King James Version
What Does Genesis 46:12 Mean?
“And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.”
Context
10
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman. Jemuel: or, Nemuel Jachin: or, Jarib Zohar: or, Zerah
11
And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Gershon: or, Gershom
12
And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.
13
And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron. Phuvah, and Job: or, Puah, and Jashub
14
And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(12) **Judan** has five sons, of whom Er and Onan die prematurely. The names of the other three are Shelah. Pharez, and Zarah (spelt correctly Zerah in Numbers 26:20*; *1Chronicles 2:4). So also the right spelling is Pherez, and not Pharez. In 1Chronicles 4:1 Judah has five sons: Pharez, Hezron, Carini, Hur, and Shobal, and Shelah is also mentioned there in Genesis 46:21, but see Note there.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Genesis 46:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Genesis 46:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge