King James Version

What Does Genesis 46:21 Mean?

Genesis 46:21 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ar...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard. Ehi: or, Ahiram Muppim: or, Shupham or, Shuppim Huppim: or, Hupham”

Genesis 46:21 · KJV

Context

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

21

And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard. Ehi: or, Ahiram Muppim: or, Shupham or, Shuppim Huppim: or, Hupham

22

These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen .

23

And the sons of Dan; Hushim. Hushim: or, Shuham

Read Genesis 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim... 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 theological truths about Jacob's Journey to Egypt emerge from this passage?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

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

בִנְיָמִ֗ן2 of 12

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בֶּ֤לַע3 of 12

“were Belah”

H1106

bela, the name of a place

וָבֶ֙כֶר֙4 of 12

“and Becher”

H1071

beker, the name of two israelites

וְאַשְׁבֵּ֔ל5 of 12

“and Ashbel”

H788

ashbel, an israelite

גֵּרָ֥א6 of 12

“Gera”

H1617

gera, the name of six israelites

וְנַֽעֲמָ֖ן7 of 12

“and Naaman”

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

אֵחִ֣י8 of 12

“Ehi”

H278

echi, an israelite

וָרֹ֑אשׁ9 of 12

“and Rosh”

H7220

rosh, the name of an israelite and of a foreign nation

מֻפִּ֥ים10 of 12

“Muppim”

H4649

muppim, an israelite

וְחֻפִּ֖ים11 of 12

“and Huppim”

H2650

chuppim, an israelite

וָאָֽרְדְּ׃12 of 12

“and Ard”

H714

ard, the name of two israelites

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 46:21 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 46:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 7:6-12Deuteronomy 33:12Numbers 1:11Genesis 49:271 Chronicles 8:1-7Numbers 1:36-37

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