TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 46:5–27.
Old Jacob is here flitting. Little did he think of ever leaving Canaan; he expected, no doubt, to die in his nest, and to leave his seed in actual possession of the promised land: but Providence orders it otherwise. Note, Those that think themselves well settled may yet be unsettled in a little time. Even old people, who think of no other removal than that to the grave (which Jacob had much upon his heart, Gen 37:35; Gen 42:38), sometimes live to see great changes in their family. It is good to be ready, not only for the grave, but for whatever may happen betwixt us and the grave. Observe, 1. How Jacob was conveyed; not in a chariot, though chariots were then used, but in a wagon, Gen 46:5. Jacob had the character of a plain man, who did not affect any thing stately or magnificent; his son rode in a chariot (Gen 41:43), but a wagon would serve him. 2. The removal of what he had with him. (1.) His effects (Gen 46:6), cattle and goods; these he took with him that he might not wholly be beholden to Pharaoh for a livelihood, and that it might not afterwards be said of them, "that they came beggars to Egypt." (2.) His family, all his seed, Gen 46:7. It is probable that they had continued to live together in common with their father; and therefore when he went they all went, which perhaps they were the more willing to do, because, though they had heard that the land of Canaan was promised them, yet, to this day, they had none of it in possession. We have here a particular account of the names of Jacob's family, his sons' sons, most of whom are afterwards mentioned as heads of houses in the several tribes. See Num 26:5, etc. Bishop Patrick observes that Issachar called his eldest son Tola, which signifies a worm, probably because when he was born he was a very little weak child, a worm, and no man, not likely to live; and yet there sprang from him a very numerous offspring, Ch1 7:2. Note, Living and dying do not go by probability. The whole number that went down into Egypt was sixty-six (Gen 46:26), to which add Joseph and his two sons, who were there before, and Jacob himself, the head of the family, and you have the number of seventy, Gen 46:27. The Septuagint makes them seventy-five, and Stephen follows them (Act 7:14), the reason of which we leave to the conjecture of the critics; but let us observe, [1.] Masters of families ought to take care of all under their charge, and to provide for those of their own house food convenient both for body and soul. When Jacob himself removed to a land of plenty, he would not leave any of his children behind him to starve in a barren land. [2.] Though the accomplishment of promises is always sure, yet it is often slow. It was now 215 years since God had promised Abraham to make of him a great nation (Gen 12:2); and yet that branch of his seed on which the promise was entailed had increased only to seventy, of which this particular account is kept, that the power of God in multiplying these seventy to so vast a multitude, even in Egypt, may appear the more illustrious. When God pleases, a little one shall become a thousand, Isa 60:22.
Continue studying Genesis 46:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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) 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.
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). 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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). 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.
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.
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
FAQ
Why are genealogies so important in the Bible?
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 directly links Jesus to David and Abraham, fulfilling ancient prophecies.
What is the significance of listing specific names like Sered, Elon, and Jahleel?
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 to the establishment of the tribes in Numbers 1.
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), embodies the true "dwelling" (a meaning associated with Zebulun) of God among humanity, as He is Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Christ establishes a new, spiritual family of faith that transcends physical lineage and tribal distinctions (Galatians 3:28), fulfilling God's redemptive plan for all nations and making all believers "sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26).