This verse from Genesis 46:26 is part of a larger section detailing the migration of Jacob (also known as Israel) and his family to Egypt. It specifically clarifies the number of Jacob's descendants who moved to Egypt with him, excluding his sons' wives. Let's break it down:
"All the souls who came with Jacob into Egypt...": This refers to all of Jacob's descendants who accompanied him on his journey to Egypt, invited by his son Joseph who had risen to power there.
"...who were his direct offspring...": This specifies that the count only includes people who were directly descended from Jacob, meaning his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
"...besides Jacob’s sons’ wives...": This clarifies that the wives of Jacob's sons are not included in the count of sixty-six. They were considered to have joined Jacob's family by marriage, not by direct bloodline.
"...all the souls were sixty-six.": This is the core of the verse. It states that the total number of Jacob's direct descendants (excluding his sons' wives) who went to Egypt was sixty-six.
Why is this verse significant?
Historical Record: It's part of the biblical narrative that documents the origins of the Israelite people. The migration to Egypt marks a crucial period in their history, leading to their eventual enslavement and exodus.
Genealogy and Lineage: The verse emphasizes the importance of genealogy and lineage within the Israelite culture. Tracking the descendants of Jacob establishes their connection to him and to the land promised to him by God.
Reconciling Numbers: It's part of a series of verses in Genesis 46 that tries to reconcile different numbers provided for the total number of Jacob's family members. Verse 27 states, "All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy." To reconcile this with the sixty-six mentioned in verse 26, one needs to add Jacob himself, Joseph, and Joseph's two sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) who were already in Egypt. This brings the total to seventy.
In summary: Genesis 46:26 clarifies that sixty-six of Jacob's direct descendants (excluding his sons' wives) migrated to Egypt with him. This verse is important for understanding the historical context, genealogical significance, and numerical accuracy within the biblical narrative of Jacob's family settling in Egypt.
This verse from Genesis 46:26 is part of a larger section detailing the migration of Jacob (also known as Israel) and his family to Egypt. It specifically clarifies the number of Jacob's descendants who moved to Egypt with him, excluding his sons' wives. Let's break it down:
"All the souls who came with Jacob into Egypt...": This refers to all of Jacob's descendants who accompanied him on his journey to Egypt, invited by his son Joseph who had risen to power there.
"...who were his direct offspring...": This specifies that the count only includes people who were directly descended from Jacob, meaning his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
"...besides Jacob’s sons’ wives...": This clarifies that the wives of Jacob's sons are not included in the count of sixty-six. They were considered to have joined Jacob's family by marriage, not by direct bloodline.
"...all the souls were sixty-six.": This is the core of the verse. It states that the total number of Jacob's direct descendants (excluding his sons' wives) who went to Egypt was sixty-six.
Why is this verse significant?
Historical Record: It's part of the biblical narrative that documents the origins of the Israelite people. The migration to Egypt marks a crucial period in their history, leading to their eventual enslavement and exodus.
Genealogy and Lineage: The verse emphasizes the importance of genealogy and lineage within the Israelite culture. Tracking the descendants of Jacob establishes their connection to him and to the land promised to him by God.
Reconciling Numbers: It's part of a series of verses in Genesis 46 that tries to reconcile different numbers provided for the total number of Jacob's family members. Verse 27 states, "All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy." To reconcile this with the sixty-six mentioned in verse 26, one needs to add Jacob himself, Joseph, and Joseph's two sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) who were already in Egypt. This brings the total to seventy.
In summary: Genesis 46:26 clarifies that sixty-six of Jacob's direct descendants (excluding his sons' wives) migrated to Egypt with him. This verse is important for understanding the historical context, genealogical significance, and numerical accuracy within the biblical narrative of Jacob's family settling in Egypt.