Old Testament
Genesis 46:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Genesis 46:16, we see a listing of the sons of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Gad's sons were Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.
And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Genesis 46:16, we see a listing of the sons of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse highlights the lineage and family structure of the Israelites as they prepare to move to Egypt during a time of famine. Each name represents a branch of Gad's descendants, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage in biblical narratives. The names listed—Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli—are significant as they contribute to the identity of the tribe of Gad. Understanding these names helps us appreciate the historical context of the Israelites and their journey. This genealogy not only serves to document the family tree but also illustrates God's promise to multiply the descendants of Jacob, ensuring the continuation of the Israelite nation. The mention of these sons also sets the stage for the future roles they will play in the unfolding story of Israel.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 46:16 to your life
Reflecting on the lineage of Gad reminds us of the importance of family and our roots. We can take time to learn about our own family histories and appreciate how they shape our identities. Understanding our heritage can strengthen our sense of belonging and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 46:16 mean?
Genesis 46:16 lists the sons of Gad, one of the tribes of Israel, highlighting the family's lineage as the Israelites prepare to move to Egypt. This verse emphasizes the importance of family heritage and the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob regarding his descendants.
Who are the sons of Gad mentioned in Genesis 46:16?
The sons of Gad listed in Genesis 46:16 are Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. Each name represents a branch of Gad's descendants, contributing to the identity of the tribe.
What is the significance of genealogy in Genesis 46:16?
The genealogy in Genesis 46:16 serves to document the family structure of the Israelites and illustrates the continuity of the Israelite nation. It reflects God's promise to multiply Jacob's descendants and emphasizes the importance of family in biblical narratives.
What themes are present in Genesis 46:16?
Genesis 46:16 touches on themes such as genealogy, family, heritage, and the identity of the tribe of Gad. It also highlights the divine promise of multiplication of descendants, which is a recurring theme in the story of Israel.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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