Genesis Chapter 46

Genesis 46 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 34 Bible verses from Genesis and discover their timeless wisdom.

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1. So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2. And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob. 3. “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.” 5. Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives. 6. They also took the livestock and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt. 7. Jacob took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring. 8. Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. 9. The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 10. The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. 11. The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12. The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. 13. The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron. 14. The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 15. These are the sons of Leah born to Jacob in Paddan-aram, in addition to his daughter Dinah. The total number of sons and daughters was thirty-three. 16. The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. 17. The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. 18. These are the sons of Jacob born to Zilpah—whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all. 19. The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 20. Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. 21. The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 22. These are the sons of Rachel born to Jacob—fourteen in all. 23. The son of Dan: Hushim. 24. The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 25. These are the sons of Jacob born to Bilhah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel—seven in all. 26. All those belonging to Jacob who came to Egypt—his direct descendants, besides the wives of Jacob’s sons—numbered sixty-six persons. 27. And with the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family who went to Egypt were seventy in all. 28. Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob’s family arrived in the land of Goshen, 29. Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. 30. Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!” 31. Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me. 32. The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’ 33. When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34. you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”

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Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 34 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 34 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 34 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 34 Bible verses from Genesis, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 34 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

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