In the Bible Amram (עַמְרָם "Friend of the most high (God"), or "People are Exalted" Standard Hebrew ʿAmram, Tiberian Hebrew ʿAmrām) is mentioned as being a Levite, a son of Kohath, the husband and nephew of Jochebed (Exodus 6:20 and Numbers 26:59) and father of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. He is mentioned in the Book of Exodus. Genesis 46:11 mentions Kohath but not Amram, implying that Amram is born during the Israelite exile in Egypt.

According to the Talmud, Amram promulgated the laws of marriage and divorce amongst the Jews in Egypt.

The Testament of Amram (2nd century BC) is the name assigned to one of the Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q535, Manuscript B). It is related to the Watchers:

Amram: "I saw Watchers in my vision, the dream-vision. Two men were fighting over me ... holding a great contest over me. I asked them, 'Who are you, that you are thus empowered over me?' They answered, 'We have been empowered and rule over all mankind.' They said to me, 'Which of us do you choose to rule you?' I raised my eyes and looked. One of them was terrifying in his appearance, like a serpent, his cloak, many-colored yet very dark. ... And I looked again, and in his appearance, his visage like a viper. ... I replied to him, 'This Watcher, who is he?' He answered, 'This Watcher ... his three names are Belial and Prince of Darkness and King of Evil.' I said (to the other Watcher), 'My lord, what dominion (have you?)' He answered, 'You saw (the viper), and he is empowered over all Darkness, while I (am empowered over all Light.) ... My three names are Michael, Prince of Light and King of Righteousness.'" (translation Prof. Robert Eisenman)

Family tree

See also

• Imran (father of Moses) The Muslim view of Amram

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