And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

GENESIS 46:16KJV
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Genesis 46:16 (KJV)

What does Genesis 46:16 mean?

Genesis 46:16 lists the names of the sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. This verse is part of a genealogy, recording the descendants of Jacob (Israel) who went with him to Egypt during the famine.

In the context of Genesis 46, Jacob and his family are moving to Egypt at Joseph’s invitation. The verse is part of a careful record showing who made this journey, which was important for tracing the tribes of Israel. Each name represents a family group that would become part of the tribe of Gad.

Why Genesis 46:16 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the makeup of the tribe of Gad, which is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, by listing its founding family members.
  • The genealogy emphasizes the historical reality of Jacob’s family and their migration, grounding later stories about the tribes in specific people.
  • By recording each son, the passage highlights the importance of family lineage and identity in the broader story of Israel’s formation.

Where else these words appear

“Haggi” Hebrew H2291 · used in 2 verses

  • Numbers 26:15 The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:

“Shuni” Hebrew H7764 · used in 2 verses

  • Numbers 26:15 The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:

“Ezbon” Hebrew H675 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 7:7 And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.

“Eri” Hebrew H6179 · used in 2 verses

  • Numbers 26:16 Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites: