Exodus 6:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 6:15 mean?

Exodus 6:15 lists the sons of Simeon, naming Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul (who was the son of a Canaanite woman), and states that these are the families descended from Simeon. This verse is part of a genealogy showing the family lines of the tribes of Israel.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, and the genealogy is given to establish the family background of the Israelites during their time in Egypt. The mention of Shaul’s mother being a Canaanite woman highlights a unique detail among the listed families, showing some diversity within the tribe. The verse helps set the stage for understanding the broader family structure of the people Moses is leading.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 6:15

• שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul): This name is specifically noted as "the son of a Canaanitish woman," which is unusual among the tribal genealogies and may indicate a mixed heritage within the tribe of Simeon.
• מִשְׁפְּחוֹת (mishpechot, “families”): This word emphasizes that the sons listed are not just individuals but represent extended family groups or clans within the tribe of Simeon.

Why Exodus 6:15 matters

• The verse clarifies the specific family lines within the tribe of Simeon, which is important for understanding later divisions of land and leadership among the Israelites.
• The mention of a Canaanite woman as Shaul’s mother shows that even within the tribes of Israel, there were instances of intermarriage, which may have had social or cultural implications.
• This genealogy connects to the larger context of Exodus 6, where the family backgrounds of Moses and Aaron are given to establish their authority and identity among the Israelites.