Genesis 46:10

KJV

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

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 {H3669} woman.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10) meticulously lists the six sons of Simeon, one of Jacob's twelve sons, as part of the detailed census of Jacob's household journeying to Egypt. This verse uniquely highlights the heritage of Shaul, noting his mother was a Canaanitish woman, a detail that underscores the Bible's precise genealogical record-keeping and hints at the complex, yet divinely guided, formation of Israel, even amidst diverse familial origins.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Genesis chapter 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Journey to Egypt"), a pivotal chapter that serves as a detailed genealogical record of Jacob's family as they descend into Egypt. Following the emotional reunion of Jacob and Joseph in [Genesis 45](/genesis/45 "Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers"), chapter 46 provides a precise census of the "souls" (excluding Jacob's daughters-in-law and Joseph's family already in Egypt) who made the journey. This meticulous listing, which includes the sons of each of Jacob's children, emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to make Jacob's descendants a great nation, even as they enter a foreign land. The specific mention of Shaul's mother in [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Simeon's Sons") stands out within this otherwise straightforward enumeration, drawing particular attention to Simeon's lineage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey to Egypt, prompted by a severe famine (as detailed in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams")), represents a critical juncture in the patriarchal history. It was a divinely orchestrated move to preserve Jacob's family and allow them to multiply into a nation, as God had promised Abraham in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham - Sojourning in a Foreign Land"). During this early patriarchal period, intermarriage with non-Israelites, while not explicitly forbidden by a formal covenant law (which would come later with the Mosaic Law, e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Prohibition of Intermarriage")), was nonetheless a complex issue. The Canaanites were the indigenous inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham's descendants. The mention of a Canaanitish woman in Simeon's line provides a glimpse into the social realities and diverse interactions of Jacob's family before their distinct national identity was fully formed.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Preservation**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in protecting the covenant line despite famine and the family's relocation. Secondly, the detailed genealogy highlights the theme of **Fulfillment of Promises**, specifically the promise of numerous descendants, laying the groundwork for the nation of Israel. Thirdly, the unique detail in [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Simeon's Sons") subtly introduces the theme of **Inclusion and Exclusion**, hinting at the complex ethnic and social dynamics that would shape Israel's identity and its relationship with surrounding peoples, a theme that finds its ultimate resolution in the broader scope of God's redemptive plan for all nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term (H1121) refers to a son, but in a much broader sense, encompassing descendants, members of a group, or even qualities. Here, it denotes direct offspring, emphasizing the continuation of the family line, which is crucial for the genealogical record.
* **Canaanitish (Hebrew, _Kᵉnaʻanîy'_):** A patrial term (H3669) indicating an inhabitant of Canaan. By implication, it can also refer to a merchant, as Canaanites were known for trade. In this context, it specifically identifies the ethnic origin of Shaul's mother, distinguishing her from the other mothers in the genealogy.
* **Shaul (Hebrew, _Shâʼûwl'_):** A passive participle (H7586) meaning "asked" or "desired." This name, given to Simeon's son, carries a potential significance related to his birth or the circumstances surrounding it, though the text does not elaborate on the reason for this particular name.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Simeon;"**: This introductory clause clearly identifies the subject of the verse, focusing on the lineage descending from Simeon, one of Jacob's twelve sons. It sets the stage for the enumeration of his direct male offspring, continuing the genealogical pattern established earlier in the chapter.
* **"Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar,"**: This segment lists five of Simeon's six sons. These names are presented without additional descriptive details, following the typical concise format of biblical genealogies. Their inclusion here confirms their status as direct descendants of Jacob through Simeon, contributing to the total count of those who went down to Egypt.
* **"and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman."**: This final phrase is the most distinctive part of the verse. It names the sixth son, Shaul, and uniquely specifies his mother's ethnic background as "Canaanitish." This detail is not provided for the mothers of the other sons listed in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt"), making it a significant and intentional inclusion by the biblical author, drawing attention to Shaul's unique heritage within the family of Simeon.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Simeon's Sons") is **Genealogy**, which serves to meticulously record the lineage and establish the continuity of the covenant family. Within this genealogical framework, there is a clear use of **Emphasis through Detail**, specifically regarding Shaul's mother. By singling out her Canaanitish origin, the text highlights this particular fact as noteworthy, inviting the reader to consider its significance without explicitly stating it. This unique detail creates a subtle **Contrast** with the unmentioned backgrounds of the other sons' mothers, drawing attention to the diverse origins within the nascent Israelite community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of genealogies, including seemingly minor details like Shaul's mother, demonstrates God's precise oversight in preserving the promised seed. Each name, regardless of its background, contributes to the grand narrative of salvation history and the tracing of the Messiah's lineage. This verse illustrates God's sovereign plan operating through imperfect human situations and choices. Despite the complexities of intermarriage that would later be prohibited, God continued to preserve and multiply Jacob's family, ensuring they would grow into a mighty nation. The presence of a Canaanitish woman in the patriarchal lineage, though an isolated instance, subtly foreshadows God's broader redemptive plan, which would eventually extend beyond ethnic Israel to encompass all nations.

* [Numbers 26:12-14](/numbers/26-12-14 "Census of Simeon's Descendants"): This passage in Numbers reiterates the names of Simeon's clans, including Shaul, confirming the continuity of this lineage within the tribal structure of Israel.
* [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Israel's Growth in Egypt"): This verse speaks to the rapid multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt, fulfilling God's promise of numerous descendants, a process initiated by the family's descent into Egypt as recorded in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt").
* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham to Bless All Nations"): The ultimate promise to Abraham, that "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" through him, hints at a future inclusivity that transcends ethnic boundaries, subtly prefigured by instances like Shaul's heritage.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Simeon's Sons in Jacob's Genealogy") reminds us that God's intricate plan unfolds through the diverse and sometimes unexpected tapestry of human lives. The inclusion of Shaul's Canaanitish mother demonstrates that God's work of preserving His people and fulfilling His promises often operates through imperfect human situations and varied backgrounds. It underscores the Bible's commitment to presenting a full, unvarnished picture of the ancestors of Israel, acknowledging the complexities and realities of their lives. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God uses all kinds of people and circumstances to accomplish His sovereign will, and that every individual, regardless of their background, perceived imperfections, or social standing, plays a part in His grand redemptive narrative. It encourages us to embrace the diverse tapestry of God's people and to trust in His sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem unconventional.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like the one in [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Simeon's Sons"), strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **What does the inclusion of "Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman" teach us about God's redemptive work operating through diverse and sometimes unexpected human circumstances?**
* **In what ways might this verse challenge our own preconceptions about who God uses and how He works, particularly regarding ethnic or social backgrounds?**

### FAQ
**Why is Shaul's mother's ethnic background specifically mentioned when others are not?**

Answer: The Bible often includes specific details that hold historical, social, or theological significance for its original audience, even if the explicit reason isn't stated. The mention of Shaul's Canaanitish mother is unique in this chapter's extensive genealogy, suggesting it was noteworthy. It might highlight the diverse origins within the early Israelite families before the formal establishment of the Mosaic Law, which would later strictly prohibit intermarriage with Canaanites (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Prohibition of Intermarriage with Canaanites")). This detail could also serve as a factual historical record, indicating a particular family dynamic within Simeon's household, or it might subtly foreshadow the broader inclusivity of God's plan that would eventually extend beyond ethnic Israel, as seen in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of genealogies, as seen in [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Simeon's Sons in Jacob's Genealogy"), ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preparing the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Every name recorded, including that of Shaul, contributes to the unbroken chain leading to Christ. The inclusion of a Canaanitish woman, though an anomaly in the patriarchal line given later Mosaic prohibitions, serves as a subtle, yet profound, foreshadowing of the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant in Christ. Jesus's own genealogy, as recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), notably includes Gentile women like Rahab (a Canaanite, [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy")) and Ruth (a Moabite, [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")), demonstrating that God's redemptive plan was always intended to transcend ethnic and national boundaries. Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, breaks down all dividing walls of hostility, uniting people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into one family of God ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall"); [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Multitude from Every Nation")). Through His atoning work, the Abrahamic promise that all nations would be blessed through his seed is fully realized, welcoming all who believe into the spiritual lineage of faith ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Gospel Preached to Abraham")).

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

Exodus 6:15

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.

Genesis 29:33

And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I [was] hated, he hath therefore given me this [son] also: and she called his name Simeon.

Numbers 1:6

Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Numbers 2:12

And those which pitch by him [shall be] the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon [shall be] Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Numbers 2:13

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

Genesis 28:1

¶ And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.

Genesis 49:5

¶ Simeon and Levi [are] brethren; instruments of cruelty [are in] their habitations.