Genesis 46:14

KJV

And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Zebulun {H2074}; Sered {H5624}, and Elon {H356}, and Jahleel {H3177}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Z'vulun: Sered, Elon and Yachle'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:14 meticulously records the three sons of Zebulun—Sered, Elon, and Jahleel—as an integral part of the comprehensive genealogical list of Jacob's family journeying into Egypt. This precise enumeration underscores the unfolding of God's covenantal promises to Abraham, demonstrating His faithfulness in multiplying his descendants and laying the foundational structure for the future nation of Israel, even amidst the dire circumstances of famine and relocation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 46 serves as a pivotal transition point in the patriarchal narrative, detailing the migration of Jacob (Israel) and his entire household to Egypt. This chapter acts as a meticulous census, enumerating the "seventy souls" (including Jacob himself, Joseph, and Joseph's two sons already in Egypt) who entered Egypt. The list begins with Jacob's direct sons and then branches out to their immediate offspring, providing a foundational roster for the future twelve tribes of Israel. Verse 14, specifically naming Zebulun's sons, is a small but crucial piece within this larger genealogical framework, emphasizing the divine attention to detail in the formation of God's chosen people. It immediately follows the listing of Issachar's sons and precedes the listing of Gad's sons, maintaining a systematic account of Jacob's lineage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The migration to Egypt occurred during a severe seven-year famine that gripped the ancient Near East, forcing Jacob's family to seek refuge where Joseph, through divine providence, had become a powerful vizier. Genealogies were critically important in ancient cultures, serving not merely as family trees but as legal documents, proof of lineage, and a means of establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. For the Israelites, these lists also bore profound theological significance, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises of multiplication (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham to Make Him a Great Nation")) and land. The journey to Egypt was not a random event but a divinely orchestrated move to protect the nascent nation and allow it to grow in a protected environment before the Exodus, as foreshadowed in God's words to Abraham in [Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "God's Covenant with Abraham, Foretelling Egyptian Bondage").

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of Jacob's family, including the sons of Zebulun, contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Foremost is **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, as the growing family directly fulfills the promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Numerous Descendants to Abraham")). Another key theme is the **Formation of a Nation**, as this detailed enumeration marks the transformation of a family unit into the foundational structure of the twelve tribes of Israel, preparing them for their unique role in God's redemptive plan. Finally, the entire narrative, including the famine and the move to Egypt, highlights **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God orchestrates human events, even challenging ones, to bring about His ultimate purposes, as Joseph himself articulates in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Understanding of God's Sovereign Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_ H1121):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term signifies a male offspring who contributes to the building or continuation of the family name and lineage. In this context, it emphasizes the foundational role of Sered, Elon, and Jahleel as the progenitors of the future clans within the tribe of Zebulun, thereby "building" the family and, by extension, the nation of Israel.
* **Zebulun (Hebrew, _Zᵉbûwlûwn_ H2074):** Meaning "habitation" or "dwelling," this name carries prophetic significance. It was given by Leah at his birth, expressing her hope for a lasting "dwelling" with Jacob ([Genesis 30:20](/genesis/30-20 "Leah's Naming of Zebulun")). In the context of Genesis 46:14, it foreshadows the future tribal territory and settled existence of the tribe of Zebulun within the promised land of Canaan, as later described in [Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:13](/genesis/49-13 "Jacob's Prophecy Concerning Zebulun's Dwelling").
* **Jahleel (Hebrew, _Yachlᵉʼêl_ H3177):** This name combines the Hebrew root "yachal" (to wait, hope, be expectant) with "El" (God), thus meaning "expectant of God" or "God waits." While not elaborated upon in Scripture, the meaning of this name subtly reinforces the overarching theme of God's faithfulness and the family's reliance on divine provision and promises, particularly as they embark on a journey into a foreign land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Zebulun;":** This clause introduces the specific lineage being enumerated, focusing on Zebulun, one of Jacob's twelve sons. It signifies the continuation and expansion of Jacob's family through his children, laying the groundwork for the future tribal structure of Israel. The use of "sons" (H1121) highlights their role as the "builders" of the family line, emphasizing the generational continuity crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
* **"Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.":** This clause precisely names the three direct male descendants of Zebulun who accompanied him into Egypt. While these individuals are not given further narrative development in Genesis, their inclusion is vital for the meticulous genealogical record. Each name represents a foundational branch or clan that would contribute to the growth and identity of the future tribe of Zebulun, demonstrating God's detailed attention to every individual within His chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 46:14, as part of a larger genealogical list, primarily employs **Enumeration**, which is the systematic listing of items or individuals. This device provides a comprehensive and meticulous record, underscoring the divine precision in tracking the growth of Jacob's family. The entire chapter functions as a **Genealogy**, a literary form that traces lineage, establishing historical continuity and validating claims of inheritance and identity. In this biblical context, it serves to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants. Furthermore, the passage subtly uses **Nominalism**, where the names themselves carry inherent meaning (e.g., Zebulun meaning "habitation," Jahleel meaning "expectant of God"), often reflecting hopes, circumstances, or prophetic insights, adding a layer of symbolic depth to what might otherwise appear as a mere list.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The enumeration of Jacob's expanding family, including Zebulun's lineage in Genesis 46:14, powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with the patriarchs. Despite the severe famine threatening their existence, God preserves and multiplies His chosen people, showcasing His faithfulness and meticulous care. This detailed genealogy serves as a profound theological declaration, marking the nascent stages of Israel's transformation from a family unit into a distinct nation, with each listed name signifying a foundational branch of the future tribal structure. The entire migration to Egypt, which necessitated this detailed family record, was part of God's sovereign plan to protect Jacob's family and later bring them out as a mighty nation, fulfilling His redemptive purposes.

* [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Covenant Promise to Make Abraham Exceedingly Fruitful")
* [Exodus 1:1-7](/exodus/1-1-7 "The Growth of Israel in Egypt")
* [Deuteronomy 10:22](/deuteronomy/10-22 "The Seventy Souls Who Went Down to Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:14, like the broader genealogical accounts in Scripture, serves as a powerful reminder of God's intimate involvement in the intricate details of human history and the lives of His people. Even seemingly mundane lists of names are imbued with divine purpose within His grand narrative of redemption. This passage encourages unwavering trust in God's faithfulness to His promises, assuring us that His plans for individuals and communities will be fulfilled across generations, often through unexpected and challenging circumstances. It also highlights the enduring significance of family and lineage in God's ongoing work, reminding believers today that we are part of a larger, spiritual family of faith, connected through Christ. Our individual lives, though seemingly small, are woven into God's magnificent tapestry of salvation, each playing a unique role in His unfolding story. We are called to recognize God's hand in the details of our own lives and to trust His sovereign plan, even when the path forward is unclear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like Genesis 46:14, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways can recognizing ourselves as part of a larger "spiritual family" (the church) encourage us to live out God's purposes today?**
* **How can the theme of God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying Jacob's family in the face of famine strengthen your trust in His provision during times of personal difficulty or uncertainty?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Genealogies, such as the one in Genesis 46:14, serve multiple crucial purposes in the biblical narrative. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations and tracing the lineage of key figures, including the promised Messiah. They also validate covenant promises, show the formation of nations, and provide a framework for understanding God's unfolding plan of salvation. For instance, the detailed family tree in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") directly links Jesus to David and Abraham, fulfilling ancient prophecies.

**What is the significance of listing specific names like Sered, Elon, and Jahleel?**

Answer: The listing of specific names, even those not extensively detailed elsewhere, emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's record-keeping and His attention to individual lives within His larger plan. These names represent the foundational family units that would grow into the distinct clans and eventually the tribe of Zebulun, contributing to the overall structure and identity of the nation of Israel. It underscores the reality of God's covenant being fulfilled through specific, identifiable individuals, demonstrating that God's plan is not abstract but unfolds through real people and their descendants, as seen throughout the narrative, from [Abraham's call](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abraham") to the establishment of the tribes in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "The Census of Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 46:14 focuses on the immediate descendants of Zebulun and the physical lineage of Israel, these genealogical records ultimately point towards the meticulous preservation of the covenant line through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would eventually come. The careful tracking of Jacob's family ensures the continuity of the redemptive promise, culminating in the birth of Christ who fulfills all of God's promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus, as the ultimate "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise Made to Abraham and His Seed")), embodies the true "dwelling" (a meaning associated with Zebulun) of God among humanity, as He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "The Prophecy of Emmanuel")). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Christ establishes a new, spiritual family of faith that transcends physical lineage and tribal distinctions ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile in Christ")), fulfilling God's redemptive plan for all nations and making all believers "sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "All Are Sons of God Through Faith")).

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

Genesis 49:13

¶ Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he [shall be] for an haven of ships; and his border [shall be] unto Zidon.

1 Chronicles 2:1

¶ These [are] the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

Numbers 1:9

Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.

Numbers 26:26

[Of] the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

Numbers 26:27

These [are] the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred.

Deuteronomy 33:18

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

Deuteronomy 33:19

They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck [of] the abundance of the seas, and [of] treasures hid in the sand.