Exodus 6:15

KJV

And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these [are] the families of Simeon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Simeon {H8095}; Jemuel {H3223}, and Jamin {H3226}, and Ohad {H161}, and Jachin {H3199}, and Zohar {H6714}, and Shaul {H7586} the son {H1121} of a Canaanitish woman {H3669}: these are the families {H4940} of Simeon {H8095}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shim'on were Y'mu'el, Yamin, Ohad, Yakhin, Tzochar and Sha'ul the son of a Kena'ani woman. These were the families of Shim'on.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman; these are the families of Simeon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:15 concisely lists the six sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and notably Shaul, whose mother was a Canaanitish woman. This verse is an integral part of a broader genealogical record in Exodus 6, which serves to establish the foundational families of Israel and provides essential context for understanding the lineage of Moses and Aaron, key figures in the nation's liberation from Egypt.

### CONTEXT
This verse is embedded within a significant genealogical passage ([Exodus 6:14-25](/exodus/6-14 "Genealogy of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi")) that traces the tribal lines of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, immediately following God's renewed promise to Moses to [deliver Israel](/exodus/6-6 "God's Promise to Deliver Israel"). This lineage provides crucial background for understanding the family origins of Moses and Aaron, who are introduced as sons of Levi, and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the Israelite nation, linking the present generation to the patriarchs, particularly [Jacob's original seventy descendants who went down to Egypt](/genesis/46-8 "Jacob's Descendants Who Went to Egypt"). These lists establish the identity and structure of the emerging nation, affirming their place within God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 6:15 meticulously lists the six sons of Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah ([Genesis 29:33](/genesis/29-33 "Birth of Simeon")). The names provided are Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul.

The most striking detail in this verse is the parenthetical note regarding Shaul: "Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman." This specific mention is highly significant for several reasons:

* It provides an honest historical record, acknowledging that even within the foundational families of Israel, intermarriage with non-Israelites occurred prior to the explicit prohibitions of the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Prohibition Against Intermarriage")). This detail highlights the complex realities of the emerging nation's composition.
* It underscores God's sovereign plan, demonstrating that His purposes are not derailed by human choices or circumstances that might later be deemed outside His ideal will. God works through imperfect lineages to bring about His perfect plan.
* This detail might also serve to explain the later diminished status or unique characteristics of Shaul's family line within the tribe of Simeon, though the text does not explicitly state this. The meticulous nature of ancient Israelite record-keeping ensured that such significant details were preserved.

The phrase "these are the families of Simeon" concludes the verse, affirming the established tribal identity and structure, which was vital for the organization and future inheritance of the Israelite nation as they prepared for the Exodus and their journey to the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness Through Lineage:** Biblical genealogies are not mere lists; they affirm God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises across generations, demonstrating His faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by preserving their descendants and forming them into a nation.
* **The Significance of Tribal Identity:** These lists establish the distinct tribal affiliations crucial for the organization, inheritance, and future roles of the Israelite nation, underscoring their collective identity as God's chosen people.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Human Imperfection:** The mention of Shaul's Canaanitish mother reveals God's ability to work through and incorporate human realities, even those that deviate from later divine standards, without compromising His ultimate plan. It underscores that God's grace extends even to mixed heritage within His chosen people.
* **Historical Integrity of Scripture:** The Bible's willingness to record such details, even those that might seem problematic or unexpected, speaks to its commitment to historical accuracy and honesty in presenting the full scope of Israel's origins.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:15, though a genealogical listing, offers profound insights for contemporary readers. It reminds us of God's meticulous care for every individual and family within His grand narrative, demonstrating that every life has a place in His sovereign plan. The honest recording of Shaul's heritage teaches us that God works with imperfect people and acknowledges the complexities of human choices, yet His divine purpose remains unshaken. These foundational lists are not dry data but crucial building blocks, setting the stage for understanding the later development, tribal roles, and the unfolding of God's covenant promises as the nation of Israel matures, such as [Simeon's inheritance within Judah's territory](/joshua/19-1 "Simeon's Inheritance").

### FAQ
**Why is Shaul's mother specifically identified as a Canaanitish woman?**

Answer: This detail serves as an honest historical record, acknowledging that intermarriage with non-Israelites occurred among the patriarchs' descendants before the Mosaic Law strictly prohibited such unions (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Prohibition of Intermarriage")). It highlights the reality of the emerging nation's composition and God's sovereignty in working through diverse circumstances.

**Does the mention of a Canaanitish mother imply God approved of intermarriage at this time?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While explicit prohibitions against intermarriage with Canaanites came later with the Mosaic Law, the Bible often records events as they happened without necessarily endorsing them. This detail primarily serves as a factual historical note within the genealogy, demonstrating God's ability to fulfill His covenant promises even amidst human choices that might not align with His ideal will.

**What is the broader significance of genealogies in the Bible, like the one in Exodus 6?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are vital for establishing identity, confirming inheritance, and demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness across generations. They underscore the historical reality of God's dealings with specific people and tribes, providing a framework for understanding the unfolding of His redemptive plan and the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of genealogies, including the lineage of Simeon with its unique detail of Shaul's Canaanitish mother, points to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line through which His redemptive plan would unfold. Ultimately, all the promises made to the patriarchs and the formation of Israel as a nation find their culmination in Jesus Christ. He is the true "seed" of Abraham, the descendant of David, and the one through whom God's covenant blessings extend not just to one nation but to all peoples, transcending tribal distinctions and even mixed heritages, bringing all who believe into the family of God.

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.