King James Version

What Does Genesis 46:17 Mean?

Genesis 46:17 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.”

Genesis 46:17 · KJV

Context

15

These be the sons of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob in Padanaram, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty and three.

16

And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. Ziphion: or, Zephon Ezbon: or, Ozni Arodi: or, Arod

17

And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.

18

These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls.

19

The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the son... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּבְנֵ֣י1 of 12

“And the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָשֵׁ֗ר2 of 12

“of Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

יִמְנָ֧ה3 of 12

“Jimnah”

H3232

jimnah, the name of two israelites; also (with the article) of the posterity of one of them

וְיִשְׁוָ֛ה4 of 12

“and Ishuah”

H3438

jishvah, an israelite

וְיִשְׁוִ֥י5 of 12

“and Isui”

H3440

jishvi, the name of two israelites

בְרִיעָ֔ה6 of 12

“and Beriah”

H1283

beriah, the name of four israelites

וְשֶׂ֣רַח7 of 12

“and Serah”

H8294

serach, an israelitess

אֲחֹתָ֑ם8 of 12

“their sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

וּבְנֵ֣י9 of 12

“And the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְרִיעָ֔ה10 of 12

“and Beriah”

H1283

beriah, the name of four israelites

חֶ֖בֶר11 of 12

“Heber”

H2268

cheber, the name of a kenite and of three israelites

וּמַלְכִּיאֵֽל׃12 of 12

“and Malchiel”

H4439

malkiel, an israelite

Study Guide

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 46:17 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 46:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:20Genesis 30:13Numbers 1:131 Chronicles 2:2Numbers 26:44-46Numbers 1:40-41

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 46 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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