Genesis 46:16

KJV

And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Gad {H1410}; Ziphion {H6837}, and Haggi {H2291}, Shuni {H7764}, and Ezbon {H675}, Eri {H6179}, and Arodi {H722}, and Areli {H692}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Gad: Tzifyon, Haggi, Shuni, Etzbon, 'Eri, Arodi and Ar'eli.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:16 meticulously enumerates the seven sons of Gad—Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli—who journeyed with Jacob and his entire household into Egypt. This verse is an essential component of the divinely orchestrated census in Genesis 46, which meticulously records the seventy individuals comprising Jacob's nascent family, thereby underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the foundational lineage destined to blossom into the mighty nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 46 serves as a pivotal bridge between the patriarchal narratives and the subsequent formation of the nation of Israel in Egypt. Following Joseph's revelation and invitation to his family to settle in Goshen, Jacob's descent into Egypt is not a haphazard migration but a divinely directed journey, initiated by God's explicit command and promise in [Genesis 46:3-4](/genesis/46-3-4 "God's Command and Promise to Jacob"). The chapter systematically lists Jacob's descendants by their mothers, beginning with Leah's sons and their children, then Zilpah's, Rachel's, and finally Bilhah's. Verse 16, specifically detailing Gad's sons, is part of this comprehensive genealogical record, emphasizing the individual components that would collectively form the twelve tribes, thus setting the stage for the narrative of Israel's sojourn and eventual exodus from Egypt.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey to Egypt occurred during a severe famine that afflicted the entire region, compelling Jacob's family to seek refuge where Joseph, through divine providence, had risen to power. Genealogies were of paramount importance in the ancient Near East, serving not merely as historical records but as legal documents establishing lineage, inheritance rights, and tribal identity. The meticulous enumeration of Jacob's household, including the sons of Gad, reflects this cultural emphasis on ancestry, but more profoundly, it underscores the theological significance of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The move to Egypt, though seemingly a flight from famine, was a strategic divine relocation to a place where this small family could multiply without immediate threat from surrounding Canaanite populations, preparing them for nationhood as promised in [Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "God's Covenant with Abram Regarding His Descendants").

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. **Divine Sovereignty** is prominently displayed as God orchestrates events—from Joseph's enslavement to his rise in Egypt and the subsequent famine—to preserve His covenant people. The theme of **Covenant Faithfulness** is evident in God's meticulous care for Jacob's family, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled. The chapter also highlights the **Foundation of Nationhood**, as the seventy individuals listed are the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel, demonstrating the transformation from a family unit into a distinct people, a process foretold in God's promise to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). The detailed census underscores the **Significance of Lineage and Identity**, emphasizing that each individual played a crucial role in God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:16, while a straightforward genealogical entry, is rich in its implications for understanding God's meticulous care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It serves as a foundational building block in the historical record of God's chosen people.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** From H1121, this term denotes a male offspring, but in a broader sense, it signifies a "builder of the family name." In this context, Gad's sons are not merely individuals but the foundational members who will establish distinct family units and clans, contributing directly to the structure and identity of the future tribe of Gad within the nation of Israel. Their inclusion here emphasizes their role in perpetuating the lineage and expanding the covenant family.
* **Gad (Hebrew, _Gâd_):** From H1410, Gad was one of Jacob's twelve sons, born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. His name is associated with "fortune" or "troop" (cf. [Genesis 30:11](/genesis/30-11 "Leah names Gad")). As the patriarch of one of the twelve tribes, his descendants would inherit a specific territory and play a unique role in Israel's history. The listing of his sons here is vital for tracing the origins of the tribal identity and the fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 49:19](/genesis/49-19 "Jacob's prophecy concerning Gad").
* **Haggi (Hebrew, _Chaggîy_):** From H2291, meaning "festive." While the specific significance of this name for the individual is not explicitly stated in the text, the etymology suggests a connection to celebration or pilgrimage. As one of Gad's sons, Haggi is a progenitor of a clan within the tribe of Gad (Numbers 26:15), and his name, like others, contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's foundational families, each carrying a unique identity and, in some cases, a descriptive meaning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Gad;":** This introductory clause clearly identifies the patriarch whose offspring are about to be listed, maintaining the consistent genealogical structure of Genesis 46. It immediately connects the subsequent names to one of the twelve foundational figures of Israel.
* **"Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.":** This is a precise enumeration of Gad's seven direct male descendants who entered Egypt. Each name represents a distinct individual who would become the head of a family or clan within the future tribe of Gad. The inclusion of all seven names underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record, ensuring that every branch of Jacob's family is accounted for, highlighting God's attention to detail in preserving and multiplying His chosen people. The variations in names like Ezbon (also Ozni in [Numbers 26:16](/numbers/26-16 "Descendants of Gad")) and Arodi (also Arod in [Numbers 26:17](/numbers/26-17 "Descendants of Gad")) are common in ancient genealogies, reflecting linguistic nuances or scribal traditions rather than discrepancies.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:16, and indeed throughout the chapter, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list but a purposeful literary form that serves several functions: it establishes **Lineage** and **Continuity**, demonstrating the unbroken thread of God's covenant people from Abraham to the nascent nation in Egypt. The repetition of the phrase "the sons of..." creates a **Formulaic Structure** that lends authority and historical weight to the record, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the census. Furthermore, the act of listing each name individually imbues the text with a sense of **Historical Precision** and **Divine Intentionality**, suggesting that each person, even those whose names appear only once, is significant in God's overarching plan. The names themselves, as seen in the key word analysis, sometimes carry **Etymological Significance** that can offer subtle insights into the character or future of the individual or their descendants, though this is often secondary to their primary function as markers of lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:16, though a simple list of names, is profoundly theological. It reinforces the theme of God's **Divine Sovereignty** in meticulously preserving His covenant people. Every name listed is a testament to God's active involvement in the lives of individuals, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be fulfilled. This passage is not just a historical record; it is a theological statement about the faithfulness of God, who, even in the midst of famine and migration, orchestrates circumstances to gather and protect the nascent nation of Israel. It emphasizes that the formation of Israel was not a random occurrence but a divinely guided process, with each individual serving as a vital link in the chain of God's redemptive history.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Make Abraham a Great Nation")
* [Exodus 1:1-5](/exodus/1-1-5 "The Sons of Israel Who Came to Egypt")
* [Numbers 26:15-18](/numbers/26-15-18 "The Clans of Gad in the Wilderness Census")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:16, with its seemingly mundane list of names, offers a profound spiritual lesson: God's meticulous attention to detail and His personal involvement in the lives of His people. Just as each son of Gad was vital to the formation of a tribe and the unfolding of God's plan for Israel, so too are we, as individuals, significant within God's ongoing work in the world. Our lives, no matter how seemingly ordinary or how small our perceived contribution, are intricately woven into His grand narrative. This verse reminds us that God cares deeply about each person, knows us by name, and meticulously guides the course of history to fulfill His promises. It encourages us to find our place within His larger story, trusting that our existence and our faithfulness, however humble, contribute to His ultimate purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like Genesis 46:16, affirm God's personal knowledge and care for each individual?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge the modern tendency to focus only on "great" or "famous" individuals in God's plan, rather than appreciating the significance of every person?**
* **How can understanding our place within God's larger redemptive story inspire us to live with greater purpose and faithfulness today?**

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

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes. First, they establish **lineage and identity**, particularly for the covenant people Israel, demonstrating their unique relationship with God. Second, they provide concrete evidence of the **fulfillment of God's promises** regarding descendants, showing how a small family grew into a nation. Third, they meticulously track the **historical progression of God's redemptive plan**, culminating in the Messiah. Finally, they provide a **legal and historical basis** for claims of inheritance, tribal identity, and the legitimacy of religious and political leaders. Far from being mere lists, they are theological statements about God's faithfulness and the continuity of His work through generations, as seen in passages like [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

**Does the slight variation in names (e.g., Ezbon/Ozni) indicate an error in the text?**

Answer: No, minor variations in names across different biblical lists (like Ezbon in [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "Sons of Gad") and Ozni in [Numbers 26:16](/numbers/26-16 "Descendants of Gad")) are common in ancient Near Eastern texts and do not indicate an error or contradiction. These differences can be attributed to various factors, including alternative spellings or pronunciations over time, scribal conventions, the use of nicknames, or even different dialectal forms. The core identity of the individual and the purpose of the list remain clear, affirming the reliability of the biblical record in conveying its intended message and historical truth, even with such minor textual variations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of the sons of Gad, alongside all of Jacob's household, in [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "The Sons of Gad") points toward Christ by affirming the preservation of the divine lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This seemingly ordinary census is part of the grand tapestry of God's redemptive history, ensuring the continuity of God's covenant people, Israel, from whom the promised Seed—Jesus Christ—would be born. The preservation of these seventy individuals, who would grow into a mighty nation, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, a plan that finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Christ. He is the true Israel, the ultimate Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), who gathers not just the tribes of Israel but all nations into His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "A Multitude from Every Nation Worships God")), transcending the boundaries of earthly tribes and lineages to establish a new, spiritual family of God.

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

Numbers 26:15

The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:

Numbers 26:17

Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.

Genesis 30:11

And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.

Genesis 49:19

Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.

Numbers 1:24

Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Numbers 1:25

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Gad, [were] forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.

Genesis 35:26

And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these [are] the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.