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 lists the seven sons of Gad—Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli—who accompanied Jacob and his household into Egypt. This verse is an integral part of the detailed census in Genesis 46, which documents the seventy individuals comprising Jacob's family, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage destined to become the nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
Genesis chapter 46 provides a comprehensive and divinely ordained census of Jacob's descendants who journeyed with him to Egypt, escaping the severe famine at the invitation of his son Joseph. This detailed enumeration underscores the critical juncture in redemptive history where God's covenant people, though small in number, were preserved and positioned for exponential growth. Verse 16 specifically focuses on the sons of Gad, one of the sons born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, thereby meticulously tracking the progenitors of one of the twelve tribes of Israel and demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to [multiply Abraham's seed](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:16 is a straightforward genealogical entry, providing the names of Gad's seven sons. While seemingly a simple list, its inclusion is significant within the broader narrative of God's covenant and the formation of Israel.

* **Ziphion:** The first son listed, indicating his position within Gad's family.
* **Haggi:** Another son of Gad, whose descendants would form a clan within the tribe.
* **Shuni:** His name, like the others, contributes to the comprehensive record of Jacob's household.
* **Ezbon:** Also referred to as Ozni in [Numbers 26:16](/numbers/26-16 "Gad's descendants in Numbers 26:16"), indicating minor variations in spelling or pronunciation over time, common in ancient texts.
* **Eri:** His lineage would also contribute to the future tribal structure.
* **Arodi:** Sometimes appearing as Arod in other lists, further illustrating textual variations.
* **Areli:** The final son listed, completing the count of Gad's direct male offspring who entered Egypt.

The purpose of this precise listing is not merely historical record-keeping but theological affirmation. It emphasizes the divine attention to detail in preserving the covenant line and establishing the foundational members of the future nation. Each name represents a foundational family unit that would contribute to the [tribes of Israel](/genesis/49-28 "Jacob's blessing on the tribes in Genesis 49:28"), fulfilling God's promise to make Abraham's descendants a great nation. The journey to Egypt, though a period of sojourning, was providentially guided to ensure the preservation and growth of this nascent people group.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty in Preservation:** The meticulous listing of each individual, including the sons of Gad, highlights God's active role in preserving His chosen people through famine and migration, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line.
* **Foundation of Nationhood:** This census provides the specific individuals who would become the progenitors of the twelve tribes, emphasizing the organic growth from a family to a nation as prophesied to Abraham.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The detailed record serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
* **Significance of Lineage:** Genealogies in Scripture are not mere dry lists but underscore the importance of heritage, identity, and the transmission of divine promises through generations.
* **Preparation for Deliverance:** The entry into Egypt, precisely enumerated, sets the stage for the subsequent bondage and miraculous exodus, demonstrating God's long-term plan for His people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:16, though a simple list of names, reminds us of God's profound attention to detail and His personal involvement in the lives of His people. It teaches that every individual, even those whose primary contribution is their existence within a lineage, plays a part in God's grand narrative. Just as the sons of Gad were 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, are woven into His purposes, reminding us that God cares deeply about each person and meticulously guides the course of history to fulfill His promises.

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

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes: they establish lineage and identity, especially for the covenant people Israel; they demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises regarding descendants; they track the historical progression of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah; and they provide a legal and historical basis for claims of inheritance and tribal identity. They are not merely lists but theological statements about God's faithfulness and the continuity of His work through generations.

**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. These differences can be attributed to various factors, including alternative spellings, different pronunciations over time, scribal conventions, or even the use of nicknames. 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of the sons of Gad, alongside all of Jacob's household, in Genesis 46:16 points toward Christ by affirming the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This seemingly ordinary census is part of the divine tapestry ensuring the continuity of God's covenant people, Israel, from whom the promised Seed—Jesus Christ—would be born. The preservation of these individuals, who would grow into a nation, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, a plan that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who gathers all nations into His kingdom, transcending the boundaries of earthly tribes and lineages.

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.