Genesis 46:21

KJV

And the sons of Benjamin [were] Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} were Belah {H1106}, and Becher {H1071}, and Ashbel {H788}, Gera {H1617}, and Naaman {H5283}, Ehi {H278}, and Rosh {H7220}, Muppim {H4649}, and Huppim {H2650}, and Ard {H714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Binyamin: Bela, Bekher, Ashbel, Gera, Na'aman, Echi, Rosh, Mupim, Hupim and Ard.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Benjamin: Bela, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:21 provides a precise enumeration of the ten sons of Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, who journeyed with the patriarch and his entire household from Canaan to Egypt. This verse is an integral part of a larger genealogical record detailing the seventy souls of Jacob's family, serving as a foundational account of the nascent nation of Israel at a critical juncture when divine providence ensured their preservation during a severe famine, thereby setting the stage for their future growth and eventual exodus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 46:21 is situated within a crucial passage (Genesis 46:8-27) that meticulously lists the seventy descendants of Jacob (Israel) who migrated to Egypt. This detailed census follows Joseph's revelation to his brothers and Jacob's subsequent decision to relocate his family to Goshen, a fertile region in Egypt. The preceding verses (Genesis 46:1-7) describe Jacob's journey and his encounter with God at Beersheba, where God reaffirms His covenant promises and assures Jacob of His presence and the future return of his descendants to Canaan. The enumeration of each family line, including Benjamin's, serves to underscore the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants into a great nation, providing a tangible record of the foundational members of the twelve tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The migration of Jacob's family to Egypt occurred during a severe regional famine, a common threat in the ancient Near East that often led to migrations in search of sustenance. Egypt, with its reliance on the Nile River for agriculture, was often a refuge during such times. The practice of meticulously recording genealogies was paramount in ancient Israelite culture, serving not merely as historical archives but as vital documents for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and social standing. For the Israelites, these lists also served a theological purpose, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen lineage and setting apart a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The narrative highlights the cultural practice of patriarchal family units forming the basis of larger societal structures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader Genesis 46 account, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, showing God's sovereign hand orchestrating events (Joseph's rise, the famine, the migration) to preserve His covenant people and fulfill His promises, as seen in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's declaration of God's good intent"). It also emphasizes the **Covenant Faithfulness of God**, demonstrating how God is actively working to fulfill His promise to Abraham to make him into a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham of a great nation")) and to multiply his descendants as the stars of the sky ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "The promise of countless descendants")). Furthermore, the detailed genealogy underscores the **Foundation of Israel's National Identity**, as the individual family lines listed here would become the twelve tribes, shaping the future social, religious, and political structure of the nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:21 presents a straightforward enumeration of Benjamin's ten sons who accompanied Jacob to Egypt, laying the groundwork for the future tribe of Benjamin.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." This term emphasizes the role of these individuals as direct offspring and progenitors, foundational to the continuation and expansion of Jacob's family line. It highlights their significance in "building" the future nation of Israel.
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From H1144, meaning "son of (the) right hand." This name, given by Jacob, contrasts with Rachel's dying name for him, "Ben-oni" ("son of my sorrow"). The shift signifies hope and divine favor, suggesting Benjamin's future importance and the blessing that would come through his lineage, despite his mother's tragic death.
* **Becher (Hebrew, _Beker'_):** From H1071, meaning "Becher." While the name itself is simple, its inclusion here, along with the other nine names, signifies the meticulous record-keeping of the biblical narrative. Each name, though seemingly just a label, represents a distinct individual who contributed to the collective identity and future of the tribe of Benjamin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Benjamin [were]":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the focus of the verse: the direct male descendants of Benjamin. It signals the beginning of a list, emphasizing the continuity of the family line and Benjamin's contribution to the growing household of Jacob, which is destined to become a great nation.
* **"Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.":** This is a simple, declarative list of ten names. The inclusion of each name underscores the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which were crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and for tracing the lineage of the covenant promises. Each name represents a distinct individual who would become a progenitor of a clan within the future tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the foundational importance of this migration for the formation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:21 is **Enumeration** (or **Cataloging**). This technique involves the systematic listing of names, places, or items, serving to provide detailed information and establish a comprehensive record. In this context, the enumeration of Benjamin's sons emphasizes the growth and specific composition of Jacob's family as they enter Egypt, reinforcing the idea of a burgeoning nation. It lends an air of historical authenticity and precision to the narrative. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Repetition** of the conjunction "and" (polysyndeton) between each name, which creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, drawing attention to each individual name and underscoring the completeness of the list. This stylistic choice reinforces the meticulous nature of the record and the importance of each individual in the collective family unit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed listing of Benjamin's sons in Genesis 46:21 is far more than a mere historical record; it is a profound testament to God's active involvement in the lives of individuals and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It signifies the tangible growth of the covenant family, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would multiply and become a great nation. This verse, therefore, undergirds the themes of divine preservation, the importance of lineage in God's plan, and the foundational identity of Israel as a chosen people.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham of a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "The Promise of Countless Descendants to Abraham")
* [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "The Multiplication of Israel in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:21, though a simple list of names, invites profound reflection on God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness. It reminds us that God's grand redemptive plan often unfolds through the seemingly ordinary lives of individuals and families. Just as He knew and preserved each son of Benjamin, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line, He knows and cares for each one of us, weaving our lives into His greater narrative. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign providence, recognizing that even in times of crisis or transition (like the famine and migration to Egypt), His purposes are being advanced. It also highlights the importance of our own spiritual lineage and the legacy of faith we are called to uphold and pass on, recognizing that we are part of a continuous story of God's work across generations. Our individual lives, like those listed here, have significance in God's design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, such as the list of Benjamin's sons, affirm God's personal knowledge and care for each individual?**
* **In what ways can we see God's providence at work in our own lives, even in seemingly ordinary or difficult circumstances, mirroring His preservation of Jacob's family?**
* **What legacy of faith are you building and passing on, recognizing that you are part of a continuous spiritual lineage connected to God's ongoing work in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prominent in the Bible, especially in books like Genesis?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several interwoven reasons. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations and connecting the past to the present and future. They define tribal and family identity, which was essential for land inheritance, social structure, and religious roles in ancient Israel. Most importantly, they meticulously trace the lineage through which God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of a Messiah, would be fulfilled, culminating in Jesus Christ. For instance, the genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") serve this ultimate purpose.

**Did Benjamin have only ten sons, or is this list representative?**

Answer: Genesis 46:21 lists ten sons who accompanied Jacob to Egypt. However, other biblical passages, such as the census in [Numbers 26:38-41](/numbers/26-38-41 "The Census of Benjamin's Descendants") and the more extensive genealogical records in [1 Chronicles 7:6-12](/1_chronicles/7-6-12 "Benjamin's Descendants in 1 Chronicles 7"), provide slightly different or expanded lists of Benjamin's descendants, sometimes including grandsons or later tribal divisions. The list in Genesis 46 focuses specifically on the direct sons who were part of the immediate migration to Egypt, serving as the foundational progenitors of the tribe at that pivotal moment in redemptive history.

**What is the significance of Benjamin being Jacob's youngest son?**

Answer: Benjamin's status as the youngest, and the only son born to Jacob in Canaan after his return, holds deep emotional significance for Jacob. He was the last son of Jacob's beloved wife Rachel, making him particularly cherished, especially after the presumed death of his full brother, Joseph. This special status is evident in Jacob's initial reluctance to let him go to Egypt ([Genesis 42:38](/genesis/42-38 "Jacob's reluctance to send Benjamin to Egypt")) and Joseph's preferential treatment of him ([Genesis 43:34](/genesis/43-34 "Joseph's preferential treatment of Benjamin")). This highlights themes of family dynamics, divine protection, and the unfolding of God's plan through seemingly unlikely or vulnerable individuals, demonstrating that God's favor is not always tied to birth order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of Benjamin's sons in Genesis 46:21, as part of the broader census of Jacob's family entering Egypt, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would come. The establishment and growth of the tribes of Israel, founded upon these very individuals, ensured the continuity of the covenant line that would eventually lead to Jesus Christ. While Benjamin's tribe did not directly produce the Messiah (that lineage came through Judah, as foretold in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "The Scepter shall not depart from Judah")), its preservation was vital for the integrity of the twelve tribes, which collectively formed the nation destined to bring forth the Savior. Christ, as the "**Son of God's right hand**" (a symbolic meaning of Benjamin's name), is the true heir of the divine promises, bringing ultimate fortune and salvation to all who believe. He gathers a new, spiritual Israel, not defined by physical lineage alone, but by faith in Him, fulfilling the promise of a people from every tribe and nation, as seen in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "A Multitude from Every Nation Worships God and the Lamb"). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant faithfulness, the one through whom all the families of the earth are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise to Abraham and His 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

1 Chronicles 7:6

[The sons] of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.

1 Chronicles 7:12

Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, [and] Hushim, the sons of Aher.

Genesis 49:27

Benjamin shall ravin [as] a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

Numbers 1:36

Of the children of Benjamin, 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 1:37

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Benjamin, [were] thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

1 Chronicles 8:1

¶ Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,

1 Chronicles 8:7

And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahihud.