Genesis 46:12

KJV

And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Judah {H3063}; Er {H6147}, and Onan {H209}, and Shelah {H7956}, and Pharez {H6557}, and Zerah {H2226}: but Er {H6147} and Onan {H209} died {H4191} in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}. And the sons {H1121} of Pharez {H6557} were Hezron {H2696} and Hamul {H2538}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Y'hudah: 'Er, Onan, Shelah, Peretz and Zerach; but 'Er and Onan died in the land of Kena'an. The sons of Peretz were Hetzron and Hamul.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:12 meticulously enumerates the sons of Judah—Er, Onan, Shelah, Pharez, and Zerah—while importantly noting the prior deaths of Er and Onan in the land of Canaan. The verse then concludes by specifying Pharez's own sons, Hezron and Hamul. This genealogical entry is a critical component of the broader record of Jacob's family migrating to Egypt, serving as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the promised lineage despite human sin and tragedy, thereby ensuring the continuity of the chosen people and the path for future redemptive history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a comprehensive genealogical register found in [Genesis 46:8-27](/genesis/46-8-27 "The List of Jacob's Family Entering Egypt"), which meticulously lists the seventy descendants of Jacob who journeyed with him to Egypt. This detailed enumeration serves to underscore the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the multiplication of their offspring. The specific inclusion of Judah's family is particularly significant, as his lineage is destined to play a pivotal role in Israel's history, culminating in the Davidic monarchy and the Messiah. The parenthetical note regarding Er and Onan’s deaths serves as a crucial cross-reference to the earlier narrative in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar"), providing essential background for understanding the composition of Judah’s household at this critical juncture.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, prompted by a severe famine in Canaan, represents a pivotal moment in the early history of Israel. Genealogies were not merely lists of names but vital records that established identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliations, and covenant continuity in the ancient Near East. The careful recording of each family member, including those who had died, ensured the accuracy and completeness of the tribal records, which would be essential for future land divisions and social structures upon their return to Canaan. The mention of Er and Onan’s deaths in Canaan highlights the cultural importance of levirate marriage, as their failure to produce heirs had significant implications for the family line and property rights, as detailed in [Genesis 38:8-10](/genesis/38-8-10 "Onan's Refusal and Death").

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46:12 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. Foremost among them is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment**. Despite the challenges, moral failings, and tragedies within Jacob's family, God meticulously preserves and multiplies his descendants, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the covenant established with Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham"). The verse also subtly touches upon **Consequences of Sin**, as the deaths of Er and Onan serve as a stark reminder of divine judgment for disobedience, a theme explored more fully in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Judah and Tamar"). Finally, the emphasis on Pharez's lineage, which will eventually lead to the Davidic dynasty and the Messiah, highlights the theme of **God's Sovereign Providence** in guiding human history toward His ultimate redemptive purposes, even through unexpected and often scandalous circumstances, as seen in [Genesis 38:27-30](/genesis/38-27-30 "The Birth of Pharez and Zerah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term refers to a male offspring, but in its widest sense, it encompasses descendants, members of a family, tribe, or nation, and even those who embody a certain quality or condition. Here, it signifies the direct male progeny of Judah, who are foundational to the "building" of his family and, by extension, the tribe of Judah.
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdâh'_):** Meaning "celebrated" or "praised," Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. He is a pivotal figure in the patriarchal narratives, whose tribe is prophesied to hold a position of leadership and from whom the Messiah would ultimately descend, as foretold in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "The Scepter of Judah").
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root meaning "to die" literally or figuratively, or causatively "to kill." In this context, it unequivocally denotes the physical cessation of life for Er and Onan, serving as a terse but potent reminder of the divine judgment previously meted out for their wickedness and disobedience as recorded in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Judah and Tamar").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah:"** This clause introduces Judah's five biological sons, establishing the initial composition of his immediate family. It is a straightforward genealogical listing, typical of the ancient Near Eastern style, providing the names of the individuals who would form the foundational branches of the tribe of Judah.
* **"but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan."** This is a crucial parenthetical note that provides vital context. It explains why only three of Judah's five sons are actively contributing to the lineage that will enter Egypt. Their deaths in Canaan, as detailed in [Genesis 38:7-10](/genesis/38-7-10 "The Deaths of Er and Onan"), were not natural but were acts of divine judgment due to their wickedness and disobedience, specifically Onan's refusal to fulfill his levirate duty. This detail underscores the moral accountability even within the covenant family.
* **"And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul."** This concluding clause highlights the continuation of Judah's line through Pharez, one of the twin sons born to Judah through Tamar ([Genesis 38:27-30](/genesis/38-27-30 "The Birth of Pharez and Zerah")). The specific mention of Hezron and Hamul is highly significant, as they become the progenitors of two major clans within the tribe of Judah. Hezron, in particular, is a direct ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ, making this seemingly simple genealogical detail profoundly important for redemptive history.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Genealogy** is the primary literary form, serving not merely as a list but as a structured record emphasizing lineage, continuity, and covenant faithfulness. The phrase "but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan" functions as a **Parenthetical Note**, providing essential background information without interrupting the flow of the broader genealogical list. This brief interjection serves as a powerful **Ellipsis**, referring implicitly to the detailed and morally charged narrative of [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Judah and Tamar"), which the informed reader is expected to recall. Furthermore, the naming of Pharez, whose name means "breakthrough" or "breach," and the subsequent listing of his sons, Hezron and Hamul, carries **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. Pharez's unusual birth and his pivotal role in continuing the lineage symbolically represent God's ability to "break through" human sin and tragedy to fulfill His divine purposes, foreshadowing the Messianic line that would emerge from him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:12, though a simple genealogical entry, is rich with theological significance. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous preservation of the covenant lineage, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises despite human sin, tragedy, and unconventional circumstances. The explicit mention of Er and Onan's deaths serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the reality of divine judgment, even within the chosen family. Yet, the continuation of Judah's line through Pharez, born under scandalous circumstances, highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to work through and redeem human failings to achieve His overarching redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the Messianic promise.

* [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "The Birth of Pharez")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Jesus' Genealogy through Pharez")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:12 offers profound insights beyond a mere list of names. It reminds us that God's grand plans are never thwarted by human sin, tragedy, or even death. He sovereignly works through all circumstances, no matter how difficult or scandalous, to fulfill His covenant promises. For believers today, this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and the reality of consequences, even within the context of God's overarching grace and purpose. It also highlights God's meticulous care in preserving a lineage that ultimately brought forth the Savior, Jesus Christ, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations and His unwavering commitment to His people. We are called to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or when human failings are prominent, knowing that He is always working to accomplish His good and perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the mention of Er and Onan's deaths in this genealogical list remind us of the seriousness of sin and God's judgment?**
* **In what ways does God demonstrate His faithfulness and sovereignty in preserving Judah's lineage despite the challenges and moral failures within the family?**
* **What lessons can we draw from God's ability to work through unexpected and even scandalous circumstances (like Pharez's birth) to fulfill His divine purposes?**
* **How does understanding this specific genealogical detail deepen your appreciation for God's long-term plan of redemption culminating in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why are Er and Onan mentioned as having died in Canaan in this genealogical list?**

Answer: The mention of Er and Onan's deaths in [Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "The Sons of Judah") serves as a crucial contextual note, reminding the reader of the events detailed in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Judah and Tamar"). It explains why these two sons of Judah are listed but do not contribute to the ongoing lineage that enters Egypt with Jacob. Their deaths were a direct result of divine judgment for their wickedness (Er, as stated in [Genesis 38:7](/genesis/38-7 "Er's Wickedness")) and Onan's refusal to fulfill his levirate duty to his deceased brother (as described in [Genesis 38:9-10](/genesis/38-9-10 "Onan's Disobedience and Death")). This detail underscores the serious consequences of sin even within the covenant family and provides a complete picture of Judah's household at this time.

**What is the significance of Pharez in this lineage?**

Answer: Pharez is highly significant because he is the son through whom the Messianic line of Judah continues, leading directly to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. His name, meaning "breakthrough" or "breach," is prophetic of his unusual birth, which occurred when he "broke forth" before his twin brother Zerah ([Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "The Birth of Pharez")). Despite the scandalous circumstances of his conception through Tamar, his mother, God sovereignly used this event to ensure the continuation of the vital lineage. Pharez's descendants, Hezron and Hamul, became foundational clans within the tribe of Judah, with Hezron being a direct ancestor of David, as recorded in [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "The Genealogy of David"), and subsequently of Jesus, as seen in [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Jesus' Genealogy through Pharez"). Thus, Pharez represents a critical link in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 46:12, with its meticulous listing of Judah's sons and the specific focus on Pharez's lineage, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The preservation of Judah's line, despite the moral failures of Judah himself and the tragic deaths of Er and Onan, powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")). Pharez, whose name means "breakthrough," prophetically points to Christ, the ultimate "breakthrough" for humanity, who breaks the power of sin and death. The inclusion of Hezron and Hamul, direct ancestors of King David ([Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "The Genealogy of David")), highlights God's sovereign hand in meticulously preserving the royal line from which the Messiah would come. Jesus, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), is the culmination of this divinely preserved lineage, fulfilling all Old Testament prophecies and bringing salvation to all who believe. His birth from this very family, as recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus"), underscores God's perfect plan to bring forth the Savior through human history, even through its most complex and challenging chapters.

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

1 Chronicles 4:21

The sons of Shelah the son of Judah [were], Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,

Genesis 38:7

And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.

Genesis 29:35

And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.

Genesis 38:10

And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.

Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Genesis 38:24

¶ And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she [is] with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.

Genesis 38:30

And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.