Genesis 46:16
New International Version
The sons of Gad: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Areli.

New Living Translation
The sons of Gad were Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

English Standard Version
The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

Berean Standard Bible
The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

King James Bible
And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

New King James Version
The sons of Gad were Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

New American Standard Bible
And the sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

NASB 1995
The sons of Gad: Ziphion and Haggi, Shuni and Ezbon, Eri and Arodi and Areli.

NASB 1977
And the sons of Gad: Ziphion and Haggi, Shuni and Ezbon, Eri and Arodi and Areli.

Legacy Standard Bible
The sons of Gad: Ziphion and Haggi, Shuni and Ezbon, Eri and Arodi and Areli.

Amplified Bible
The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

Christian Standard Bible
Gad’s sons: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Gad’s sons: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

American Standard Version
And the sons of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

English Revised Version
And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The sons of [Gad]were Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

Good News Translation
Gad and his sons: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arod, and Areli.

International Standard Version
Also included were Gad's sons Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli;

NET Bible
The sons of Gad: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

New Heart English Bible
And the sons of Gad: Zephon, and Haggi, and Shuni, and Ezbon, and Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggai, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

World English Bible
The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And sons of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

Young's Literal Translation
And sons of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Gad: Ziphion and Haggi, Shumi and Ezbon, Eri and Arodi and Areli.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sons of Cad: Sephian and Haggi and Suni and Esebon and Heri and Arodi and Areli.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The sons of Gad: Ziphion and Haggi, and Shuni and Ezbon, and Eri and Arodi, and Areli.

New American Bible
The sons of Gad: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arod, and Areli.

New Revised Standard Version
The children of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Adi, Arod, and Adri.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Gad: Zephioon and Khagi and Shooni and Atsboon and Adi and Arood and Adri.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the sons of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Gad; Saphon, and Angis, and Sannis, and Thasoban, and Aedis, and Aroedis, and Areelis.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Children of Zilpah
16The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. 17The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.…

Cross References
Numbers 26:15-18
These were the descendants of Gad by their clans: The Zephonite clan from Zephon, the Haggite clan from Haggi, the Shunite clan from Shuni, / the Oznite clan from Ozni, the Erite clan from Eri, / the Arodite clan from Arod, and the Arelite clan from Areli. ...

1 Chronicles 7:12
The Shuppites and Huppites were descendants of Ir, and the Hushites were descendants of Aher.

1 Chronicles 7:14-15
The descendants of Manasseh: Asriel through his Aramean concubine. She also gave birth to Machir the father of Gilead. / Machir took a wife from among the Huppites and Shuppites. The name of his sister was Maacah. Another descendant was named Zelophehad, who had only daughters.

Genesis 49:13
Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. / They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”

Joshua 19:10-16
The third lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Zebulun: The border of their inheritance stretched as far as Sarid. / It went up westward to Maralah, reached Dabbesheth, and met the brook east of Jokneam. / From Sarid it turned eastward along the border of Chisloth-tabor and went on to Daberath and up to Japhia. ...

Judges 5:17
Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.

Isaiah 9:1
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:

Matthew 4:13-15
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, / to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: / “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

Ezekiel 48:1-2
“Now these are the names of the tribes: At the northern frontier, Dan will have one portion bordering the road of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath and running on to Hazar-enan on the border of Damascus with Hamath to the north, and extending from the east side to the west side. / Asher will have one portion bordering the territory of Dan from east to west.

Revelation 7:5
From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000,

Genesis 30:9-11
When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she gave her servant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife. / And Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. / Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad.

Genesis 35:26
And the sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah were Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan-aram.

Genesis 37:2
This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them.

Genesis 42:24
And he turned away from them and wept. When he turned back and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and had him bound before their eyes.


Treasury of Scripture

And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

sons of.

Genesis 30:11
And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.

Genesis 35:26
And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.

Genesis 49:19
Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.

Ziphion.

Numbers 26:15-17
The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites: …

Jump to Previous
Areli Are'li Arodi Eri Ezbon Gad Haggai Haggi Shuni Zephon
Jump to Next
Areli Are'li Arodi Eri Ezbon Gad Haggai Haggi Shuni Zephon
Genesis 46
1. Jacob is comforted by God at Beersheba.
5. Thence he with his company goes into Egypt.
8. The number of his family that went into Egypt.
28. Joseph meets Jacob.
31. He instructs his brothers how to answer Pharaoh.














The sons of Gad:
Gad was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, making him one of the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. His mother was Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Gad's name means "good fortune" or "troop," reflecting Leah's hope for prosperity and strength. The tribe of Gad later settled on the east side of the Jordan River, known for their warrior-like nature and significant role in Israel's military campaigns.

Ziphion:
Ziphion is listed as one of the sons of Gad, though little is known about him outside of genealogical records. His name may be related to the Hebrew word for "watchtower" or "lookout," suggesting a role or characteristic valued in his lineage.

Haggi:
Haggi's name means "festive" or "celebratory." This could indicate a cultural or familial emphasis on joy and celebration within his lineage. The tribe of Gad, including Haggi's descendants, was known for their bravery and might in battle, which could be seen as a cause for celebration.

Shuni:
Shuni's name is derived from a root meaning "quiet" or "peaceful." This might reflect a desired or actual trait within his family line. The tribe of Gad, while known for their military prowess, also had periods of peace and prosperity, aligning with the meaning of Shuni's name.

Ezbon:
Ezbon's name means "hastening to understand" or "quick to discern." This could suggest a lineage known for wisdom or quick thinking. The Gadites were often involved in strategic military decisions, which would require discernment and understanding.

Eri:
Eri's name means "watchful" or "vigilant." This characteristic would be essential for a tribe settled on the frontier of Israel's territory, as the Gadites were. Their vigilance was crucial in defending against external threats.

Arodi:
Arodi's name is related to "wild ass," an animal known for its strength and independence. This could symbolize the tribe's resilience and ability to thrive in challenging environments. The Gadites were known for their independence and strength, often acting as a buffer against Israel's enemies.

Areli:
Areli's name means "lion of God," indicating strength and divine favor. This name reflects the tribe's reputation for bravery and might, as well as their role as protectors of Israel. The lion is a symbol of power and authority, traits that were evident in the tribe of Gad's history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gad
Gad is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, making him one of the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. His mother is Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Gad's descendants form the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. Zephon
Zephon is listed as one of the sons of Gad. His name means "hidden" or "treasure" in Hebrew, which may reflect a characteristic or hope associated with him.

3. Haggi
Another son of Gad, Haggi's name means "festive" or "celebratory," suggesting a joyful or significant aspect of his birth or life.

4. Shuni
Shuni is also a son of Gad. His name means "quiet" or "peaceful," which might indicate a trait or aspiration for his life.

5. Ezbon
Ezbon is one of Gad's sons. His name means "hastening to understand" or "quick to discern," which could reflect a valued quality in his character.

6. Eri
Eri is another son of Gad. His name means "watchful" or "vigilant," suggesting a sense of alertness or readiness.

7. Arodi
Arodi is listed among Gad's sons. His name means "descendant" or "wanderer," possibly indicating a nomadic lifestyle or heritage.

8. Areli
Areli is the last son of Gad mentioned in this verse. His name means "lion of God," which could symbolize strength or divine favor.
Teaching Points
Significance of Names
In biblical times, names often carried deep meanings and were reflective of character, destiny, or divine purpose. Consider the importance of the names we give and the identity we embrace in Christ.

Legacy and Heritage
The listing of Gad's sons reminds us of the importance of family legacy and the impact of our lives on future generations. Reflect on the spiritual heritage you are building.

Tribal Identity and Unity
The sons of Gad represent a collective identity that contributes to the larger community of Israel. In the body of Christ, each member has a role that supports the unity and mission of the church.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The continuity of Gad's lineage demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in your life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 46:16?

2. How does Genesis 46:16 reflect God's faithfulness to Jacob's descendants?

3. What can we learn from the tribe of Gad in Genesis 46:16?

4. How does Genesis 46:16 connect to God's promises in Genesis 12:2?

5. How can we apply the lineage details in Genesis 46:16 to our faith?

6. What role does family lineage play in God's plan according to Genesis 46:16?

7. What is the significance of Genesis 46:16 in the context of Jacob's family lineage?

8. How does Genesis 46:16 contribute to understanding the tribes of Israel?

9. Why is the mention of Gad's sons important in Genesis 46:16?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 46?

11. Why should I believe in Heaven and Hell?

12. Who was Gad in the Bible?

13. How do skeptics address potential inconsistencies between Genesis 46 and other Old Testament genealogies regarding the descendants of Jacob?

14. How do we address the moral dilemma of Abram fathering a child with his wife's servant (Genesis 16:1-4)?
What Does Genesis 46:16 Mean
The sons of Gad

“ ‘The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.’ ” (Genesis 46:16)

• This single verse appears in a long genealogy that records every person who traveled with Jacob into Egypt (Genesis 46:8–27). By naming Gad’s sons, the Holy Spirit shows that an entire tribe is already beginning to take shape.

• Gad himself was Jacob’s seventh son (Genesis 30:9-11). The people who would spring from these seven grandsons eventually formed one of the twelve tribes encamped on Israel’s eastern flank (Numbers 2:14-15).

• Scripture never treats these lists as filler. Each name verifies God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendants “as numerous as the stars of heaven” (Genesis 15:5) and prepares readers for the census records that follow (Numbers 1; 26).


Ziphion

• Elsewhere called Zephon (Numbers 26:15), he fathered the clan of the Zephonites.

• His inclusion underscores that no descendant is overlooked by God; every member of the covenant family matters (Isaiah 49:16).

• The Zephonites later marched under Gad’s tribal banner when Israel set out from Sinai (Numbers 10:20).


Haggi

• Haggi’s line became the Haggites (Numbers 26:15).

• The name is preserved again centuries later when 1 Chronicles 5:11 lists “Joel the chief, Shapham the second, Janai, and Shaphat,” all sons within Gad’s territory—evidence that Haggi’s clan endured.

• His mention reminds us that family faithfulness can echo through generations (Deuteronomy 7:9).


Shuni

• Father of the Shunites (Numbers 26:15).

• When Moses blessed the tribes, Gad received territory rich for flocks (Deuteronomy 33:20-21). Shuni’s descendants shared in that inheritance, showing how a single verse of genealogy connects to future land grants.

• God tracks each lineage and ties it to tangible blessings (Joshua 13:24-28).


Ezbon

• Progenitor of the Ezbonite clan (Numbers 26:16).

• Though Scripture records few exploits of his line, the census numbers—11,000-plus fighting men by Moses’ day—prove God kept multiplying Gad’s offspring (Numbers 26:16-18).

• Even “quiet” families have a place in God’s unfolding story (1 Corinthians 12:22-24).


Eri

• Eri’s clan is called the Erites (Numbers 26:16).

• They camped on the south side of Gad’s standard during desert marches (Numbers 2:14-15), illustrating order and unity among God’s people.

• Such structure points ahead to the body of Christ, where each member has a role (Ephesians 4:16).


Arodi

• Founder of the Arodites (Numbers 26:17).

• Gad’s tribal territory east of the Jordan bordered strong enemies (Judges 10:8). Arodi’s descendants likely stood among the warriors described in 1 Chronicles 12:8: “mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, equipped with shield and spear.”

• God equips families for the particular challenges of their location and era (Psalm 144:1).


Areli

• Patriarch of the Arelites (Numbers 26:17).

• When the prophet Elijah later set up an altar with “twelve stones, one for each tribe” (1 Kings 18:31), the stone for Gad—and thus for Areli’s clan—testified that their line still belonged to the covenant community.

• God’s promises span centuries; what He begins in Genesis He sustains through Kings and beyond (Philippians 1:6).


summary

Genesis 46:16 is more than a list of unfamiliar names. It records seven grandsons of Jacob whose descendants became clans within the tribe of Gad. Each name affirms God’s faithfulness to multiply Abraham’s seed, preserve every family line, and prepare a people ready to inherit the land. From wilderness marches to kingdom days, these clans testify that God’s eye is on every household that bears His promise—then and now.

(16) Gad, the eldest of the sons of Zilpah, has seven eons:

Numbers 26:15-17.

Ziphion,

Zephon,

Haggi,

Haggi,

Shuni,

Shuni,

Ezbon,

Ozni,

Eri, . . .

Verse 16. - And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, - "Expectation" (Gesenius); Zephon (Numbers 26:15) - and Haggi, - " Festive" (Gesenius) - Shuni, - "Quiet" (Gesenius) - and Esbon, - "Toiling" (Murphy); named Ozni (Numbers 26:16) - Eri, - "Guarding" (Gesenius) - and Arodi, - "Wild Ass" (Gesenius), "Rover" (Murphy), "Descendants" (Lange); styled Arod (Numbers 26:17) - and Areli - "Lion of El" (Murphy), "Son of a Hero" (Gesenius), "Heroic" (Lange).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The sons
וּבְנֵ֣י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Gad:
גָ֔ד (ḡāḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1410: Gad -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe and its territory, also a prophet

Ziphion,
צִפְי֥וֹן (ṣip̄·yō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6837: Ziphion -- perhaps 'gazing', a son of Gad

Haggi,
וְחַגִּ֖י (wə·ḥag·gî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2291: Haggi -- 'festal', a son of Gad, also his desc

Shuni,
שׁוּנִ֣י (šū·nî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7764: Shuni -- a Gadite

Ezbon,
וְאֶצְבֹּ֑ן (wə·’eṣ·bōn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 675: Ezbon -- two Israelites

Eri,
עֵרִ֥י (‘ê·rî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6179: Eri -- a Gadite

Arodi,
וַֽאֲרוֹדִ֖י (wa·’ă·rō·w·ḏî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 722: Arodi -- a son of Gad, also descendant of Arod

and Areli.
וְאַרְאֵלִֽי׃ (wə·’ar·’ê·lî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 692: Areli -- a son of Gad, also his desc


Links
Genesis 46:16 NIV
Genesis 46:16 NLT
Genesis 46:16 ESV
Genesis 46:16 NASB
Genesis 46:16 KJV

Genesis 46:16 BibleApps.com
Genesis 46:16 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 46:16 Chinese Bible
Genesis 46:16 French Bible
Genesis 46:16 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 46:16 The sons of Gad: Ziphion Haggi Shuni (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 46:15
Top of Page
Top of Page