Question 1

What does Genesis 46:21 mean?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 46:21 lists the names of the sons of Benjamin, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, as the family of Jacob is being counted before moving to Egypt. The verse provides a record of Benjamin’s descendants, naming Belah, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. In the story, Jacob and his family are preparing to settle in Egypt during a time of famine, and this verse is part of a larger genealogy that tracks the members of Jacob’s household. The list of Benjamin’s sons highlights the growth of Jacob’s family and the specific lineage that would later become the tribe of Benjamin among the people of Israel.

Question 2

Why Genesis 46:21 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify the specific descendants of Benjamin, which is important for understanding later references to the tribe of Benjamin in Israel’s history. By listing these names, the verse emphasizes the completeness and detail of the family record as Jacob’s household moves to Egypt, setting the stage for the nation’s future growth. The genealogy in this passage connects the story of the patriarchs to the later development of the twelve tribes, showing how each family line began.

Genesis 46:21 (KJV)