Genesis 46:17

KJV

And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Asher {H836}; Jimnah {H3232}, and Ishuah {H3438}, and Isui {H3440}, and Beriah {H1283}, and Serah {H8294} their sister {H269}: and the sons {H1121} of Beriah {H1283}; Heber {H2268}, and Malchiel {H4439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The children of Asher: Yimnah, Yishvah, Yishvi, B'ri'ah, and their sister Serach. The sons of B'ri'ah were Hever and Malki'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Asher: Imnah, and Ishvah, and Ishvi, and Beriah, and Serah their sister; and the sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:17 provides a meticulous record of the immediate descendants of Asher, one of Jacob's sons, specifically naming Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, Beriah, and their sister Serah, along with Beriah's two sons, Heber and Malchiel. This precise genealogical entry is an integral part of the larger divine narrative chronicling the seventy members of Jacob's household who journeyed into Egypt, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to multiply Abraham's seed into a great nation, even amidst challenging circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 46:17 is embedded within a pivotal chapter detailing Jacob's (Israel's) migration to Egypt. Following the emotional reunion with Joseph in the preceding chapters ([Genesis 45](/genesis/45 "Genesis 45 - Joseph Reveals Himself")), this chapter meticulously lists every person who accompanied Jacob into Egypt, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to preserve and multiply His chosen family. The preceding verses (Genesis 46:8-16) enumerate the descendants of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali, setting the stage for Asher's lineage. This detailed census highlights the divine care taken to record the foundational members of the emerging nation of Israel, showcasing God's meticulous oversight in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey to Egypt was prompted by a severe famine gripping the land of Canaan, a famine that God had providentially prepared for through Joseph's earlier arrival and rise to power as Pharaoh's prime minister ([Genesis 41:56-57](/genesis/41-56-57 "Genesis 41:56-57 - The Famine Spreads")). In ancient Near Eastern culture, genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital documents establishing identity, legal rights, inheritance, and tribal affiliation. They served to validate claims to land and status, and to ensure the purity of lineage, especially for priestly or royal lines. The meticulous recording of each individual, including the rare mention of a daughter like Serah, underscores the cultural importance placed on family continuity and the divine intention to preserve the distinct tribal identities that would form the nation of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the broader chapter, contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating how He meticulously preserves and grows the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even when they face existential threats like famine. The act of gathering and listing each family member highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, showing God's active hand in guiding human affairs—even a family migration—to fulfill His grand purposes. Furthermore, the detailed enumeration emphasizes the **Formation of a Nation**, marking a critical transition from a nomadic family unit to the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel, laying the groundwork for their future growth and deliverance from Egypt, as promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this term signifies "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)." In Genesis 46:17, "sons" denotes direct male descendants, emphasizing their role as the progenitors and continuators of the familial and tribal lineage, essential for building the future nation of Israel.
* **Beriah (Hebrew, _Bᵉrîyʻâh'_):** From H1283, this name apparently means "in trouble." While the etymology suggests a challenging circumstance, in this genealogical context, it primarily serves as a proper noun identifying a specific son of Asher. The repetition of Beriah's name, first as Asher's son and then as the father of Heber and Malchiel, highlights his pivotal role in the continuation of Asher's lineage within the emerging tribal structure.
* **sister (Hebrew, _ʼâchôwth'_):** From H269, this term is the "irregular feminine of אָח; a sister (used very widely (like brother), literally and figuratively)." The inclusion of Serah, a daughter, is noteworthy in a patriarchal genealogy, suggesting her unique significance, perhaps as a matriarchal figure, or simply as a testament to the biblical record's precision in accounting for all seventy souls who entered Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister:"** This clause meticulously lists Asher's direct offspring who accompanied Jacob into Egypt. Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, and Beriah are his sons, destined to become the heads of future clans within the tribe of Asher. The specific mention of Serah, their sister, is significant. While genealogies often focus on male lines for tribal continuity and inheritance, her inclusion indicates the comprehensive nature of this divine census, ensuring every individual counted among the seventy souls is acknowledged. It also may hint at her unique importance or a specific role she played, though not explicitly stated.
* **"and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel."** This second clause further details the lineage by listing Beriah's two sons, Heber and Malchiel. This sub-listing within Asher's family highlights the immediate generational growth and the meticulous nature of the biblical record. It shows that even as Jacob's family entered Egypt, the process of multiplication and the formation of distinct family units, which would eventually become clans and sub-tribes, was already underway. This level of detail underscores the divine purpose in preserving and expanding Jacob's descendants.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 46:17 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Genealogy** as its core literary devices. The verse is a precise list of names, serving as a record of individuals. This **Enumeration** is not merely a dry list but a purposeful act of divine accounting, emphasizing the growth and preservation of God's chosen family. The structure itself is a classic **Genealogy**, a common biblical form used to trace lineage, establish identity, and demonstrate historical continuity. Within this, there is a subtle form of **Repetition** with the phrase "the sons of," which reinforces the patriarchal structure and the clear lines of descent. The inclusion of Serah, a daughter, among the male-dominated list, serves as a point of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to her unique presence and perhaps her significance within the family unit, making the record more comprehensive than typical patriarchal lists.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:17, as a part of the larger genealogical record, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The meticulous listing of each individual, even a daughter like Serah, underscores God's personal knowledge and care for every member of His chosen people. This preservation of family lines, despite the severe famine and the daunting move to a foreign land, is a testament to God's faithfulness to His oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would make their descendants into a great nation. This passage highlights that God's grand redemptive plan unfolds through the seemingly ordinary details of family life and migration, demonstrating His sovereign hand guiding human affairs toward His ultimate purposes.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham to Make Him a Great Nation")
* [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2-3 "The Command to Number the Tribes of Israel")
* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "God's Love and Faithfulness to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed genealogy in Genesis 46:17 invites us to reflect on the profound truth that God sees and values every individual, no matter how seemingly obscure their name might appear in a long list. Just as He meticulously recorded each member of Jacob's household, He knows each one of us intimately, having numbered the very hairs on our heads ([Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God Knows Every Hair on Your Head")). This passage reminds us that God's plans are often unfolded through the ordinary, the familial, and the seemingly mundane events of life. The journey into Egypt, though fraught with uncertainty, was a divinely orchestrated step in the formation of a nation. This should encourage believers today to trust in God's sovereign care and His faithfulness to His promises, even when facing daunting transitions or challenging circumstances. We can rest assured that He is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")), meticulously guiding our lives to fulfill His grand design for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this genealogy challenge your perception of God's involvement in seemingly "small" or "ordinary" aspects of life?**
* **What does the preservation of Jacob's family, despite famine and migration, teach us about God's faithfulness in our own challenging circumstances?**
* **In what ways can you see God's sovereign hand guiding your life or the lives of those around you, even through unexpected transitions?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially considering their detailed nature like in Genesis 46:17?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they establish **lineage and identity**, particularly for the promised Messiah, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecies concerning His descent from Abraham, Judah, and David. Secondly, they confirm **tribal identity and inheritance rights** for the Israelites, which were vital for land distribution and social structure in the Promised Land. Thirdly, they powerfully demonstrate **God's faithfulness** in preserving His covenant people across generations, even through periods of hardship, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. Finally, they provide **historical and theological continuity**, linking disparate events and individuals into a cohesive narrative of God's unfolding work in the world. They are not merely dry lists but foundational records that underscore the precision and reliability of God's promises and His active involvement in human history, as seen in the meticulous record of those entering Egypt in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Journey to Egypt").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 46:17 is a specific genealogical entry for the tribe of Asher, its ultimate significance lies in its contribution to the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the meticulous preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Every name listed in this chapter, including those of Asher's family, represents a vital link in the unbroken chain that would lead to the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The very act of God preserving and multiplying Jacob's family, even as they entered a foreign land, ensured the continuity of the covenant line that began with Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Blessing Through Abraham")). This lineage culminates in Jesus, who is identified as the "Son of David" and "Son of Abraham" in the opening verse of the New Testament ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). The detailed record of Israel's formation, of which Genesis 46:17 is a part, underscores God's precise and sovereign plan to bring forth the "seed" who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")), the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby fulfilling the promise to bless all nations through a descendant of this very family ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed, Christ")).

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 30:13

And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.

Genesis 49:20

Out of Asher his bread [shall be] fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.

Numbers 26:44

[Of] the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.

Numbers 26:46

And the name of the daughter of Asher [was] Sarah.

Numbers 1:40

Of the children of Asher, 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 1:41

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Asher, [were] forty and one thousand and five hundred.

1 Chronicles 2:2

Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.