Genesis 46:13

KJV

And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Issachar {H3485}; Tola {H8439}, and Phuvah {H6312}, and Job {H3102}, and Shimron {H8110}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yissakhar: Tola, Puvah, Yov and Shimron.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Issachar: Tola, and Puvah, and Iob, and Shimron.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:13 meticulously lists the four sons of Issachar—Tola, Phuvah, Job, and Shimron—as an integral part of the comprehensive genealogical record of Jacob's household journeying into Egypt. This seemingly simple enumeration is crucial, highlighting God's providential preservation of the nascent nation of Israel and laying the foundational identity for one of the twelve tribes, all in preparation for the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Descent into Egypt"), a pivotal chapter that marks a significant transition in the patriarchal narrative. Following Joseph's revelation to his brothers and Pharaoh's invitation, Jacob (now called Israel) prepares to move his entire family to Egypt to escape the severe famine. The chapter meticulously enumerates Jacob's descendants who accompanied him, serving as a comprehensive census of the nascent nation. Verses [Genesis 46:8-27](/genesis/46-8-27 "The List of Jacob's Descendants Who Went to Egypt") provide a detailed list of the "seventy souls" who entered Egypt, organized by their mothers and then by their father's lineage. Genesis 46:13 specifically focuses on the sons of Issachar, Jacob's ninth son, placing this detail within the broader framework of establishing the complete demographic foundation of Israel before their sojourn in Egypt. This careful record-keeping underscores the divine precision in preserving the covenant line.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey to Egypt was not merely a migration but a divinely orchestrated event, as confirmed by God's direct instruction to Jacob in [Genesis 46:3-4](/genesis/46-3-4 "God's Assurance to Jacob Before Going to Egypt"). In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they served as vital legal, social, and theological documents. They established tribal identity, land rights, inheritance, and lineage, especially for covenantal purposes. The meticulous listing of each family member, including sons and grandsons, was crucial for validating the identity and legitimacy of a people group. The famine, a common threat in the ancient world, forced this migration, but God's providence turned a potential disaster into a strategic move to preserve and multiply His chosen people in a protected environment, setting the stage for their eventual exodus and nationhood.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46:13 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to multiply Abraham's descendants into a great nation, as promised in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham"). Secondly, the detailed enumeration highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, showing God's meticulous involvement in the lives of individuals and the precise unfolding of His plan, down to the names of specific family members. This preparation for nationhood, moving from a family unit to a burgeoning people, is a foundational step toward the establishment of Israel as God's chosen people, distinct and preserved for His redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to the lineage of the Messiah. The preservation of the family through famine, orchestrated through Joseph, is a testament to God's care for His people, a theme echoed throughout the Pentateuch.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:13 presents a concise but significant detail within the larger genealogical record: "And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron." This verse, like others in the chapter, serves a specific theological and historical purpose beyond mere record-keeping.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This term (H1121) denotes a male offspring, but its root meaning, "from בָּנָה" (to build), emphasizes the son's role as a "builder of the family name." In this context, it highlights how these individuals are not just biological descendants but foundational figures who will contribute to the construction and perpetuation of the tribal identity of Issachar, thereby building up the larger nation of Israel.
* **Issachar (Hebrew, _Yissâˢkâr_):** The name (H3485) means "he will bring a reward," a meaning attributed by Leah at his birth in [Genesis 30:18](/genesis/30-18 "Leah names Issachar"). Here, it identifies the patriarchal head of the family whose direct male lineage is being recorded. The listing of his sons underscores the continuity of the tribal structure originating from Jacob's direct offspring.
* **Job (Hebrew, _Yôwb_):** This name (H3102) is noted as "perhaps a form of יוֹבָב, but more probably by erroneous transcription for יָשׁוּב." While the name "Job" is famously associated with the patriarch of the Book of Job, the Strong's data here clarifies that this is a distinct individual, "an Israelite," a son of Issachar, and not the well-known figure from the wisdom literature. This distinction is crucial for understanding the genealogical context without conflating figures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Issachar":** This introductory phrase establishes the familial relationship, identifying the immediate descendants of Issachar, Jacob's ninth son. It signifies the continuation of the patriarchal line and the specific branch of Jacob's family being enumerated, contributing to the overall census of those entering Egypt.
* **"Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron":** This clause provides the specific names of Issachar's four sons. These individuals represent the foundational heads of the clans that would later constitute the tribe of Issachar. Their inclusion ensures the completeness of the genealogical record, emphasizing the meticulous detail with which God's chosen people were tracked and preserved, laying the groundwork for their future tribal organization and identity within the nation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:13, and indeed throughout much of [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Descent into Egypt"), is **Genealogy** or **Enumeration**. This precise listing of names serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement. It underscores the **Completeness** and **Order** of God's providential care, ensuring that every individual who contributes to the covenant nation is accounted for. The repetitive structure of "And the sons of [father]; [son 1], and [son 2], etc." creates a rhythmic **Parallelism** that reinforces the systematic nature of the record, highlighting the divine intention behind the formation of a distinct people. While seemingly dry, this detailed enumeration is a powerful testament to the **Historical Foundation** of Israel and the meticulous way God builds His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:13, though a simple list of names, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise to Abraham of countless descendants who would become a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham of a great nation") and [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's promise of innumerable descendants to Abraham")). The meticulous preservation of each family line, even through the severe famine, demonstrates God's sovereign hand guiding history and caring for every individual within His chosen lineage. This verse, therefore, is not just a historical record but a foundational stone in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the people through whom the Messiah would eventually come.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham of a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants to Abraham")
* [Numbers 26:23-25](/numbers/26-23-25 "The Clans of Issachar in the Wilderness Census")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:13, a seemingly minor detail in a long list, offers profound encouragement for our lives today. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the intricate details of human history and individual lives, even those that appear insignificant. Just as He meticulously preserved the lineage of Issachar, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people, so too does He orchestrate the circumstances of our lives and the broader sweep of history for His divine purposes. This encourages us to trust in His sovereign care, even when our circumstances seem small or our role appears minor. Every individual, every family, and every generation plays a part in God's grand narrative. We are called to faithfulness in our own sphere, knowing that our seemingly small contributions are woven into God's magnificent tapestry, leading to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. This verse invites us to find comfort in God's meticulous attention to detail and to recognize the value He places on every life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this one, deepen your understanding of God's providence and faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's attention to "small" details in Scripture encourage you about His care for the "small" details of your own life?**
* **How can the concept of being part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan influence your perspective on your daily tasks and long-term goals?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies like this so important in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes: they establish historical continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people through generations. They confirm the fulfillment of covenant promises, especially regarding numerous descendants, as seen in God's promises to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham of a great nation") and [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's promise of innumerable descendants to Abraham"). Most significantly, they meticulously trace the lineage leading to the Messiah, providing a historical and theological anchor for the New Testament's claims about Jesus Christ. They are not merely dry lists but foundational elements of the biblical narrative, showing how God works through specific individuals and families across generations to accomplish His redemptive plan.

**Is Job, son of Issachar, the same Job from the Book of Job?**

Answer: No, Job, son of Issachar, is a different individual from the patriarch Job, the central figure of the Book of Job. The name "Job" (Hebrew: אִיּוֹב, *ʾIyyôḇ*) was not uncommon in ancient times. The Job of the Book of Job is presented as a righteous man living in the land of Uz, and his story is generally considered to predate the time of Moses and possibly even Abraham, or at least to exist outside the direct lineage of Israel. The Job mentioned in [Genesis 46:13](/genesis/46-13 "Genesis 46:13 - The Sons of Issachar") is a direct descendant of Jacob and a progenitor of one of the Israelite clans within the tribe of Issachar, firmly placing him within the historical narrative of Israel's formation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of Jacob's family, including the sons of Issachar listed in [Genesis 46:13](/genesis/46-13 "Genesis 46:13 - The Sons of Issachar"), is a vital link in the unfolding narrative of God's grand redemptive plan, ultimately finding its glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Each name enumerated, though seemingly minor, contributed to the formation and preservation of the nation of Israel, from whom, according to the flesh, the Messiah would come. This divine oversight ensured the continuity of the Abrahamic covenant, which promised that through Abraham's seed, all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "God's promise to Abraham that all nations will be blessed through his seed")). The very existence of these tribes, meticulously recorded, underscores God's sovereign hand guiding history to the precise moment when, as Paul declares, [God "sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons"](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - The Fullness of Time and Our Adoption"). Thus, this genealogical detail, far from being insignificant, is a profound testament to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for the Incarnation and the ultimate salvation offered through Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham and the hope of all nations ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's 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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 12:32

And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.

Deuteronomy 33:18

¶ And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.

Genesis 35:23

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

Genesis 30:14

¶ And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes.

Genesis 30:18

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

Genesis 49:14

Issachar [is] a strong ass couching down between two burdens:

Genesis 49:15

And he saw that rest [was] good, and the land that [it was] pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.