Genesis 46:9

KJV

And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Reuben {H7205}; Hanoch {H2585}, and Phallu {H6396}, and Hezron {H2696}, and Carmi {H3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the sons of Re'uven - Hanokh, Pallu, Hetzron and Karmi.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Reuben: Hanoch, and Pallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 46:9](/genesis/46-9 "The sons of Reuben listed in Jacob's journey to Egypt") meticulously lists the four sons of Reuben—Hanoch, Phallu, Hezron, and Carmi—as part of the larger census of Jacob's household journeying from Canaan to Egypt. This seemingly simple genealogical entry is crucial, documenting the foundational members of the nascent nation of Israel whose migration to Egypt, totaling seventy individuals, was a pivotal step in God's plan for their growth and eventual deliverance.

### CONTEXT
This verse is embedded within a significant passage, [Genesis 46:8-27](/genesis/46-8 "The list of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt"), which meticulously records the names of every person in Jacob's immediate family who accompanied him to Egypt. This detailed record-keeping underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Reuben, despite his earlier transgression ([Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Reuben's sin with Bilhah") and [Genesis 49:4](/genesis/49-4 "Jacob's prophecy about Reuben")) which cost him his birthright, still holds a prominent place as the firstborn, and his descendants will form one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The journey to Egypt was not a random event but a divinely orchestrated move to preserve Jacob's family during a severe famine, setting the stage for their multiplication into a nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 46:9](/genesis/46-9 "The sons of Reuben") precisely names Hanoch, Phallu, Hezron, and Carmi as the four sons of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn. This enumeration is more than a mere list; it is a foundational record for the emerging nation of Israel, detailing the progenitors of the major clans within the tribe of Reuben. The careful preservation of these names highlights the personal identity and historical continuity vital to the biblical narrative, ensuring the integrity of the tribal structures that would later define Israel.

The names themselves carry specific meanings in Hebrew, reflecting common naming conventions of the era. For instance, *Hanoch* (חנוך) means "dedicated" or "initiated," and *Carmi* (כרמי) means "my vineyard." While these meanings are not deeply symbolic in this immediate context, their preservation underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record.

The significance of this verse, and the broader genealogical list in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "The entire chapter of Genesis 46"), can be understood through several key points:

* **Genealogical Foundation:** The primary purpose of this verse is to establish the precise genealogical record of the emerging nation of Israel. These four sons are the direct ancestors of the major clans within the tribe of Reuben, as later detailed in passages like [Numbers 26:5](/numbers/26-5 "Census of Reuben's descendants in Numbers 26:5") and [Numbers 26:6](/numbers/26-6 "Census of Reuben's descendants in Numbers 26:6"). This meticulous tracing of lineage was crucial for tribal identity and the future distribution of land in Canaan.
* **Divine Faithfulness:** The careful listing of each family member, including Reuben's sons, highlights God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving and multiplying Jacob's family. This act directly fulfills His ancient promise to Abraham to make him a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation")). Even in a time of crisis and relocation, God's plan for His chosen people remains steadfast and precise.
* **Preparation for Nationhood:** The journey to Egypt, with this specific family unit, is a preparatory step for the Israelites' growth into a numerous people before their exodus. The preservation and documentation of this lineage were crucial for maintaining tribal distinctions and ensuring the fulfillment of God's promises regarding their return to and inheritance of the land of Canaan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Meticulous Providence:** The detailed listing of names, even in seemingly minor verses, demonstrates God's meticulous attention to every detail of His redemptive plan, ensuring the preservation of the covenant line.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** This verse is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham")) and Jacob, ensuring the growth and preservation of their descendants into a great nation.
* **Significance of Lineage in Salvation History:** The emphasis on genealogies throughout the Bible, exemplified here, underscores their vital role in tracing the lineage through which God's redemptive purposes would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah.
* **Preservation Amidst Adversity:** The journey to Egypt, born out of famine, highlights God's sovereign hand in preserving His chosen people even through challenging circumstances, preparing them for future growth and deliverance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 46:9](/genesis/46-9 "The sons of Reuben") might appear as a simple genealogical listing, yet it profoundly reminds us that every individual, and even seemingly mundane details, play a significant part in God's grand, unfolding redemptive history. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people across generations and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when circumstances seem dire or the path unclear. For us today, this encourages profound faith in God's long-term purposes, His attention to every detail of our lives, and the assurance that His ultimate plan will prevail, often through the preservation and growth of seemingly small beginnings.

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes: they establish historical continuity, confirm land rights and tribal identities, demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people, and most importantly, they trace the lineage through which the Messiah would come, validating His identity and fulfillment of prophecy.

**What is the significance of Reuben's sons being listed first?**

Answer: As Jacob's firstborn, Reuben's lineage is naturally listed first in the census of Jacob's household. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of primogeniture, where the firstborn son held a position of prominence, even if, as in Reuben's case, he later lost his birthright privileges due to sin. His descendants would still form a distinct and recognized tribe of Israel.

**Does this list imply that only 70 people went to Egypt?**

Answer: The number seventy ([Genesis 46:27](/genesis/46-27 "The total number of Jacob's household entering Egypt")) refers to the direct descendants of Jacob who entered Egypt, primarily the heads of families and their immediate children. It does not include their wives (except for Jacob's daughter Dinah) or any servants, extended family, or livestock. Therefore, the actual number of people accompanying Jacob would have been considerably larger, but the biblical focus is on the covenant family line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of Israel's lineage, exemplified by lists like [Genesis 46:9](/genesis/46-9 "The sons of Reuben listed in Jacob's journey to Egypt"), underscores God's sovereign plan to bring forth the promised Seed, Jesus Christ. This specific family unit, preserved and multiplied in Egypt, forms the very nation from which the Messiah would eventually emerge. The integrity of these genealogies, culminating in the tribes of Judah and Levi, ensures the authenticity of Christ's human lineage as prophesied, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His redemptive covenant from Abraham to the Incarnation. Every name listed is a thread in the tapestry of salvation history, leading ultimately to the one who would fulfill all promises.

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.