What does Genesis 46:27 mean?
"And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten." - Genesis 46:27
Genesis 46:27 (KJV) says, "And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten."
This verse comes in the midst of the story of Jacob and his family. After Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and invites them to join him in Egypt, Jacob and his entire household make the journey to Egypt. The significance of this verse lies in its enumeration of the members of Jacob's family who made the move to Egypt.
One of the main themes of this verse is the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob. God had promised Jacob's grandfather, Abraham, that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). This promise was reiterated to Jacob in Genesis 28:14. In Genesis 46:27, we see the initial fulfillment of this promise as Jacob's family has grown to a total of seventy individuals. This number would eventually multiply over the years, fulfilling God's promise in an even greater way.
Another theme that can be drawn from this verse is the idea of family unity and heritage. The verse specifies that these were the "souls of the house of Jacob" who came into Egypt. This emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the preservation of heritage. These seventy individuals were not just a random collection of people; they were all descendants of Jacob, and their unity as a family was critical in preserving their identity and heritage as the people of God.
The verse also carries with it a sense of transition and change. The move to Egypt was a significant event in the history of the people of Israel. It marked a new chapter in their story, as they left behind the land of Canaan and settled in a foreign land. This transition would ultimately lead to the fulfillment of God's plan for their nation, as they would eventually be led out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.
From a historical context, this verse is significant as it marks the beginning of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt. This period of time would be crucial in shaping the identity and faith of the nation of Israel. It was during their time in Egypt that the Israelites would grow into a great nation, experience oppression and slavery, and ultimately be delivered by God through the leadership of Moses.
In terms of symbolism, the number seventy holds significance in the biblical narrative. In Jewish tradition, the number seventy symbolizes completeness and perfection. The seventy descendants of Jacob represent the completeness of his family and the fulfillment of God's promise to him. Additionally, the move to Egypt and the subsequent growth of the Israelites symbolize the faithfulness of God in preserving and multiplying his chosen people.
In conclusion, Genesis 46:27 is a verse that carries deep theological, historical, and symbolic significance. It marks the fulfillment of God's promise, underscores the importance of family heritage, and symbolizes the transition of the Israelites into a new chapter of their story. As we delve into the broader context of this verse and its implications, we gain a deeper understanding of the faithfulness of God and the shaping of the nation of Israel.
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Genesis 46:27 - "And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten."
"And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten." - Genesis 46:27
Genesis 27:46 - "And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?"
Matthew 27:46
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 27:46 KJV And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?
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."
"¶ 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."
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 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."