Exodus 1:1

KJV

¶ Now these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these are the names {H8034} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, which came {H935} into Egypt {H4714}; every man {H376} and his household {H1004} came {H935} with Jacob {H3290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the names of the sons of Isra'el who came into Egypt with Ya'akov; each man came with his household:

Berean Standard Bible

These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family:

American Standard Version

Now these are the names of the sons of Israel, who came into Egypt (every man and his household came with Jacob):

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:1 serves as a crucial narrative bridge, seamlessly connecting the patriarchal history of Genesis with the unfolding national saga of Israel's oppression and deliverance in the Book of Exodus. This verse re-establishes the historical continuity by reintroducing the specific descendants of Jacob, now collectively identified as 'the children of Israel,' who had migrated into Egypt as a unified family unit. It sets the foundational premise for the dramatic events that will transform a family into a nation, emphasizing God's enduring remembrance and faithfulness to His covenant people, even as they enter a period of profound challenge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 1:1 functions as a direct continuation of the narrative concluded in Genesis. The Book of Genesis ends with the death of Joseph and the promise of God to bring Israel out of Egypt ([Genesis 50:24-26](/genesis/50-24-26 "Joseph's Death and Prophecy")). Exodus begins by immediately picking up the thread, explicitly stating "Now these are the names..." which links back to the detailed accounts of Jacob's family entering Egypt in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Enters Egypt"). This opening verse thus serves as a narrative anchor, ensuring the reader understands that the people about to be described are not a new group, but the very descendants of the patriarchs to whom God made His foundational promises. It sets the stage for the dramatic shift from a family narrative to a national epic, emphasizing continuity in God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jacob's initial migration, Egypt was a powerful and advanced civilization, often a refuge during famines in the ancient Near East. The Hyksos period (c. 1650-1550 BC), when a Semitic people ruled parts of Egypt, is often considered a plausible historical backdrop for the initial welcome and subsequent oppression of the Israelites. The phrase "every man and his household" reflects the patriarchal and familial structure of ancient Israelite society, where identity and belonging were intrinsically tied to one's lineage and household. The listing of names was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern texts, signifying importance, lineage, and often, a census or record of a people group. The subsequent shift in Egyptian leadership, mentioned in [Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "A New King in Egypt"), would dramatically alter the cultural and political landscape for the Israelites, transforming them from welcomed guests to enslaved laborers.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces and reinforces several pivotal themes that will permeate the Book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of God's Covenant**, demonstrating that God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are actively being remembered and pursued through their descendants, even in a foreign land. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Identity of God's Chosen People**, identifying them specifically as "the children of Israel," a collective name signifying their unique relationship with God through Jacob/Israel. Thirdly, the mention of "names" (Hebrew: *shemot*) subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Remembrance and Recognition**, suggesting that God knows His people intimately and will act on their behalf. Finally, the verse subtly foreshadows the theme of **Transformation from Family to Nation**, as this small group will miraculously multiply and become a great nation, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 1:1, though brief, is packed with significant theological and narrative implications, serving as a vital bridge between the foundational history of Genesis and the redemptive drama of Exodus.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **names (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this word refers to an appellation, a mark or memorial of individuality, implying honor, authority, and character. In this context, "names" signifies more than mere labels; it underscores the distinct identity, importance, and divine remembrance of each individual and, by extension, the collective family of Israel. The Hebrew title of the book, *Shemot* (Names), directly derives from this word, highlighting the theme of identity and God's intimate knowledge of His people.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, "children" (literally "sons") refers to descendants in the widest sense, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including grandsons, subjects, and a nation. Here, "the children of Israel" signifies the direct lineage of Jacob, emphasizing their familial unity and their collective identity as the nascent nation, distinct from the surrounding peoples. This term reinforces their status as the inheritors of the patriarchal promises.
* **household (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word primarily means "house," but extends to encompass family, a dwelling, or a lineage. The phrase "every man and his household" highlights that the migration into Egypt was not a collection of individuals but a complete family unit, preserving their tribal structures and familial bonds. This collective entry is crucial, as it is this unified "household" that will later emerge as a distinct nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now these are the names of the children of Israel":** This opening clause immediately establishes continuity with the preceding book, Genesis, by reintroducing the main characters. The phrase "the children of Israel" identifies the descendants of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel in [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob renamed Israel")), signaling that the narrative will focus on this specific, divinely chosen lineage. The emphasis on "names" (Hebrew: *shemot*) is significant, highlighting the individual and collective identity of God's people, suggesting divine remembrance and recognition.
* **"which came into Egypt":** This clause explicitly states the geographical context and the historical event that sets the stage for the entire Book of Exodus. It refers back to the migration led by Jacob during the famine, as detailed in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt"). This seemingly simple statement carries the weight of God's providential hand, as this move was part of His larger plan to multiply His people and eventually deliver them.
* **"every man and his household came with Jacob":** This final clause reinforces the familial nature of the migration. It emphasizes that the entire family unit, not just individuals, relocated. "Every man and his household" underscores the comprehensive nature of their entry, preserving their tribal integrity and collective identity. The mention of "Jacob" anchors the narrative firmly to the patriarchal covenant, reminding the reader of the foundational promises made to their ancestor.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:1 primarily employs **Continuity** and **Repetition** as key literary devices. The phrase "Now these are the names" directly echoes genealogical and historical summaries found throughout Genesis, creating a seamless narrative flow and signaling to the reader that this is not a new story but a continuation of God's ongoing work with the same covenant people. The **Repetition** of the historical event of "coming into Egypt" serves to re-establish the setting and the initial condition of the Israelites at the outset of the book, ensuring that the reader is grounded in the historical context from which the drama of the Exodus will unfold. This verse also uses **Synecdoche**, where "names" (the part) stands for the entire people (the whole), emphasizing their identity and God's intimate knowledge of them. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Narrative Bridge**, effectively linking the patriarchal narratives of Genesis with the national history of Exodus, ensuring theological and historical coherence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:1 is far more than a simple historical introduction; it is a theological statement affirming God's unwavering faithfulness and the continuity of His redemptive plan. By explicitly linking back to Jacob's family entering Egypt, the verse underscores that the people about to experience oppression and miraculous deliverance are the very descendants of the patriarchs, the inheritors of God's covenant promises. It highlights that God's purposes are not abandoned or forgotten, even during periods of apparent silence or hardship. The emphasis on "names" (Hebrew *shemot*) powerfully conveys God's intimate knowledge and remembrance of His people, signaling that He sees their plight and will act on their behalf, setting the stage for the dramatic intervention of the Exodus. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding Israel's identity not as a random collection of individuals, but as a divinely chosen family destined to become a nation, foundational to God's unfolding plan of salvation for all humanity.

* [Genesis 46:26-27](/genesis/46-26-27 "The Seventy Souls Who Came to Egypt")
* [Deuteronomy 26:5](/deuteronomy/26-5 "A Wandering Aramean Was My Father")
* [Acts 7:14](/acts/7-14 "Stephen's Account of Jacob's Family in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:1 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It reminds us that God's grand narrative of redemption is continuous, spanning generations and often unfolding through humble beginnings. Just as God remembered the "names" of Jacob's family, even when they were a small, vulnerable group in a foreign land, He intimately knows and cares for each of us. This verse encourages us to recognize our place within God's larger story, understanding that our lives are interwoven with His ancient promises and ongoing purposes. It challenges us to trust in God's faithfulness, especially during periods of transition, challenge, or apparent delay, knowing that He never forgets His covenant or His people. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of spiritual heritage and the legacy of faith passed down through generations, urging us to honor and build upon the foundational truths established by those who came before us, recognizing that we are part of a continuous, divinely orchestrated journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the continuity between Genesis and Exodus deepen your appreciation for God's long-term faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does God's remembrance of "names" in Exodus 1:1 speak to His intimate knowledge and care for you personally?**
* **How can we, as God's people today, better uphold and pass on our spiritual heritage to future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why does Exodus begin by listing names, seemingly repeating information from Genesis?**

Answer: Exodus 1:1 begins by listing the names of Jacob's descendants not as a mere repetition, but as a crucial act of narrative continuity and theological re-identification. It serves as a vital bridge, reminding the reader precisely *who* the subjects of this new book are—the very family God had chosen and brought into Egypt, as detailed in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Enters Egypt"). This emphasis on "names" (Hebrew *shemot*, which gives the book its Hebrew title) highlights the importance of their identity, lineage, and, crucially, God's intimate knowledge and remembrance of His covenant people, even after generations of growth and relative silence. It grounds the dramatic events of the Exodus in a specific, divinely chosen lineage, underscoring that God's plan is unfolding precisely as He purposed from the beginning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:1, by meticulously re-establishing the lineage of "the children of Israel" who entered Egypt, subtly but profoundly points towards Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The entire history of Israel, from their entry into Egypt as a family to their miraculous deliverance and formation as a nation, serves as the divinely ordained stage for the eventual arrival of the Messiah. Jesus Christ, as the true [seed of Abraham](/galatians/3-16 "Christ, the Seed of Abraham") and the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Jesus, Son of David"), is the culmination of this very lineage, born into the family whose names are recalled here. He is the ultimate "Israel," the one through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Furthermore, just as God remembered the names of His people in Egypt and acted to deliver them from bondage, Christ intimately knows and calls His own by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "The Good Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name")), gathering a new "Israel"—the Church—into His eternal household. He is the greater Moses who leads His people out of the bondage of sin and death ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Christ Greater Than Moses")), establishing them as a new, eternal nation under His gracious rule, fulfilling the very purpose for which the historical Israel was chosen.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 46:8

And these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn.

Genesis 46:26

All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls [were] threescore and six;

1 Chronicles 2:1

¶ These [are] the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

1 Chronicles 2:2

Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

Genesis 35:23

The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

Genesis 35:26

And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these [are] the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.

1 Chronicles 12:23

¶ And these [are] the numbers of the bands [that were] ready armed to the war, [and] came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.