What does Genesis 46:26 mean?
"All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six;" - Genesis 46:26

Genesis 46:26 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six." This verse is part of the story of Jacob and his family's journey to Egypt to escape famine and seek refuge. This verse is significant in understanding the theme of family unity, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the symbolism of numbers in the Bible.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. Jacob, also known as Israel, was the grandson of Abraham and the father of the twelve sons who became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Genesis 46, Jacob and his family are traveling from Canaan to Egypt at the invitation of his son Joseph, who had become a powerful ruler in Egypt. This journey was significant because it marked the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation and inherit the land of Canaan. The decision to go to Egypt was also a demonstration of faith in God's provision and protection in the midst of famine.
The verse specifically states that "all the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt" were threescore and six, excluding Jacob's sons' wives. The number "threescore and six" refers to sixty-six. This number has been the subject of much speculation and interpretation among biblical scholars. Some believe that it is a symbolic number representing imperfection and incompleteness, as it is just short of the perfect number seventy, which is often used to signify completion and fulfillment in the Bible. Others believe it is simply a factual account of the number of Jacob's descendants who made the journey to Egypt.
In terms of its symbolism, the number sixty-six can be seen as a reminder of the imperfection and incompleteness of the earthly journey. Throughout the Bible, numbers are often used symbolically to convey deeper spiritual truths. In this case, the number sixty-six could be a reminder of the imperfection and incompleteness of the earthly journey, and the need for God's perfect and complete provision and protection.
Furthermore, this verse also highlights the theme of family unity and the fulfillment of God's promises. The fact that Jacob's entire family, with the exception of their wives, made the journey to Egypt demonstrates the unity and strength of their familial bond. It also signifies the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and Jacob, as their descendants are now positioned to become a great nation in a land where they will be provided for and protected.
In conclusion, Genesis 46:26 in the King James Version of the Bible holds deep significance in terms of its themes, context, and symbolism. It represents the unity of the family and the fulfillment of God's promises, as well as the symbolic reminder of the imperfection and incompleteness of the earthly journey. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in God's provision and protection, and the significance of familial bonds in the journey of faith.
Have questions about Genesis 46:26?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Genesis 46:26 Artwork
Genesis 46:26 - "All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six;"
"All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six;" - Genesis 46:26
Numbers 26:46 - "And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah."
Genesis 46:23 - "¶ And the sons of Dan; Hushim."
Genesis 24-46
Genesis 46:9 - "And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi."
Genesis 46:11 - "¶ And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari."
Genesis 46:14 - "¶ And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel."
"And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah." - Numbers 26:46
Matthew 26:46 - "Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me."
Genesis 46:24 - "¶ And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem."
Genesis 46:13 - "¶ And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron."
Genesis 46:19 - "The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin."
Genesis 46:22 - "These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen."
"¶ And the sons of Dan; Hushim." - Genesis 46:23
Genesis 46:16 - "¶ And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli."
Leviticus 26:46 - "These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses."
Genesis 46:21 - "¶ And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard."
"¶ And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron." - Genesis 46:13
"¶ And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem." - Genesis 46:24
"The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin." - Genesis 46:19
Genesis 46:2 - "And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I."
Genesis 46:10 - "¶ And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman."
"¶ And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." - Genesis 46:11
"¶ And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel." - Genesis 46:14
Genesis 46:18 - "These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls."
Genesis 46:28 - "¶ And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen."
Genesis 31:46 - "And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap."
Genesis 46:8 - "¶ And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn."
Genesis 46:17 - "¶ And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel."