Jacob’s Journey to Egypt 1So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. 3“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.” 5Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives. 6They also took the livestock and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt. Those Who Went to Egypt 7Jacob took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring. The Children of Leah 8Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. 9The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 10The sons of Simeon: Jemuel,a Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar,b and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. 11The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. 13The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah,c Job,d and Shimron. 14The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 15These are the sons of Leah born to Jacob in Paddan-aram,e in addition to his daughter Dinah. The total number of sons and daughters was thirty-three. The Children of Zilpah 16The sons of Gad: Ziphion,f Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi,g and Areli. 17The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. 18These are the sons of Jacob born to Zilpah—whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all. The Children of Rachel 19The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 20Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.h 21The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 22These are the sons of Rachel born to Jacob—fourteen in all. The Children of Bilhah 23The son of Dan: Hushim. 24The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 25These are the sons of Jacob born to Bilhah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel—seven in all. 26All those belonging to Jacob who came to Egypt—his direct descendants, besides the wives of Jacob’s sons—numbered sixty-six persons. 27And with the two sonsi who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family who went to Egypt were seventyj in all. Jacob Arrives in Egypt 28Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob’s family arrived in the land of Goshen, 29Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. 30Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!” 31Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me. 32The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’ 33When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.” Footnotes: 10 a Jemuel is another name for Nemuel; see Numbers 26:12. 10 b Zohar is a variant of Zerah; see Numbers 26:13 and 1 Chronicles 4:24. 13 c Hebrew; SP and Syriac Puah; see 1 Chronicles 7:1. 13 d Hebrew; SP and some LXX manuscripts Jashub; see Numbers 26:24 and 1 Chronicles 7:1. 15 e That is, northwest Mesopotamia 16 f SP and LXX Zephon; see also Numbers 26:15. 16 g Arodi is a variant of Arod; see Numbers 26:17. 20 h That is, Heliopolis, as in LXX 27 i Hebrew; LXX the nine sons, probably including Joseph’s grandsons through Ephraim and Manasseh; see 1 Chronicles 7:14–29. 27 j Hebrew (see also Exodus 1:5); LXX (see also Acts 7:14) seventy-five Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Genesis 46 Summary Jacob's Journey to EgyptVerses 1–4 – God’s Nighttime Assurance in Beersheba Verses 5–7 – Entire Household Sets Out for Egypt Verses 8–27 – The Family Register: Seventy Souls Verses 28–30 – Jacob and Joseph Reunite in Goshen Verses 31–34 – Joseph’s Plan to Settle in Goshen This chapter tells the account of Israel's journey from Canaan to Egypt, following God's divine command. Israel's descendants are recorded, serving as a significant link in the genealogy of the nation of Israel. It ends with the emotional reunion of Joseph and Jacob, and Joseph's strategic preparations for his family's introduction to Pharaoh. Historical Setting: Canaan’s Famine and Egypt’s Plenty A severe, multi-year famine grips the Near East (Genesis 41:57). Egypt, supplied by Nile irrigation and Joseph’s grain policies, becomes the refuge. Moving south saves Jacob’s clan physically and positions them near the world power of the day, fulfilling God’s word to Abraham that his descendants would “be strangers in a land that is not theirs” (Genesis 15:13). Beersheba—An Ancient Covenant Landmark Beersheba is where Abraham planted a tamarisk tree (Genesis 21:33) and where Isaac heard God say, “I am the God of your father Abraham” (Genesis 26:24). By offering sacrifices here, Jacob links his move to the promises given two generations earlier. The stopover stresses continuity with the patriarchal faith. The Night Vision: God Repeats His Promises • Presence: “I will go down with you.” • Nationhood: “I will make you into a great nation there.” • Return: “I will surely bring you back.” The reassurance mirrors earlier revelations (Genesis 28:15 at Bethel) and later words to Moses (Exodus 3:12), showing God’s unbroken commitment. The Caravan South: Logistics and Symbolism Royal wagons—advanced transport for the day—underline Joseph’s favor with Pharaoh and ease the journey for the elderly Jacob and the children. The family’s public move under Egyptian escort foreshadows Israel’s later departure under divine escort at the Exodus. The Genealogical List • Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah—firstborn line of Leah • Issachar, Zebulun—Leah’s younger sons • Gad, Asher—Zilpah’s sons • Joseph, Benjamin—Rachel’s sons • Dan, Naphtali—Bilhah’s sons The text counts sixty-six traveling from Canaan, adds Joseph and his two sons already in Egypt, plus Jacob, totaling seventy (46:27). Scripture later cites the same figure (Exodus 1:5; Deuteronomy 10:22), highlighting covenant completeness. Jesus sends out seventy disciples (Luke 10:1), likely recalling this foundational number. Why Goshen? Egypt and Shepherds The region, in the eastern Nile Delta, offered: • Rich pasture for flocks. • Strategic distance from Egyptian urban centers, preserving Hebrew identity. Egyptians viewed shepherds as socially inferior (46:34), so Goshen provided separation without hostility. Living on Egypt’s fringe, Israel could grow numerically while retaining distinct customs, language, and worship. Archaeological Insights: Semitic Settlements in the Delta Excavations at Tell el-Dabʿa (ancient Avaris) reveal Middle Bronze Age houses, pottery, and graves showing Asiatic (Semitic) presence in the Delta—four-room houses like those later found in Canaan. The time frame aligns with a period when Semitic groups, including Hyksos rulers, entered Egypt. Such finds confirm that Semitic shepherd-clans could thrive in Goshen, matching the biblical portrait. Prophetic Threads and Later Scripture • Genesis 15:13–16 – God predicted a sojourn and eventual return. • Hosea 11:1 – “Out of Egypt I called My son,” first about Israel, later applied to Jesus (Matthew 2:15). • Acts 7:9–15 – Stephen retells Joseph’s account to show God’s guiding hand. • Exodus 1 – The seventy grow into a multitude, setting the stage for deliverance. Practical Lessons for Today • Seek God’s guidance before major moves; Jacob paused at Beersheba and listened. • God’s promises travel with His people; location changes, covenant stays. • Family unity matters; Jacob would not leave anyone behind. • Wise planning does not contradict faith; Joseph rehearsed the exact words to say before Pharaoh. • Seasons of shelter can shape destiny; Egypt incubated Israel’s growth from a household to a nation. From Nomads to Nation Genesis 46 is the hinge between the patriarchs roaming Canaan and the nation forming in Egypt. What began with one man hearing God’s call (Genesis 12:1) now becomes seventy lives moving under God’s cloud of promise. The stage is set for the great saving acts that will echo through the rest of Scripture. Connections to Additional Scriptures God's Faithfulness Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Obedience and Faith Hebrews 11:8: By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. God's Sovereignty Romans 8:28: And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Teaching Points God's Assurance and GuidanceGenesis 46:2-4: And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: 'Jacob, Jacob!' He said. 'Here I am,' replied Jacob. 'I am God, the God of your father,' He said. 'Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.' God reassures Jacob of His presence and promises, encouraging him to move forward without fear. Obedience to God's Call Jacob's immediate response to God's call demonstrates his faith and willingness to follow God's direction, even when it means leaving the land of promise. The Importance of Family and Heritage Genesis 46:8-27 lists the names of Jacob's descendants, emphasizing the significance of family and the continuation of God's covenant through generations. God's Sovereignty in Fulfilling Promises The move to Egypt is part of God's larger plan to fulfill His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing His control over history and events. Practical Applications Trust in God's PromisesLike Jacob, we can trust that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Responding to God's Call Be attentive and responsive to God's guidance in your life, stepping out in faith when He calls you to new places or challenges. Valuing Family and Legacy Recognize the importance of family and the role it plays in God's plan, investing in relationships and passing down faith to future generations. Recognizing God's Sovereignty Acknowledge God's hand in the unfolding of events in your life, trusting that He is working all things for His purposes. People 1. ReubenJacob's firstborn son. 2. Hanoch Son of Reuben. 3. Pallu Son of Reuben. 4. Hezron Son of Reuben. 5. Carmi Son of Reuben. 6. Simeon Jacob's second son. 7. Jemuel Son of Simeon. 8. Jamin Son of Simeon. 9. Ohad Son of Simeon. 10. Jachin Son of Simeon. 11. Zohar Son of Simeon. 12. Shaul Son of Simeon, born to a Canaanite woman. 13. Levi Jacob's third son. 14. Gershon Son of Levi. 15. Kohath Son of Levi. 16. Merari Son of Levi. 17. Judah Jacob's fourth son. 18. Er Son of Judah, who died in Canaan. 19. Onan Son of Judah, who died in Canaan. 20. Shelah Son of Judah. 21. Perez Son of Judah. 22. Zerah Son of Judah. 23. Hezron Son of Perez. 24. Hamul Son of Perez. 25. Issachar Jacob's fifth son. 26. Tola Son of Issachar. 27. Puah Son of Issachar. 28. Jashub Son of Issachar. 29. Shimron Son of Issachar. 30. Zebulun Jacob's sixth son. 31. Sered Son of Zebulun. 32. Elon Son of Zebulun. 33. Jahleel Son of Zebulun. 34. Dinah Daughter of Jacob, born to Leah. 35. Gad Jacob's seventh son. 36. Ziphion Son of Gad. 37. Haggi Son of Gad. 38. Shuni Son of Gad. 39. Ezbon Son of Gad. 40. Eri Son of Gad. 41. Arodi Son of Gad. 42. Areli Son of Gad. 43. Asher Jacob's eighth son. 44. Imnah Son of Asher. 45. Ishvah Son of Asher. 46. Ishvi Son of Asher. 47. Beriah Son of Asher. 48. Serah Daughter of Asher. 49. Heber Son of Beriah. 50. Malchiel Son of Beriah. 51. Joseph Jacob's eleventh son, already in Egypt. 52. Manasseh Son of Joseph, born in Egypt. 53. Ephraim Son of Joseph, born in Egypt. 54. Benjamin Jacob's twelfth son. 55. Bela Son of Benjamin. 56. Becher Son of Benjamin. 57. Ashbel Son of Benjamin. 58. Gera Son of Benjamin. 59. Naaman Son of Benjamin. 60. Ehi Son of Benjamin. 61. Rosh Son of Benjamin. 62. Muppim Son of Benjamin. 63. Huppim Son of Benjamin. 64. Ard Son of Benjamin. 65. Dan Jacob's ninth son. 66. Hushim Son of Dan. 67. Naphtali Jacob's tenth son. 68. Jahzeel Son of Naphtali. 69. Guni Son of Naphtali. 70. Jezer Son of Naphtali. 71. Shillem Son of Naphtali. Places 1. CanaanThis is the land where Jacob and his family were residing before their journey to Egypt. Canaan is often referred to as the Promised Land in the Bible, a region that encompasses modern-day Israel and surrounding areas. The Hebrew root for Canaan is "כְּנַעַן" (Kena'an), which is associated with the idea of being humbled or subdued. 2. Beersheba Beersheba is a significant location in the southern part of Canaan. It is where Jacob offers sacrifices to God before continuing his journey to Egypt. The name Beersheba comes from the Hebrew "בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע" (Be'er Sheva), meaning "Well of the Oath" or "Well of Seven," referring to the oath made between Abraham and Abimelech in Genesis 21. 3. Egypt Egypt is the destination of Jacob and his family. It is where Joseph, Jacob's son, has risen to power and where the family will find refuge during the famine. The Hebrew term for Egypt is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), which is often associated with the idea of a place of distress or confinement, reflecting the later enslavement of the Israelites. Events 1. Jacob's Journey to Egypt BeginsJacob sets out for Egypt with all that he has. The Hebrew word used for "set out" (נָסַע, nasa) implies a significant departure or journey, indicating the importance of this move (Genesis 46:1). 2. Sacrifices at Beersheba Jacob offers sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac at Beersheba. The act of offering sacrifices (זָבַח, zavach) signifies worship and seeking divine guidance (Genesis 46:1). 3. God Speaks to Israel in Visions God speaks to Jacob in visions of the night, reassuring him not to fear going down to Egypt, as He will make him a great nation there. The Hebrew term for "visions" (מַרְאָה, mar'ah) indicates a divine revelation (Genesis 46:2-3). 4. Promise of God's Presence God promises to go down with Jacob to Egypt and to bring him back again, affirming His continual presence and faithfulness (Genesis 46:4). 5. Jacob's Family Travels to Egypt Jacob's sons carry him, their children, and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to transport him. This movement of the entire family signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to preserve them (Genesis 46:5-7). 6. List of Jacob's Descendants The chapter provides a detailed genealogy of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with Abraham's lineage (Genesis 46:8-27). 7. Reunion with Joseph Jacob sends Judah ahead to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. Joseph prepares his chariot and goes to Goshen to meet his father, leading to an emotional reunion (Genesis 46:28-29). 8. Joseph's Plan for His Family Joseph instructs his brothers on how to speak to Pharaoh, advising them to emphasize their occupation as shepherds, which would allow them to settle in Goshen, a region suitable for their livestock (Genesis 46:31-34). Topics 1. Jacob's Journey to EgyptJacob, also known as Israel, sets out for Egypt with all his possessions. This journey marks a significant transition for the family of Israel, as they move from Canaan to Egypt. The Hebrew root for "journey" (נָסַע, nasa) implies a purposeful departure, highlighting the intentionality of God's plan for Israel. 2. God's Assurance to Jacob God speaks to Jacob in a vision at Beersheba, reassuring him not to fear going down to Egypt. God promises to make Jacob's family into a great nation there and assures him of His presence. The Hebrew word for "vision" (מַרְאָה, mar'ah) indicates a divine revelation, emphasizing the importance of God's guidance. 3. The Descendants of Jacob The chapter lists the names of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt, totaling seventy persons. This genealogical record underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham about his descendants. The Hebrew term for "descendants" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) can also mean "souls," indicating the living beings that constitute the family of Israel. 4. Reunion with Joseph Jacob is reunited with his son Joseph in Egypt. This emotional meeting fulfills the long-awaited hope of Jacob, who had believed Joseph to be dead. The Hebrew root for "reunion" (פָּגַע, paga) conveys the idea of encountering or meeting, highlighting the significance of this family restoration. 5. Settlement in Goshen Joseph instructs his family to settle in the land of Goshen, a fertile area suitable for their livestock. This settlement is strategic, as it allows the Israelites to thrive while maintaining their distinct identity. The Hebrew word for "settle" (יָשַׁב, yashav) implies dwelling or inhabiting, indicating a more permanent residence in Egypt. Themes 1. God's Assurance and GuidanceIn Genesis 46:2-4, God speaks to Israel (Jacob) in visions of the night, reassuring him not to fear going down to Egypt. God promises to make him a great nation there and assures him of His presence. The Hebrew word for "visions" (מַרְאָה, mar'ah) emphasizes divine revelation and guidance. 2. Obedience to God's Call Jacob's immediate response to God's command is seen in Genesis 46:5-7, where he sets out for Egypt with all his descendants. This theme highlights the importance of obedience to God's directives, trusting in His promises. 3. Family and Lineage The detailed listing of Jacob's descendants in Genesis 46:8-27 underscores the theme of family and lineage. The Hebrew term for "descendants" (זֶרַע, zera) reflects the continuity of God's covenant promises through generations. 4. God's Providence and Fulfillment of Promises The move to Egypt is part of God's providential plan to fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Genesis 46:3-4 emphasizes God's role in shaping the destiny of Israel, ensuring the growth of the nation. 5. Reunion and Restoration The emotional reunion between Joseph and Jacob in Genesis 46:29 highlights themes of reconciliation and restoration. The Hebrew root for "wept" (בָּכָה, bakah) conveys deep emotional release and healing. 6. Divine Sovereignty in Human Affairs The entire chapter reflects God's sovereignty over human history, as He orchestrates events to bring about His purposes. The journey to Egypt is not merely a family migration but a divinely ordained step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Answering Tough Questions 1. How does Genesis 46:8–27 reconcile the total of “70 persons” with other biblical passages that give different family counts? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What is the significance of Israel offering sacrifices at Beersheba before his journey to Egypt? 2. How does God assure Jacob about his journey to Egypt? 3. What significance does the detailed genealogical account in this chapter hold for the overall biblical narrative? 4. How does the reunion of Jacob and Joseph illustrate the theme of restoration and reconciliation in the Bible? 5. What do you think Jacob's statement, "Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!" signify about his feelings and thoughts? 6. How does Joseph guide his family to present themselves before Pharaoh? Why does he give them these instructions? 7. How does Jacob's journey to Egypt relate to the theme of migration in the Bible? 8. Discuss the concept of divine guidance and assurance exemplified in this chapter. 9. In what ways does Jacob's family's journey from Canaan to Egypt foreshadow the later Israelite exodus from Egypt? 10. How might Jacob's obedience to God's command to move to Egypt inspire believers today facing significant life changes? 11. What can we learn from Joseph's strategic preparation for his family's introduction to Pharaoh? 12. How does the large number of Jacob's descendants travelling to Egypt foreshadow the growth of the nation of Israel? 13. Why was it important to keep the genealogical record of Israel's descendants? 14. How would you handle being in a new land and culture as Jacob's family was in Egypt? 15. How does Jacob's faith in God's promises guide him through this significant change in his life? 16. What does the unity of Jacob's family during their move to Egypt teach us about family bonds and solidarity during challenging times? 17. How might Jacob's readiness to die in peace after seeing Joseph inspire us in terms of closure and contentment in life? 18. What does this chapter teach about the impact of our occupations and societal perceptions on our lives, as seen in Joseph's advice to his family? 19. How can we apply Joseph's wisdom in guiding his family through an unfamiliar environment in our own lives? 20. How do the themes of divine guidance and provision in this chapter encourage us in our personal faith journeys? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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