What does Genesis 46:21 mean?
"¶ And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard." - Genesis 46:21

Genesis 46:21 in the King James Version states, "And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard."
This verse is part of the genealogical record of the descendants of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. In this specific verse, Jacob's son Benjamin is listed along with his ten sons. This genealogy is included in the Bible to document the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation. It also serves to establish the lineage of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's offspring.
The book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible and is of great importance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is a historical account of the creation of the world, the fall of humanity into sin, the flood, and the establishment of the nation of Israel through the covenant God made with Abraham. In the broader context of Genesis 46, Jacob and his family are moving to Egypt to escape a famine in the land of Canaan. This migration to Egypt sets the stage for the enslavement and eventual liberation of the Israelites.
In this particular verse, the listing of Benjamin's sons serves to document the fulfillment of God's promise to make his descendants numerous (Genesis 35:18). It also provides a record of the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, which would later play a significant role in the history of Israel. The naming of Benjamin's sons serves as a historical record, but it also holds symbolic and theological significance.
The names of Benjamin's sons have specific meanings that can provide insight into their significance in the biblical narrative. Belah means "devourer" or "destruction," which could symbolize the fierce nature of the tribe of Benjamin in battle. Becher means "firstborn," indicating the prominence of this son among the brothers. Ashbel means "a supplicant," Gera means "grain," Naaman means "pleasantness," Ehi means "my brother," Rosh means "head," Muppim means "waters," Huppim means "coverings," and Ard means "fugitive" or "wild ass." Each of these names adds depth and complexity to the character of the tribe of Benjamin and foreshadows their role in the history of Israel.
The significance of this verse can also be understood in light of the broader themes of the book of Genesis and the Bible as a whole. The genealogies in the Bible serve to connect the present with the past and future, demonstrating the continuity of God's plan throughout history. They also highlight the importance of lineage and heritage in God's redemptive work. The specific naming of Benjamin's sons in this verse emphasizes the individuality and distinctiveness of each person in God's plan, as well as the interconnectedness of all the tribes of Israel.
In conclusion, Genesis 46:21 is a verse that may seem like a simple genealogical record, but it holds deep theological and symbolic significance within the broader narrative of the Bible. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to Abraham and his descendants, establishes the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, and symbolizes the individuality and interconnectedness of the people in God's redemptive plan. This verse reminds readers of the importance of family, heritage, and the continuity of God's plan throughout history.
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Genesis 46:21 - "¶ And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard."
"¶ And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard." - Genesis 46:21
Mathew:21:33-46
Genesis 46:23 - "¶ And the sons of Dan; Hushim."
Genesis 24-46
Genesis 46:9 - "And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi."
Genesis 46:11 - "¶ And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari."
Genesis 46:14 - "¶ And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel."
Genesis 46:24 - "¶ And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem."
Genesis 46:13 - "¶ And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron."
Genesis 46:19 - "The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin."
Genesis 46:22 - "These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen."
Matthew 21:46 - "But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet."
"¶ And the sons of Dan; Hushim." - Genesis 46:23
Genesis 46:16 - "¶ And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli."
"¶ And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron." - Genesis 46:13
"¶ And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem." - Genesis 46:24
"The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin." - Genesis 46:19
Genesis 46:2 - "And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I."
Genesis 46:10 - "¶ And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman."
"¶ And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." - Genesis 46:11
"¶ And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel." - Genesis 46:14
Genesis 46:18 - "These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls."
Genesis 46:28 - "¶ And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen."
Genesis 31:46 - "And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap."
Genesis 46:8 - "¶ And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn."
Genesis 46:17 - "¶ And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel."
Genesis 46:32 - "And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have."
Genesis 46:33 - "And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?"
Genesis 21-21