Genesis 46:23 - The son of Dan: Hushim.

Generated Verse: Genesis 46:23

What does "Genesis 46:23" mean?


Genesis 46:23 simply lists the descendants of Jacob (Israel) who went down to Egypt with him. In this specific verse, it identifies the sole son of Dan as Hushim.

Here's a breakdown:

The son of Dan: This indicates that the verse is about the descendants of Jacob's son, Dan.
Hushim: This is the name of Dan's only son according to this genealogy.

Significance in the Larger Context:

Genealogy: The purpose of this chapter is to provide a genealogical record of Jacob's family who migrated to Egypt. This demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Jacob's descendants.
Tribe of Dan: This verse establishes the lineage for the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The size and strength of the tribe of Dan would later become important in the history of Israel.
Completeness: Listing all the descendants signifies the comprehensive nature of God's promise. He was bringing the entire family to Egypt, where they would eventually grow into a great nation.

Important Considerations and Possible Interpretations:

Alternative Names: In other parts of the Bible, the name "Shuham" is also associated with Dan's descendants (Numbers 26:42). Some scholars believe Hushim and Shuham are the same person, with slightly different spellings or pronunciations.
Grandchildren/Descendants: While Genesis 46:23 explicitly mentions only one son, it's possible that Hushim had sons of his own who were not explicitly listed in this specific verse. Genealogies in the Bible sometimes skip generations or only mention key figures.
Tribe Foundation: Hushim/Shuham is seen as the ancestor and founder of the Shuhamite clan within the tribe of Dan (Numbers 26:42).

In summary, Genesis 46:23 is a simple statement of fact within a larger genealogical account. It identifies Hushim as the sole son of Dan, establishing the foundational lineage for the tribe of Dan within the nation of Israel.

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