The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

GENESIS 35:23KJV
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Genesis 35:23 (KJV)

What does Genesis 35:23 mean?

Genesis 35:23 lists the sons born to Leah, who was one of Jacob’s wives: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. This verse is part of a genealogical summary, showing the family line that came from Leah.

In the context of Genesis, this verse is part of a section where Jacob’s children are being listed by their mothers. The passage serves to clarify the family structure and lineage of Jacob, who is also called Israel. These six sons of Leah would later become the ancestors of six of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is important for understanding the rest of the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Leah” Hebrew H3812 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 29:16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
  • Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
  • Genesis 31:14 And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

“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.

“Issachar” Hebrew H3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
  • Numbers 34:26 And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:1 These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

“Zebulun” Hebrew H2074 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 30:20 And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
  • Deuteronomy 33:18 And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:1 These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,