Elisheva Bat Aminadav: The Noblewoman Who Became the Mother of the Kohanim

A Family of Leadership and Legacy

Elisheva bat Aminadav was a woman of extraordinary lineage. She came from the tribe of Yehudah, daughter of Aminadav and sister to Nachshon ben Aminadav, the tribal leader of Yehudah during the Israelites' time in the wilderness. She married Aharon, the brother of Moshe and the first Kohen Gadol (High Priest), and gave birth to four sons: Nadav, Avihu, Elazar, and Itamar.

Tragically, two of her sons—Nadav and Avihu—died without children after bringing unauthorized fire before God. As a result, all future generations of kohanim (priests) trace their lineage through her remaining sons, Elazar and Itamar.

The Ramban notes that the Torah highlights Elisheva's tribal lineage to teach us a powerful lesson: although the priesthood belongs to the tribe of Levi, its foundation also draws spiritual strength from Yehudah, the tribe of royalty. This union symbolized a merging of both spiritual and sovereign leadership.

A Name of Depth and Divine Meaning

Elisheva is a unique name in the Tanach, and its meaning carries layers of depth. Many commentators associate the element “sheva” (seven) with completeness and abundance, rendering the name as “My God is fullness” or “My God is abundance and satisfaction.” Another interpretation understands the name as a personal commitment: “Eli sheva”—“I swear to serve God.”

Shemot Rabbah asks why the Torah repeats that she was the sister of Nachshon when it already states she was the daughter of Aminadav. The Sages explain:

“One who wishes to marry a woman should examine her brothers, for most children resemble their mother’s brothers.”

By identifying Elisheva as Nachshon’s sister, the Torah teaches that her children—fathers of the priestly line—embodied Nachshon’s courage and faith. It was Nachshon who jumped into the Red Sea before it split, demonstrating fearless trust in God. That same spiritual boldness lived on in the lineage of Aharon and Elisheva.

Nobility of Spirit Over Status

The Sefer Chassidim points to Elisheva’s marriage as an ethical lesson:

“It is better to marry the generous daughter of a simple man than the miserly daughter of a Torah scholar.”

Aminadav’s name hints at his generosity (from the Hebrew nadav, “to give”), and this trait is elevated as a defining reason Aharon married Elisheva. The Shevet MiYehudah elaborates that the Torah first emphasizes she was the daughter of Aminadav, praising her family’s noble character, and only then notes her connection to her scholarly brother.

Elisheva’s story teaches that greatness is not only found in public roles or famous names, but in the character, courage, and faith that run through a family line.