Genesis 35:23
New International Version
The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun.

New Living Translation
The sons of Leah were Reuben (Jacob’s oldest son), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

English Standard Version
The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

Berean Standard Bible
The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

King James Bible
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

New King James Version
the sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun;

New American Standard Bible
the sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, then Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun;

NASB 1995
the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, then Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun;

NASB 1977
the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s first-born, then Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun;

Legacy Standard Bible
the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, then Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun;

Amplified Bible
The sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, then Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun;

Christian Standard Bible
Leah’s sons were Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Leah’s sons were Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

American Standard Version
the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob's first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun;

English Revised Version
the sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The sons of [Leah]were Jacob's firstborn Reuben, then Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

Good News Translation
The sons of Leah were Reuben (Jacob's oldest son), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

International Standard Version
Leah's sons were Reuben (Jacob's first-born), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

Majority Standard Bible
The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

NET Bible
The sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, as well as Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

New Heart English Bible
The sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob?s firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun.

Webster's Bible Translation
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

World English Bible
The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Jacob are twelve. Sons of Leah: Jacob’s firstborn Reuben, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun.

Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Jacob are twelve. Sons of Leah: Jacob's first-born Reuben, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Leah, the first-born of Jacob, Reuben; and Simeon and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulon;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sons of Lia: Ruben the firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Juda, and Issachar, and Zebulon.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The sons of Leah: Reuben the first born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun.

New American Bible
The sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun;

New Revised Standard Version
The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob's first-born, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The sons of Leah: the first born of Yaquuv, Rubil and Shemon and Levi and Yehuda and Issakar and Zabalaun:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob's first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The sons of Lea, the first-born of Jacob; Ruben, Symeon, Levi, Judas, Issachar, Zabulon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sons of Jacob
22While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: 23The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 24The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin.…

Cross References
Genesis 29:32-35
And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” / Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. / Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. ...

Genesis 30:1-24
When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. / Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” / Then she said, “Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.” ...

Genesis 49:3-28
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. / Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it. / Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. ...

Exodus 1:1-5
These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: / Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; / Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; ...

1 Chronicles 2:1-2
These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, / Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

Deuteronomy 27:12-13
“When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. / And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to deliver the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.

Numbers 1:20-43
From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, / those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500. / From the sons of Simeon, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, ...

Numbers 26:4-51
“Take a census of the men twenty years of age or older, as the LORD has commanded Moses.” And these were the Israelites who came out of the land of Egypt: / Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, / the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi. ...

Joshua 13:7-33
Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” / The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: / The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon, ...

Judges 5:14-18
Some came from Ephraim, with their roots in Amalek; Benjamin came with your people after you. The commanders came down from Machir, the bearers of the marshal’s staff from Zebulun. / The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. / Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. ...

1 Kings 18:31
And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.”

2 Kings 17:34
To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.

Matthew 10:2-4
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; / Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; / Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Luke 6:13-16
When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: / Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; / Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; ...

Acts 1:13
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.


Treasury of Scripture

The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

Genesis 29:32-35
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me…

Genesis 30:18-20
And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar…

Genesis 33:2
And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.

Jump to Previous
First Firstborn First-Born Issachar Is'sachar Jacob Jacob's Judah Leah Reuben Simeon Twelve Zebulun Zeb'ulun
Jump to Next
First Firstborn First-Born Issachar Is'sachar Jacob Jacob's Judah Leah Reuben Simeon Twelve Zebulun Zeb'ulun
Genesis 35
1. God commands Jacob to go to Bethel.
2. He purges his house of idols.
6. He builds an altar at Bethel.
8. Deborah dies at Allon Bacuth.
9. God blesses Jacob at Bethel.
10. Jacob Named Israel.
16. Rachel travails of Benjamin, and dies in the way to Edar.
22. Reuben lies with Bilhah.
23. The sons of Jacob.
27. Jacob comes to Isaac at Hebron.
28. The age, death, and burial of Isaac.














The sons of Leah
This phrase introduces the lineage of Leah, Jacob's first wife. Leah's role is significant in the narrative of the Israelite tribes. Her name in Hebrew, לֵאָה (Le'ah), is often associated with meanings such as "weary" or "wild cow," reflecting her challenging life and the cultural context of her time. Leah's account is one of perseverance and faith, as she bore Jacob six sons, who became the heads of six tribes of Israel. Her legacy is a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His covenant promises through unexpected means.

Reuben
As Jacob’s firstborn, Reuben held a position of prominence and responsibility. His name, רְאוּבֵן (Re'uven), means "behold, a son" in Hebrew, reflecting Leah's hope for Jacob's love and recognition. Reuben's life is marked by both privilege and failure, as he lost his birthright due to his indiscretion (Genesis 35:22). His account serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of sin, even for those in positions of leadership.

Jacob’s firstborn
This phrase emphasizes Reuben's status and the expectations placed upon him. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn son was entitled to a double portion of the inheritance and leadership within the family. However, Reuben's actions led to a reversal of this expectation, illustrating the biblical theme that God's plans often transcend human customs and hierarchies.

Simeon
The second son of Leah, Simeon's name, שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim'on), means "heard" or "hearing," signifying Leah's belief that God heard her plight. Simeon's life is intertwined with his brother Levi, particularly in the incident at Shechem (Genesis 34), where their actions had lasting repercussions. Simeon's account highlights themes of justice, vengeance, and the complexities of human relationships within God's overarching plan.

Levi
Levi, whose name לֵוִי (Levi) means "joined" or "attached," played a crucial role in Israel's religious history. The Levites were set apart for priestly duties, serving as mediators between God and His people. Levi's transformation from a man of violence to the progenitor of a holy tribe underscores the power of divine grace and redemption. His legacy is a powerful reminder of God's ability to use flawed individuals for His sacred purposes.

Judah
Judah, יְהוּדָה (Yehudah), meaning "praise," is a central figure in biblical history. From his line came King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Judah's journey from a flawed individual to a leader who intercedes for his brother Benjamin (Genesis 44) illustrates the themes of repentance, leadership, and God's sovereign choice. His account is a beacon of hope, showing that God can bring about His redemptive purposes through human frailty.

Issachar
The name Issachar, יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissachar), means "there is recompense" or "reward." Issachar's birth was seen as a divine reward to Leah, and his descendants became known for their wisdom and understanding of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32). Issachar's legacy encourages believers to seek discernment and to understand the times in which they live, aligning their actions with God's will.

Zebulun
Zebulun, זְבוּלֻן (Zevulun), means "dwelling" or "honor." Leah named him with the hope that Jacob would honor her by dwelling with her. Zebulun's territory was strategically located for trade, fulfilling Jacob's blessing of prosperity (Genesis 49:13). His account reflects the blessings of provision and the importance of using one's resources for the benefit of the community and the glory of God.

Verses 23-26. - The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun (cf. Genesis 29:32-35; Genesis 30:18-20; Genesis 46:8-15; Exodus 1:2, 3). The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin (Cf. Genesis 30:22-24; Genesis 35:18; Genesis 46:19). And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali (cf. Genesis 30:4-8). And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher (cf. Genesis 30:9-13): these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padan-aram. All except Benjamin were born there. Either this is an instance of the summary style of Scripture in which minute verbal accuracy is not always preserved (Inglis), or the whole period of Jacob s pilgrimage to Mesopotamia and back is intended by his residence in Padan-aram (Kalisch).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The sons
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Leah
לֵאָ֔ה (lê·’āh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3812: Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacob

were Reuben
רְאוּבֵ֑ן (rə·’ū·ḇên)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc

the firstborn
בְּכ֥וֹר (bə·ḵō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief

of Jacob,
יַעֲקֹ֖ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

Simeon,
וְשִׁמְעוֹן֙ (wə·šim·‘ō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8095: Simeon -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe, also an Israelite with a foreign wife

Levi,
וְלֵוִ֣י (wə·lê·wî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him

Judah,
וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה (wî·hū·ḏāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

Issachar,
וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר (wə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3485: Issachar -- perhaps 'there is recompense', a son of Jacob and Leah, also a son of Obed-edom

and Zebulun.
וּזְבוּלֻֽן׃ (ū·zə·ḇū·lun)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2074: Zebulun -- a son of Jacob, also his descendants and their territory


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OT Law: Genesis 35:23 The sons of Leah: Reuben Jacob's firstborn (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 35:22
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