Genesis 46:10 (KJV)

What does Genesis 46:10 mean?

Genesis 46:10 lists the sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, noting that Shaul was the son of a Canaanite woman. This verse records the family members of Simeon who went with Jacob to Egypt during the famine.

Genesis 46:10 is part of a larger section where the descendants of Jacob (also called Israel) are named as they migrate to Egypt. The verse highlights not just the names of Simeon's sons but also points out that Shaul’s mother was a Canaanite, which is unusual since the rest of Jacob’s family typically married within their own kin. This detail may signal a blending of cultures or backgrounds within the family at this time.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 46:10

• "Sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word refers to male descendants, emphasizing the direct lineage from Simeon.
• "Simeon" (שִׁמְעוֹן, Shim‘on): The name means “he has heard,” and he is one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
• "Shaul" (שָׁאוּל, Sha’ul): The verse notes that Shaul is the son of a "Canaanitish" woman, which is unusual in the family records and may suggest a noteworthy family connection outside of Israelite lineage.
• "Canaanitish" (כְּנַעֲנִית, Kena‘anit): This word means a woman from Canaan, highlighting that Shaul’s mother was not from Jacob’s immediate family line, which was uncommon and may have affected how his descendants were viewed.

Why Genesis 46:10 matters

• The verse shows that not all of Jacob’s descendants had the same background, as seen in Shaul’s Canaanite heritage, which hints at early interactions between Israel and the surrounding peoples.
• By listing each son by name, Genesis 46:10 helps trace the origins of the tribes of Israel and preserves the family history as the people move to Egypt.
• The detail about Shaul’s mother stands out in the genealogy, possibly suggesting later significance for his descendants or reflecting on the diversity within the family.