, resulting in his divine execution and serving as a lasting warning against rebellion.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: Exodus 6:2138 versesLevite / Tabernacle ServantLevi
Brother · Exodus 6:21
Nepheg was a Levite of the Kohathite clan and a son of Izhar who lived during the era of the Egyptian bondage and the Exodus.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Exodus1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
Exodus · 1
- Exodus 6:21
The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.
Others Named Zichri
Compare all 12 bearers →Zichri, Son of Shashak1 Chronicles 8:23
A head of a household within the tribe of Benjamin and a son of Shashak, recorded in the genealogies of the Divided Monarchy period.
Zichri, Son of Jeroham1 Chronicles 8:27
A Benjaminite head of a household and son of Jeroham who lived in Jerusalem during the Divided Monarchy.
Zichri, Levite of the Return1 Chronicles 9:15
A Levite of the line of Asaph whose descendants served as musicians and worship leaders in the post-exilic Jerusalem temple.
Zichri, Priest of the Post-Exilic ReturnNehemiah 12:17
Zichri was a priest and head of the ancestral house of Abijah who served in Jerusalem during the generation of the high priest Joiakim following the return from Babylon.
Zichri, Son of Shimei1 Chronicles 8:19
A Benjamite leader during the Divided Monarchy period, known as one of the nine sons of Shimei listed in the genealogical records of Jerusalem.
Zichri, Father of Amasiah2 Chronicles 17:16
Zichri was a man of the Divided Monarchy whose son, Amasiah, was a prominent military commander and a willing volunteer for the Lord under King Jehoshaphat of Judah.
Zichri, Mighty Man of Ephraim2 Chronicles 28:7
Zichri was a powerful warrior from the tribe of Ephraim who killed three high-ranking members of King Ahaz's court during the Syro-Ephraimite War.
Zichri, Father of Elishaphat2 Chronicles 23:1
A man of the Divided Monarchy period whose son, Elishaphat, served as a military commander and key ally to Jehoiada the priest during the restoration of the Davidic line.
Zichri, Levite of the United Monarchy1 Chronicles 26:25
A Levite of the Kohathite line through Eliezer who served as a link in the genealogical record of the temple treasurers during the United Monarchy.
Zichri, Parent of JoelNehemiah 11:9
A man of the post-exilic community whose son, Joel, served as a prominent administrative officer over the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Zichri, Father of Eliezer1 Chronicles 27:16
Zichri was a Reubenite whose son, Eliezer, served as the tribal chief of the Reubenites during the administrative organization of Israel under King David.