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 serves as a precise genealogical entry, listing the four sons of Reuben—Hanoch, Phallu, Hezron, and Carmi—as part of the comprehensive census of Jacob's household journeying from Canaan to Egypt. This seemingly straightforward enumeration is profoundly significant, documenting the foundational members of the nascent nation of Israel whose migration, totaling seventy individuals, was a pivotal, divinely orchestrated step in God's unfolding plan for their growth, preservation, and eventual deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a crucial genealogical passage in [Genesis 46:8-27](/genesis/46-8-27 "The comprehensive list of Jacob's descendants entering Egypt"), which meticulously enumerates every individual of Jacob's immediate family who accompanied him into Egypt. This detailed record-keeping underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage, tribal identity, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to multiply Abraham's descendants into a great nation. The listing of Reuben's sons first, despite Reuben's earlier moral failures and loss of primogeniture ([Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Reuben's transgression with Bilhah") and [Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Jacob's prophecy concerning Reuben's instability")), highlights his continued status as the firstborn and the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The entire chapter sets the stage for the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, a period of significant growth before the Exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were not merely historical records but vital documents that established identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliations, and social standing. They provided a framework for understanding communal relationships and the continuity of a people. Jacob's migration to Egypt, occurring during a severe famine ([Genesis 45:6](/genesis/45-6 "Seven years of famine")), was a common survival strategy in the region. The welcoming reception by Pharaoh, influenced by Joseph's high position ([Genesis 45:16-20](/genesis/45-16-20 "Pharaoh's welcome to Jacob's family")), ensured the family's survival and provided a fertile environment in Goshen for their multiplication. This move was not random but a direct fulfillment of God's earlier prophecy to Abraham concerning his descendants sojourning in a foreign land ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's prophecy of Israel's bondage and deliverance")).
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46:9 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Faithfulness** to the covenant promises, particularly God's pledge to make Abraham's descendants into a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation")). The meticulous listing demonstrates God's **Meticulous Providence**, showing His active involvement in preserving the covenant line even in times of crisis. It also highlights the **Significance of Lineage** in salvation history, as these individuals are the progenitors of the tribes through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah. The journey to Egypt, documented here, is a crucial step in the **Formation of Israel as a Nation**, preparing them for their eventual exodus and inheritance of the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term signifies not merely offspring but also one who builds or continues the family name and legacy. In this context, it refers to the direct male descendants of Reuben, who are foundational to the emerging tribal structure of Israel, destined to become the progenitors of distinct clans within the larger nation.
* **Reuben (Hebrew, _Rᵉʼûwbên'_):** Meaning "see ye a son," this name was given by Leah, reflecting her hope for Jacob's love ([Genesis 29:32](/genesis/29-32 "Leah names Reuben")). As Jacob's firstborn, Reuben's lineage holds a significant, albeit complex, position within the tribal hierarchy, despite his later loss of primogeniture. His sons represent the continuation of his line, foundational to one of the twelve tribes.
* **Phallu (Hebrew, _Pallûwʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "distinguished," this name identifies one of Reuben's four sons. While the specific reason for this name is not given in the text, its meaning hints at a sense of prominence or uniqueness, perhaps reflecting a hope or characteristic associated with this foundational figure of the tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Reuben;":** This introductory clause establishes the immediate familial context, identifying the individuals to follow as the direct male descendants of Jacob's firstborn son, Reuben. It sets the stage for the specific enumeration of the next generation within this particular tribal line.
* **"Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.":** This clause provides the precise enumeration of Reuben's four sons. These names are not merely historical data but serve as the foundational progenitors of the major clans within the tribe of Reuben, as later detailed in passages like [Numbers 26:5-6](/numbers/26-5-6 "Census of Reuben's descendants in Numbers 26"). This meticulous listing underscores the importance of lineage for tribal identity and the future distribution of land in Canaan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 46:9 is **Enumeration**, a straightforward listing of names or items. This technique is common in biblical genealogies and serves to provide a precise, verifiable record of lineage. Beyond simple listing, this enumeration functions as a **Genealogy**, establishing the family tree and tribal structure of Israel. It also subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, as these listed individuals are the progenitors of the future nation of Israel, hinting at the vast multiplication and tribal organization that will occur in Egypt and beyond. The meticulous detail reflects the biblical emphasis on historical accuracy and the divine preservation of the covenant line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:9, though a brief genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous providence and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The careful listing of each family member demonstrates God's attention to every detail of His redemptive plan, ensuring the preservation and growth of the covenant line through which His purposes would unfold. This verse is a tangible testament to God's commitment to multiply Jacob's descendants into a great nation, as promised to Abraham.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation"): God's foundational promise to Abraham to make him a great nation is progressively fulfilled through the detailed growth of his descendants, as seen in this census.
* [Numbers 26:5-6](/numbers/26-5-6 "Census of Reuben's descendants"): This later census confirms the growth and continuation of the clans descended from Reuben's sons, demonstrating the long-term impact of the individuals listed in Genesis 46:9.
* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "God's choice of Israel based on love and covenant"): The preservation of this relatively small family unit, leading to a great nation, exemplifies God's sovereign choice and covenant faithfulness, not based on their numbers, but on His steadfast love.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:9, while a simple list of names, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God's grand narrative of redemption is built upon countless individual lives, each playing a vital, though sometimes seemingly small, role in His overarching plan. This verse speaks to God's meticulous care for His people across generations and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when circumstances appear dire or the path unclear. For us today, this encourages a deep trust 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. It invites us to consider how our own lives, seemingly ordinary, contribute to God's ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like this one, deepen your understanding of God's providence and attention to detail in His redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways does this verse, part of a family's journey into a foreign land, speak to God's faithfulness in preserving His people through challenging or uncertain circumstances?**
* **How might recognizing your own place within God's larger story, even in seemingly small ways, inspire you to live with greater purpose and trust?**

### 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. They provide the backbone for understanding God's unfolding plan of salvation.

**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 in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "The entire chapter of Genesis 46"). This reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of primogeniture, where the firstborn son held a position of prominence and received a double portion of the inheritance. Even though Reuben later lost his birthright privileges due to his sin with Bilhah ([Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Reuben's sin with Bilhah")), his descendants would still form a distinct and recognized tribe of Israel, and his position as firstborn is acknowledged in this foundational listing.

**Does this list imply that only 70 people went to Egypt?**
Answer: The number seventy, as stated in [Genesis 46:27](/genesis/46-27 "The total number of Jacob's household entering Egypt"), refers specifically to the direct descendants of Jacob who entered Egypt, primarily the heads of families and their immediate children. This count typically excludes their wives (except for Jacob's daughter Dinah, who is explicitly mentioned) and any servants, extended family members, or vast livestock. Therefore, the actual number of people accompanying Jacob would have been considerably larger, but the biblical focus is on the covenant family line, emphasizing the foundational group from whom the nation of Israel would grow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of Israel's lineage, exemplified by lists like Genesis 46:9, profoundly 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 in passages such as [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The genealogy of Jesus Christ"). God's faithfulness to His redemptive covenant, from Abraham to the Incarnation, is meticulously traced through these very names. Every individual listed, including Reuben's sons, is a thread in the intricate tapestry of salvation history, leading ultimately to the one who would fulfill all promises and redeem humanity, 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.