Genesis 46:23

KJV

And the sons of Dan; Hushim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Dan {H1835}; Hushim {H2366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Dan: Hushim.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Dan: Hushim.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Dan: Hushim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:23 concisely records Hushim as the sole "son" of Dan among Jacob's descendants who journeyed into Egypt. This brief entry is part of a detailed census enumerating the seventy souls of Israel's nascent nation, highlighting God's meticulous preservation of His covenant people and the foundational lineage from which the twelve tribes would emerge.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within a comprehensive genealogical record in [Genesis 46:8-27](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/46 "The List of Jacob's Descendants Entering Egypt"), detailing every member of Jacob's household who accompanied him to Egypt. This crucial migration, orchestrated by divine providence through Joseph, was essential for the preservation and future growth of the fledgling nation of Israel, ensuring the fulfillment of [God's covenant promises to Abraham](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham to Make a Great Nation") regarding his numerous descendants. Each name, including [Hushim](/genesis/46-23 "Hushim, Son of Dan"), contributes to the meticulous account of the tribal origins from which the future nation would spring.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 46:23](/genesis/46-23 "The Son of Dan") simply states, "And the sons of Dan; Hushim." This brevity is striking, as Dan is listed with only one "son" compared to the multiple offspring attributed to other patriarchs in this census. The name "**Hushim**" (חֻשִׁים - *Ḥushim*) is particularly noteworthy. While it is presented here as a singular individual, its form in Hebrew is plural. This has led many scholars to suggest that "Hushim" likely refers not to a single direct son, but rather to a clan or family group representing Dan's immediate household as they entered Egypt. This interpretation is supported by the Septuagint translation, which renders the name in a plural sense. Furthermore, later censuses, such as [Numbers 26:42](/numbers/26-42 "The Descendants of Dan in Numbers"), list Dan's son as "Shuham," leading to the belief that "Hushim" and "Shuham" may refer to the same individual or, more plausibly, that "Hushim" represents the collective descendants of Shuham, or a broader family unit. Regardless, the inclusion of Hushim underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record, ensuring that every family unit contributing to the formation of Israel is accounted for, no matter how small its initial representation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Faithfulness and Providence:** The detailed listing of each family member, even those briefly mentioned, underscores God's meticulous oversight in preserving and growing the family of Jacob into a great nation, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises despite seemingly small or humble beginnings.
* **Lineage and Identity:** Genealogies were fundamental in ancient Israel for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and a sense of continuity with the covenant promises. This verse solidifies the lineage of the tribe of Dan within the larger tapestry of Israel's twelve tribes.
* **God's Work from Small Beginnings:** While the tribe of Dan would later become a significant and numerous tribe in Israel, at this foundational moment, only one individual or family unit is recorded for him. This highlights God's power to build a mighty nation from humble, individual family units, demonstrating His ability to multiply and bless.
* **Significance of Every Individual:** The inclusion of even a single name like Hushim emphasizes that every person, no matter how briefly mentioned in the biblical narrative, is significant in God's overarching plan and contributes to the larger story of salvation history.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even a concise genealogical entry like [Genesis 46:23](/genesis/46-23 "The Significance of Hushim") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's meticulous attention extends to every individual, affirming our personal significance within His grand redemptive narrative. Just as God built a powerful tribe from Dan's seemingly small beginning, we are encouraged not to despise humble origins in our own lives or ministries, trusting that God can accomplish great things through seemingly insignificant starts. Furthermore, understanding our spiritual heritage within God's family story provides a vital sense of belonging, purpose, and continuity with His eternal plan.

### FAQ
**Why is only one "son" listed for Dan, and what does "Hushim" mean?**

Answer: The listing of only one "son," Hushim, for Dan in [Genesis 46:23](/genesis/46-23 "Hushim's Uniqueness") is unique among Jacob's sons in this census. The name "Hushim" (חֻשִׁים) is a plural form in Hebrew, suggesting it might refer to a clan or family group rather than a single individual. This interpretation explains why only one name is given for Dan, representing his immediate family unit or the initial descendants of his true son, Shuham (as listed in [Numbers 26:42](/numbers/26-42 "Shuham, Son of Dan")), as they entered Egypt. It highlights the biblical record's focus on the foundational units of the tribes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of each individual, including Hushim, in the lineage of Israel, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, which ultimately find their fulfillment in Christ. The preservation of this specific family line, from Abraham through Jacob's sons, was essential for the eventual advent of the Messiah. Every name in this genealogy, no matter how brief, contributes to the unfolding tapestry of salvation history, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding His people towards the coming of the Seed who would bless all nations. Christ, as the ultimate Son of David and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, embodies the culmination of God's precise and providentially guided plan for humanity, ensuring that the promise made to Abraham, and meticulously preserved through generations like Dan's, would be realized in His person and work.

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.