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 precisely records the three sons of Zebulun—Sered, Elon, and Jahleel—as part of the comprehensive genealogical list of Jacob's family journeying into Egypt, underscoring the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to multiply Abraham's descendants and establish a great nation.

### CONTEXT
Genesis chapter 46 details the pivotal migration of Jacob and his entire household to Egypt to escape a severe famine, a divinely orchestrated event facilitated by Joseph's earlier rise to power. This meticulous enumeration of each family member, including Zebulun's lineage, highlights the unfolding of God's promise to Abraham to establish a great nation, with each name representing a foundational branch of the future twelve tribes of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:14 specifically names the three sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. This verse is an integral part of the detailed census found in [Genesis 46:8](/genesis/46-8 "The full list of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt"), which meticulously records the seventy souls of Jacob's household who migrated to Egypt.

While these names themselves are not further elaborated upon in Scripture, their inclusion is crucial for tracing the lineage of the future tribes of Israel. They represent the foundational families that would emerge from Zebulun, one of Jacob's twelve sons. The name *Zebulun* itself, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "dwelling" or "habitation," carries prophetic significance, alluding to the future tribal territory and settlement of the tribe of Zebulun within Canaan, as foretold in [Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:13](/genesis/49-13 "Jacob's prophecy concerning Zebulun's dwelling"). The meticulous nature of this genealogical record underscores God's precise involvement in the formation of His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Faithfulness to His Promises:** The enumeration of Jacob's expanding family, including Zebulun's lineage, powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with the patriarchs, preserving and multiplying His chosen people despite adversity like famine.
* **The Formation of a Nation:** This detailed genealogy serves as a theological declaration, marking the nascent stages of Israel's transformation from a family unit into a distinct nation, with each listed name signifying a branch of the future tribal structure.
* **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** 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, as exemplified by [Joseph's understanding in Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's perspective on God's good intentions").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:14, like the broader genealogical accounts, 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. 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.

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

Answer: Genealogies, like 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.

**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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 46:14 focuses on the immediate descendants of Zebulun, these genealogical records ultimately point towards the meticulous preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would eventually come. The careful tracking of Jacob's family ensures the continuity of the covenant line, culminating in the birth of Christ who fulfills all of God's promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Christ, as the ultimate 'seed' of Abraham, embodies the true 'dwelling' (Zebulun) of God among humanity, establishing a spiritual family of faith that transcends physical lineage and fulfills God's redemptive plan for all nations.

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.