Genesis 46:27 - The sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls. All the souls of the house of Jacob, who came into Egypt, were seventy.
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What does "Genesis 46:27" mean?
Genesis 46:27 is a key verse in understanding the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob (Israel) and the subsequent sojourn in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"The sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls." This refers to Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. They were born and raised in Egypt, unlike the rest of Jacob's family who later migrated there. They are specifically mentioned here as a link between Jacob's descendants and their new homeland.
"All the souls of the house of Jacob, who came into Egypt, were seventy." This statement summarizes the total number of people from Jacob's direct lineage who arrived in Egypt. This number includes Jacob himself, his children, and his grandchildren.
Meaning and Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Jacob (Genesis 46:3-4): "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you up again, and Joseph's own hand will close your eyes." The verse shows the initial stages of this promise being realized.
Completeness: The number seventy is often seen as a symbolic number of completeness or totality in the Bible. It signifies that the entire family unit of Jacob was now gathered in Egypt.
Foundation for Growth: Although the group started small with seventy people, it was the foundation for the Israelites to grow into a large nation in Egypt. This sets the stage for the Exodus narrative, where God would eventually deliver this numerous people from Egyptian bondage.
Inclusion of Joseph's Line: By specifically mentioning Joseph's sons, the verse highlights that even though they were born and raised in a foreign land, they were still considered part of the house of Jacob and would inherit the blessings promised to their ancestors.
In summary, Genesis 46:27 highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob, emphasizes the completeness of his family's migration to Egypt, and sets the stage for the Israelites' growth into a nation in that foreign land. It is a pivotal verse in understanding the narrative arc of the book of Genesis and its transition into the book of Exodus.
Genesis 46:27 - The sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls. All the souls of the house of Jacob, who came into Egypt, were seventy.
What does "Genesis 46:27" mean?
Genesis 46:27 is a key verse in understanding the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob (Israel) and the subsequent sojourn in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"The sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls." This refers to Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. They were born and raised in Egypt, unlike the rest of Jacob's family who later migrated there. They are specifically mentioned here as a link between Jacob's descendants and their new homeland.
"All the souls of the house of Jacob, who came into Egypt, were seventy." This statement summarizes the total number of people from Jacob's direct lineage who arrived in Egypt. This number includes Jacob himself, his children, and his grandchildren.
Meaning and Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Jacob (Genesis 46:3-4): "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you up again, and Joseph's own hand will close your eyes." The verse shows the initial stages of this promise being realized.
Completeness: The number seventy is often seen as a symbolic number of completeness or totality in the Bible. It signifies that the entire family unit of Jacob was now gathered in Egypt.
Foundation for Growth: Although the group started small with seventy people, it was the foundation for the Israelites to grow into a large nation in Egypt. This sets the stage for the Exodus narrative, where God would eventually deliver this numerous people from Egyptian bondage.
Inclusion of Joseph's Line: By specifically mentioning Joseph's sons, the verse highlights that even though they were born and raised in a foreign land, they were still considered part of the house of Jacob and would inherit the blessings promised to their ancestors.
In summary, Genesis 46:27 highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob, emphasizes the completeness of his family's migration to Egypt, and sets the stage for the Israelites' growth into a nation in that foreign land. It is a pivotal verse in understanding the narrative arc of the book of Genesis and its transition into the book of Exodus.