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 "Sons of Simeon in Jacob's Genealogy") 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.

### CONTEXT
This specific verse is embedded within [Genesis chapter 46](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/46 "Jacob's Journey to Egypt with His Household"), a pivotal chapter that meticulously records the sixty-six direct descendants of Jacob (excluding his wives and Joseph's family already in Egypt) who accompanied him on the providential journey to Egypt. This divinely orchestrated move was essential to preserve Jacob's family from a severe famine and to reunite him with his long-lost son, [Joseph](/genesis/45-28 "Jacob's Reunion with Joseph"). The comprehensive listing of names in this chapter underscores God's faithfulness in preserving the covenant lineage, ensuring the eventual formation of the nation of Israel as promised.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Simeon's Sons Listed") presents the lineage of Simeon, one of the patriarch Jacob's sons, by naming his six offspring: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul. The most distinctive feature of this verse is the specific notation regarding the last son, "Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman." This detail is unique within this chapter's genealogical record, as the mothers of the other sons are not explicitly identified by their ethnic origin.

The name **Shaul** (שָׁאוּל, _Sha'ul_) means "asked" or "desired." The phrase "**Canaanitish woman**" (כְּנַעֲנִית, _Kena'anit_) simply denotes her ethnic origin from the land of Canaan. This explicit mention is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the Bible's commitment to factual reporting, even when details might seem unconventional or complex in retrospect. While later Mosaic Law would strictly prohibit intermarriage with Canaanites (as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Prohibition of Intermarriage with Canaanites")), this early instance predates the Mosaic covenant and illustrates the diverse realities and individual choices within the patriarchal period. The inclusion of such a detail points to a particular historical or social significance that the biblical author deemed important enough to record, perhaps reflecting the varied origins within the nascent Israelite community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Genealogical Precision and Divine Faithfulness:** 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.
* **Divine Preservation Amidst Human Complexity:** 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, as later seen in [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Israel's Growth in Egypt").
* **Foreshadowing of Broader Inclusion:** The presence of a Canaanitish woman in the patriarchal lineage, though an isolated instance, subtly foreshadows God's broader redemptive plan. This plan would eventually extend beyond ethnic Israel to encompass all nations, fulfilling the promise made to [Abraham in Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham to Bless All Nations").

### 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. 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 or perceived imperfections, plays a part in His grand redemptive narrative.

### 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. The mention of Shaul's Canaanitish mother is unique in this chapter, suggesting it was noteworthy. It might highlight the diverse origins within the early Israelite families before the formal establishment of the Mosaic Law, or it could simply be a factual detail preserved for the historical record, indicating a particular family dynamic within Simeon's household. It also subtly hints at the complexities of the patriarchal period before strict laws on intermarriage were given.

### 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. The inclusion of a Canaanitish woman, though an anomaly in the patriarchal line, foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant in Christ. Jesus's own genealogy, as recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), notably includes Gentile women like Rahab and Ruth, 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, uniting people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into one family of God, thereby fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that all nations would be blessed through his seed.

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.