King James Version

What Does Genesis 46:18 Mean?

Genesis 46:18 in the King James Version says “These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 46:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. priest: or, prince

Read Genesis 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, e... 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. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אֵ֚לֶּה1 of 15
H428

these or those

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 15

“These are 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

זִלְפָּ֔ה3 of 15

“of Zilpah”

H2153

zilpah, leah's maid

אֲשֶׁר4 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַ֥ן5 of 15

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָבָ֖ן6 of 15

“whom Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

לְלֵאָ֣ה7 of 15

“to Leah”

H3812

leah, a wife of jacob

בִתּ֑וֹ8 of 15

“his daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וַתֵּ֤לֶד9 of 15

“and these she bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת10 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֵ֙לֶּה֙11 of 15
H428

these or those

לְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב12 of 15

“unto Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

שֵׁ֥שׁ13 of 15
H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה14 of 15

“even sixteen”

H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

נָֽפֶשׁ׃15 of 15

“souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 46:18 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 46:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 29:24Exodus 1:4Genesis 35:26Genesis 30:9-13

Test Your Knowledge

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

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