Exodus 1:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 1:2 mean?

Exodus 1:2 lists the names of four of Jacob’s sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. This verse is part of a longer list naming the sons of Jacob who came to Egypt, setting the stage for the story of the Israelites in Egypt.

The book of Exodus begins by recalling the family of Jacob (also called Israel) who migrated to Egypt during a famine. These names are the heads of the tribes of Israel, and mentioning them here reminds readers of the family roots of the nation. This verse is not a teaching or command, but a record of ancestry that connects the story of Exodus to the earlier stories in Genesis.

Where else these words appear

“Simeon” Hebrew H8095 · used in 39 verses

Genesis 29:33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
Numbers 1:22 Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Judges 1:3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

“Levi” Hebrew H3878 · used in 61 verses

Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
Numbers 17:3 And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.
1 Chronicles 6:43 The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

“Reuben” Hebrew H7205 · used in 68 verses

Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
Joshua 22:9 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.