What does Exodus 2:1 mean?

Exodus 2:1–10 provides the account of the arrival of Moses. This verse presents the context of his birth. His parents were both Levites, descendants of Levi the son of Jacob. Jacob was the son of Isaac the son of Abraham, the man God promised to bless with a people who would become a nation (Genesis 12:1–3). The birth of their children took place within the expected context of marriage (Genesis 2).

Moses' parents are named in Exodus 6:20 as Amram and Jochebed. Amram lived 137 years, and was the son of Kohath who was the son of Levi (Exodus 6:16–20). The mother of Moses, Jochebed, was noted as Amram's "father's sister" or one of his aunts, though this may also refer more generally to a relative. Moses was not their only child or oldest child, though this passage only focuses on Moses. In Exodus 2:4 the older sister of Moses, later identified as Miriam, is described as following Moses to make sure he was safe. Exodus 4:14 first introduces his brother, Aaron.