Genesis 46:8

KJV

And these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the names {H8034} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, which came {H935} into Egypt {H4714}, Jacob {H3290} and his sons {H1121}: Reuben {H7205}, Jacob's {H3290} firstborn {H1060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the names of Isra'el's children who came into Egypt, Ya'akov and his sons: Re'uven Ya'akov's firstborn;

Berean Standard Bible

Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.

American Standard Version

And these are the names of the children of Israel, who came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s first-born.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:8 initiates the detailed genealogical record of Jacob's household, now identified as Israel, as they journey into Egypt. This verse specifically introduces Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son, commencing the enumeration of the family members who would collectively form the nascent nation of Israel. This migration, divinely orchestrated, represents a crucial step in the unfolding of God's covenant plan and redemptive history, ensuring the preservation and growth of the chosen lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal transition in the narrative of Genesis. It immediately follows the emotional reunion of Jacob and Joseph in Egypt, detailed in [Genesis 45](/genesis/45 "Genesis 45 - Joseph Reveals Himself"). Having received Pharaoh's generous invitation to settle in the fertile land of Goshen ([Genesis 45:10](/genesis/45-10 "Pharaoh's Invitation to Settle in Goshen")), Jacob and his entire household are now making the journey from Canaan. Chapter 46 then meticulously lists all the individuals who accompanied Jacob into Egypt, emphasizing the scale of this migration and setting the stage for the growth of Israel into a nation, which is further elaborated in [Genesis 47](/genesis/47 "Genesis 47 - Jacob's Family in Egypt"). This detailed census underscores the importance of lineage and identity within the biblical narrative, serving as a foundational record for the subsequent history of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The migration of Jacob's family to Egypt occurred during a severe regional famine, a common and devastating natural disaster in the ancient Near East. Egypt, with its reliance on the Nile River, often served as a granary for the surrounding regions, making it a natural refuge during such crises. The meticulous recording of names and genealogies was a widespread practice in ancient cultures, serving to establish lineage, inheritance rights, social status, and national identity. For the Israelites, these records were particularly vital as they traced the fulfillment of divine promises through specific family lines. The hospitality extended by Pharaoh to Joseph's family, though exceptional, reflects the power dynamics and diplomatic relations that could exist between rulers and foreign dignitaries in that era, often driven by mutual benefit or respect.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding Jacob's family to Egypt, not merely as a response to famine but as a necessary step for their growth into a great nation, as prophesied to Abraham in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham, Prophecy of Egyptian Sojourn"). Secondly, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**, particularly the promise that Abraham's descendants would multiply and become a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")). The detailed enumeration of individuals signifies the nascent stage of this nation-building. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Preservation of Lineage**, meticulously tracking the family through whom God's redemptive plan, including the eventual coming of the Messiah, would unfold. The naming of "Israel" for Jacob's family also reinforces the theme of **Corporate Identity** as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:8 states: "And these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn."

This verse serves as the formal introduction to the comprehensive list of Jacob's descendants who accompanied him into Egypt. It is more than a mere roster; it is a foundational document for the emerging nation of Israel, meticulously detailing the lineage that would carry God's covenant promises.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **names (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this word signifies more than just an appellation; it represents a mark or memorial of individuality, implying honor, authority, and character. In this context, the listing of "names" emphasizes the distinct identity and significance of each person within the collective, highlighting God's personal attention to the individuals who constitute His chosen people and the importance of their lineage.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this term broadly refers to a son, often viewed as a "builder of the family name." Here, "children of Israel" (literally "sons of Israel") emphasizes their collective identity as descendants of Jacob, forming a unified family unit that is foundational to the future nation. It speaks to both literal offspring and the broader concept of familial and national relationship, underscoring the continuity of the covenant through generations.
* **firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr'_):** From H1060, this term denotes the "firstborn," and by extension, the "chief" or "eldest." Reuben's explicit identification as "Jacob's firstborn" highlights his traditional position of prominence and leadership within the patriarchal family structure. While Reuben later lost the privileges of the firstborn, his initial mention here establishes the customary order of enumeration and underscores the importance of birth order in ancient genealogies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the names of the children of Israel":** This opening phrase formally introduces a detailed enumeration, signaling the commencement of a significant genealogical record. The phrase "children of Israel" (Hebrew: *B'nei Yisra'el*) emphasizes their collective identity as the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel after his transformative encounter with God ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob's Name Change to Israel")). This collective name signifies their unique, covenantal relationship with God as His chosen people, heirs to His promises, and the nascent form of a distinct nation.
* **"which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons":** This clause clarifies the specific context and purpose of the list – to document those who migrated from Canaan into Egypt. It reiterates that Jacob, the patriarch, is the head of this family unit, and his sons are the progenitors of the twelve tribes. Their entry into Egypt, though prompted by severe famine, is presented as a divinely orchestrated movement, setting the stage for their growth into a multitude and eventual Exodus, fulfilling God's earlier prophecies.
* **"Reuben, Jacob's firstborn":** The specific mention of Reuben first is significant, as he was the eldest son of Jacob and Leah. As the firstborn, Reuben traditionally held a position of preeminence, including a double portion of inheritance and leadership among his brothers. His explicit identification here begins the enumeration in a customary order, establishing the lineage from the eldest, despite his later loss of the birthright due to his transgression ([Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Reuben's Transgression") and [Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Jacob's Prophecy About Reuben")). This detail underscores the importance of patriarchal order and the meticulous record-keeping inherent in the biblical narrative, which tracks the unfolding of God's promises through specific family lines.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:8 is **Enumeration**, as the verse serves as the introduction to a detailed list of individuals. This specific form of enumeration functions as a **Genealogy**, meticulously recording the lineage of Jacob's family. The precise naming of individuals, starting with "Reuben, Jacob's firstborn," employs **Emphasis** to highlight the importance of birth order and the structured nature of the family unit. The act of listing itself also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future growth of this family into a numerous nation, a key component of God's covenant promises. The careful record-keeping throughout this passage underscores the divine attention to detail in the unfolding of redemptive history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The entry of Jacob's family into Egypt, meticulously documented in Genesis 46, is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over history. This migration, seemingly a desperate measure against famine, was in fact a divinely orchestrated step in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was in Egypt that this small family would multiply into a great nation, preserved and prepared for their eventual Exodus and the reception of the Law. The detailed census underscores that every individual within God's plan matters, and His purposes are meticulously brought to fruition through specific people and lineages, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive narrative.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham to Make a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Prophecy of Israel's Sojourn in Egypt")
* [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "The Multiplication of Israel in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers a powerful reminder that even in moments of profound uncertainty, hardship, or forced relocation, God is actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His sovereign purposes. Jacob's family was not merely fleeing famine; they were being divinely positioned for a crucial stage in their development as a nation. The detailed record-keeping reflects God's intimate care and attention to every individual life within His larger, overarching plan for humanity. For us today, this encourages profound trust in God's providence, knowing that He orchestrates events for the ultimate good of His people, even when circumstances seem dire or when our path is unclear. It invites us to consider how our own lives, seemingly ordinary, are woven into God's grand tapestry of redemption, and how our faithfulness, like that of Jacob's family, contributes to His unfolding story. The growth of Jacob's family into a multitude in Egypt ([Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "The Growth of Israel in Egypt")) is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, assuring us that His plans will always come to fruition, often in ways we cannot initially perceive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed listing of Jacob's family members encourage you about God's personal care for individuals within His larger plan?**
* **In what ways can you identify with Jacob's family, being led into an unfamiliar land (Egypt) during a time of crisis? How does this passage encourage you to trust God's providence in your own life's uncertainties?**
* **Considering that this family would become a great nation, how does this verse highlight the significance of small beginnings in God's redemptive work?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogies?**

Answer: Genealogies like the one introduced in [Genesis 46:8](/genesis/46-8 "The Names of Israel's Children Entering Egypt") serve several crucial purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, they establish the historical authenticity and continuity of the biblical account, demonstrating that these are real people and events, grounding the spiritual narrative in concrete history. Secondly, they meticulously trace the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of a great nation descending from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")). Thirdly, these lists are vital for preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, ensuring the continuity and integrity of God's redemptive plan from creation to Christ. They underscore God's faithfulness to His word across generations.

**What is the significance of Jacob being referred to as "Israel" here?**

Answer: Jacob's name was changed to Israel ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob's Name Change to Israel")) after he wrestled with God, signifying a new identity and a deeper, more profound covenant relationship. In [Genesis 46:8](/genesis/46-8 "The Names of Israel's Children Entering Egypt"), referring to "the children of Israel" emphasizes that this is not just Jacob's personal family but the nascent nation, the collective people chosen by God with whom He has made a special covenant. It highlights their corporate identity as God's covenant people, distinct and set apart for His purposes, marking the transition from a patriarchal family to a national entity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of Jacob's descendants entering Egypt, beginning with Reuben, profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, a commitment that finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This growing family, destined to become a great nation, was the very lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, as prophesied from the earliest chapters of Genesis ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium")). The preservation and multiplication of Israel in Egypt, despite hardship and eventual slavery, demonstrate God's sovereign hand guiding the redemptive story towards the birth of the Savior. Just as God meticulously tracked each member of Israel for His purposes, so too does He orchestrate all of history to bring about the salvation offered through Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ, the Seed of Abraham")) and the head of a new, spiritual Israel, the Church ([Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "The Israel of God")). Every name listed in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt") is a testament to the divine faithfulness that culminates in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in 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

Exodus 1:1

¶ Now these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.

Exodus 1:5

And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt [already].

1 Chronicles 2:1

¶ These [are] the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

1 Chronicles 2:55

And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, [and] Suchathites. These [are] the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.

Numbers 26:4

[Take the sum of the people], from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt.

Numbers 26:11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

Deuteronomy 33:6

¶ Let Reuben live, and not die; and let [not] his men be few.