Genesis 46:24

KJV

And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Naphtali {H5321}; Jahzeel {H3183}, and Guni {H1476}, and Jezer {H3337}, and Shillem {H8006}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Naftali: Yachtze'el, Guni, Yetzer and Shillem.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:24 meticulously records the four sons of Naphtali—Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem—as an integral part of the comprehensive genealogical record of Jacob's household journeying into Egypt. This seemingly simple enumeration underscores the divine precision and providential care with which God tracks the foundational members of the nascent nation of Israel, highlighting His unwavering commitment to the preservation and expansion of His covenant people in preparation for their future as a great nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 46 serves as a pivotal genealogical bridge within the larger narrative of Joseph and his family. Following Joseph's revelation to his brothers and Pharaoh's generous invitation for Jacob's family to settle in Goshen, this chapter meticulously lists every individual who descended into Egypt with Jacob. This detailed enumeration, including the sons of Naphtali in [Genesis 46:24](/genesis/46-24 "The Sons of Naphtali"), emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob to make him a great nation, even as they enter a foreign land ([Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's Promise to Jacob")). It sets the stage for the subsequent books of the Pentateuch, particularly Exodus, by establishing the precise number and composition of the family that would later grow into the twelve tribes of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The migration to Egypt was a critical historical event, driven by a severe famine that affected the entire region ([Genesis 45:16-20](/genesis/45-16-20 "Pharaoh's Invitation to Jacob's Family")). For a nomadic patriarchal family like Jacob's, such a move was monumental, signifying a reliance on divine guidance and the hospitality of a powerful foreign ruler. In the ancient Near East, genealogies were not merely historical records but vital documents that established identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. The meticulous listing of individuals, even seemingly minor ones like the sons of Naphtali, would have been culturally significant, validating their place within the family and, by extension, within the emerging nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt"), contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates God's **divine providence** and **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")). The detailed enumeration highlights the **formation of a nation** from a single family, a miraculous work orchestrated by God. Furthermore, it underscores the **importance of lineage and identity** in God's redemptive plan, as these individuals are the progenitors of the future tribes of Israel, who would ultimately inherit the Promised Land as described in [Joshua 19:32-39](/joshua/19-32-39 "The Inheritance of Naphtali").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term signifies not merely male offspring but also those who "build" or perpetuate the family name and lineage. In this context, it emphasizes the role of Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem as the foundational progenitors of future family lines within the tribe of Naphtali, directly contributing to the growth and establishment of the nation of Israel as promised by God.
* **Naphtali (Hebrew, _Naphtâlîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to wrestle" or "to struggle," this name was given by Rachel, who famously declared, "With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed" ([Genesis 30:8](/genesis/30-8 "Rachel Names Naphtali")). The inclusion of Naphtali's sons here marks the continuation of this lineage, reminding the reader of the struggles and triumphs that characterized the patriarchal period, all under God's sovereign hand.
* **Jahzeel (Hebrew, _Yachtsᵉʼêl'_):** Meaning "God will allot" or "God apportions," this name carries significant theological weight. It subtly points to the divine sovereignty over the lives and destinies of individuals. In the context of the family's migration to Egypt, it suggests that God is meticulously orchestrating their placement and future, ensuring that each member, even those seemingly minor, has a divinely appointed role in His grand plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Naphtali;":** This introductory clause identifies the patriarch whose immediate descendants are about to be listed. Naphtali, as one of Jacob's twelve sons, represents one of the foundational tribal lines of Israel. The phrase signals the continuation of the genealogical record, emphasizing the systematic enumeration of Jacob's entire household.
* **"Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.":** This is the direct listing of the four sons of Naphtali who accompanied Jacob into Egypt. These names are not merely historical markers but represent the progenitors of significant family clans within the future tribe of Naphtali, as later detailed in the census records of [Numbers 26:48-49](/numbers/26-48-49 "The Families of Naphtali"). Their inclusion highlights the meticulous attention to detail in the biblical record, affirming the historical reality of these foundational figures and their role in the formation of God's chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 46:24, and indeed throughout much of [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt"), is **Genealogy** or **Enumeration**. This meticulous listing of names serves not only as a historical record but also carries profound theological significance. The repetition of "and" (polysyndeton) before each name in the list creates a sense of completeness and deliberate accounting, emphasizing that every individual is known and counted in God's unfolding plan. Furthermore, the very act of listing names can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where each name, often carrying a specific meaning (as seen in the Key Word Analysis), contributes to a larger narrative of divine providence, struggle, and eventual blessing for the nascent nation of Israel. The inclusion of these specific names underscores the precision with which God oversees the development of His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:24, while a concise genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous providence in the formation of His people. The enumeration of Naphtali's sons, alongside the rest of Jacob's household, serves as tangible evidence that God is actively fulfilling His pledge to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation, even when faced with famine and migration. It underscores that every individual, no matter how seemingly minor, is known and purposed by God within His grand redemptive narrative, laying the groundwork for the tribal identity of Israel and the eventual lineage of the Messiah.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham to Make a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's Assurance to Jacob in Beersheba")
* [Numbers 26:48-49](/numbers/26-48-49 "The Families of Naphtali in the Wilderness Census")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:24, though a brief and seemingly dry list of names, offers profound spiritual nourishment for the contemporary believer. It reminds us that God is a God of intricate detail, who knows each of His people by name and precisely orchestrates their place within His unfolding story, from ancient patriarchs to believers today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, recognizing that even the seemingly small or insignificant aspects of our lives are meticulously woven into His grand design. It also underscores the enduring importance of heritage, family, and community within God's divine order, affirming that every individual contributes uniquely to the unfolding of His eternal purposes. Our lives, like those of Naphtali's sons, are part of a larger, divinely authored narrative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this one, deepen your trust in God's sovereignty over your own life?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God knows every individual by name and has a purpose for them within His larger plan?**
* **How can understanding the importance of lineage and family in the Bible influence your perspective on your own family and community?**
* **In what ways can you see God's faithfulness to His promises being fulfilled in your own life or in the lives of those around you?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies, like the one in Genesis 46:24, so important in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial for several reasons within the biblical narrative. They provide historical authenticity and continuity, demonstrating that biblical events are rooted in real people and real history, not mythology. They serve as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness, showing how His promises to multiply and bless a specific lineage, as seen in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Covenant with Abraham"), are meticulously fulfilled over generations. Furthermore, genealogies are vital for tracing the lineage of key figures, most significantly the Messiah, Jesus Christ, proving His rightful claim as the promised King and Savior. They underscore God's attention to detail and His sovereign control over human history, ensuring the precise fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 46:24 directly lists the sons of Naphtali as part of Jacob's household, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the broader narrative of God's meticulous preservation of a specific lineage through whom the Messiah would eventually come. These individuals, part of the seventy souls who entered Egypt, represent the embryonic stage of the nation of Israel, the very people from whom Christ would descend according to the flesh ([Romans 9:5](/romans/9-5 "Christ According to the Flesh")). The meticulous recording and preservation of this family line, even through trials, migrations, and periods of oppression, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which culminates in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The detailed genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "The Genealogy of Jesus") trace this very lineage back through Jacob and Abraham, demonstrating that Jesus is the ultimate heir to all the promises made to the patriarchs, fulfilling the covenant God established with His chosen people. Thus, this seemingly simple verse is a foundational stone in the grand architecture of salvation history, pointing to the coming of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 7:13

The sons of Naphtali; Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.

Numbers 1:15

Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan.

Genesis 35:25

And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:

1 Chronicles 2:2

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

1 Chronicles 12:34

And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.

Numbers 26:48

[Of] the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites:

Numbers 26:50

These [are] the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them [were] forty and five thousand and four hundred.