Old Testament
Genesis 46:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
These were the descendants of Zilpah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah. She bore these children to Jacob—sixteen souls in all.
Compare translations
These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls.
What Genesis 46:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Genesis 46:18, we learn about the descendants of Zilpah, who was a servant given to Leah by her father Laban. Zilpah bore Jacob a total of sixteen children, which highlights the complexity of family dynamics in Jacob's life. This verse emphasizes the importance of lineage and the role of women in the family structure of the time. Zilpah's children were part of the larger narrative of Jacob's family, which included his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants. The mention of 'sixteen souls' signifies not just the number of children but also the growing family that would eventually form the tribes of Israel. This verse serves as a reminder of how God worked through various people and circumstances to fulfill His promises to Jacob and his descendants, showing that every individual, regardless of their status, plays a role in God's plan.
How to apply Genesis 46:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the value of every person in our families and communities, regardless of their background or status. It reminds us that everyone has a role to play in the larger story of life, and we should appreciate the contributions of all individuals, just as Jacob valued his children from Zilpah.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 46:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 46:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 46:18 mean?
Genesis 46:18 refers to the descendants of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, who bore Jacob a total of sixteen children. This verse highlights the significance of family lineage and the role of women in Jacob's life, showing how each individual contributes to the larger narrative of the tribes of Israel.
What is the significance of Zilpah in Genesis 46:18?
Zilpah, as Leah's maidservant, represents the complexities of family dynamics in Jacob's story. Her role in bearing sixteen children for Jacob emphasizes the importance of all family members, regardless of their status, in the unfolding of God's plan.
What does 'sixteen souls' mean in Genesis 46:18?
The term 'sixteen souls' in Genesis 46:18 signifies the total number of children Zilpah had with Jacob. It reflects the growing family that would eventually lead to the formation of the tribes of Israel, illustrating the expansion of Jacob's lineage.
How does Genesis 46:18 relate to the tribes of Israel?
Genesis 46:18 connects to the tribes of Israel by detailing the descendants of Zilpah, who contributed to Jacob's large family. Each child born to Jacob, including those from Zilpah, played a role in establishing the future tribes of Israel.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.