Genesis 46:22

KJV

These [are] the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls [were] fourteen.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the sons {H1121} of Rachel {H7354}, which were born {H3205} to Jacob {H3290}: all the souls {H5315} were fourteen {H702}{H6240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These were the children of Rachel who were born to Ya'akov - in sum, fourteen people.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the sons of Rachel born to Jacob—fourteen in all.

American Standard Version

These are the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:22 provides a specific numerical summary of the descendants of Rachel, one of Jacob's beloved wives, who accompanied him into Egypt. This verse is part of a larger genealogical record detailing all the "souls" or individuals that comprised Jacob's household when they migrated.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within [Genesis chapter 46](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/46 "The Journey to Egypt and the Listing of Jacob's Descendants"), which meticulously lists all the members of Jacob's family who traveled from Canaan to Egypt to reunite with Joseph and escape the severe famine. The chapter systematically enumerates the descendants of Jacob through his four wives—Leah, Zilpah, Bilhah, and Rachel—culminating in the grand total of seventy souls who entered Egypt ([Genesis 46:27](/genesis/46-27 "The Grand Total of Jacob's Household Entering Egypt")). Verse 22 specifically focuses on Rachel's direct line, highlighting her two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, and their respective children. Joseph, though already in Egypt, had two sons born there, Manasseh and Ephraim ([Genesis 41:50-52](/genesis/41-50 "Joseph's Sons Manasseh and Ephraim")), who are included in this count. Benjamin, born to Rachel on the journey to Ephrath ([Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "The Birth of Benjamin and Rachel's Death")), brought ten sons with him ([Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "The Sons of Benjamin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:22 states, "These [are] the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls [were] fourteen." This verse meticulously accounts for the descendants of Rachel who were part of Jacob's migration to Egypt. The term "souls" (Hebrew: *nephesh*, נֶפֶשׁ) in this context refers simply to "persons" or "individuals," emphasizing each living being counted within Jacob's direct family line.

The count of "fourteen" is a precise enumeration of Rachel's direct descendants who were part of the migration:
* Joseph (1)
* Benjamin (1)
* Joseph's two sons: Manasseh and Ephraim (2)
* Benjamin's ten sons (listed in [Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "The Sons of Benjamin")): Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard (10)

This totals 1 + 1 + 2 + 10 = 14 individuals. Although Rachel herself was deceased, her lineage is counted through her living descendants who accompanied Jacob into Egypt, illustrating the patriarchal method of tracking family lines through the male head of the household.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Fulfillment of God's Promise:** The detailed enumeration of Jacob's family, including Rachel's descendants, underscores the divine promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their offspring would become a great nation ([Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's Promise to Jacob to Make Him a Great Nation")). This migration to Egypt, orchestrated by God through Joseph, was a crucial step in the growth and preservation of the nascent Israelite nation.
* **Divine Providence:** The meticulous record-keeping demonstrates God's careful attention to His covenant people. Every individual counted was part of God's plan to preserve and multiply the family of Jacob, ultimately leading to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel.
* **Genealogical Significance:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were vital for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the overall narrative of God's work among His people. This verse contributes to the foundational history of the Israelite nation.
* **Rachel's Enduring Legacy:** Despite Rachel's early death, her lineage through Joseph, who became a powerful leader in Egypt, and Benjamin, the youngest and beloved son, played a significant role in the future of Israel, ensuring her lasting impact on the nation's history.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:22 reminds us of God's detailed care for His people and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises over generations. Just as God meticulously tracked and provided for Jacob's family during a time of crisis, He continues to oversee the lives of His followers today. It encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that He works through individuals and families to bring about His purposes. The emphasis on lineage also highlights the importance of family and heritage, and how each generation plays a part in God's unfolding story.

### FAQ
**Why is Rachel included in the count if she was already deceased?**

Answer: The verse does not imply Rachel herself was alive and present. Instead, it refers to "the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob," and then counts "all the souls" *from that lineage*. The count of fourteen refers to her direct descendants (Joseph and Benjamin) and their children who were part of the migration to Egypt. Genealogies often track lineage through a matriarch or patriarch even after their death, focusing on the continuity of their family line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogical record in Genesis 46:22, detailing the preservation and growth of Jacob's family, ultimately points towards the faithfulness of God in preparing the lineage from which the Messiah would come. This detailed accounting underscores God's commitment to His covenant promises, not only to make Abraham's descendants a great nation but also to bring forth the Seed who would bless all nations. The preservation of this specific family line, despite famine and migration, foreshadows God's sovereign hand in orchestrating history for the arrival of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises and the one through whom all of God's chosen people, from every tribe and nation, are gathered into His eternal family.

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.