King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
Complete Jewish Bible:
Re'uven, Shim'on, Levi, Y'hudah,
Berean Standard Bible:
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah;
American Standard Version:
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Reuben{H7205}, Simeon{H8095}, Levi{H3878}, and Judah{H3063},
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 35:22
- And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 1:2
1. **Themes:**
- **Family and Lineage:** The mention of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah emphasizes the importance of tribal identity and lineage within the Israelite community. These names represent the first four sons of Jacob (also known as Israel), and their mention sets the stage for the narrative of the Israelites' growth and eventual enslavement in Egypt.
- **Divine Promise:** The listing of these tribes hints at the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for numerous descendants. It also foreshadows the special role that the tribe of Levi will play in the religious life of Israel and the leadership role of the tribe of Judah.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Israelites in Egypt:** Exodus 1:2 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt. The verse occurs at the beginning of the Book of Exodus, which follows the story of the patriarchs in the Book of Genesis. By the time of Exodus, Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, had risen to a position of power in Egypt, and the Israelites had settled in the land of Goshen.
- **Transition of Power:** The verse reflects a period after Joseph and his generation have passed away. A new pharaoh who did not know Joseph comes into power, leading to a shift in the treatment of the Israelites, which will eventually result in their oppression and enslavement.
- **Population Growth:** The mention of Jacob's sons and their offspring at the beginning of Exodus serves to highlight the rapid growth of the Israelite population, which will soon become a concern for the Egyptians and prompt the harsh measures described in the subsequent verses.
In summary, Exodus 1:2 is a transitional verse that connects the promise of numerous descendants to the patriarchs with the historical reality of the Israelites in Egypt, setting the stage for the central themes of the Book of Exodus: oppression, deliverance, and the formation of Israel as a nation under God's guidance.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7205
There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רְאוּבֵן
Transliteration: Rᵉʼûwbên
Pronunciation: reh-oo-bane'
Description: from the imperative of רָאָה and בֵּן; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob; Reuben. - Strong's Number: H8095
There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׁמְעוֹן
Transliteration: Shimʻôwn
Pronunciation: shim-one'
Description: from שָׁמַע; hearing; Shimon, one of Jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him; Simeon. - Strong's Number: H3878
There are 61 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֵוִי
Transliteration: Lêvîy
Pronunciation: lay-vee'
Description: from לָוָה; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob; Levi. See also לֵוִי, לֵוִיִּי. - Strong's Number: H3063
There are 754 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהוּדָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhûwdâh
Pronunciation: yeh-hoo-daw'
Description: from יָדָה; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah.