Jacob sets out for Egypt with all his family, receiving divine confirmation at Beersheba that God will make him a great nation there and bring his descendants back. The genealogy lists the seventy souls who entered Egypt, documenting the foundation of the tribes of Israel. Joseph meets his father in Goshen with great emotion, and they are reunited after over twenty years of separation.
Read Genesis Chapter 46 Summary
Characters in This Chapter

First human, created from dust, placed in Eden as God's image-bearer and representative. His disobedience brought sin and death to all humanity.

First woman, formed from Adam's side as his helper and equal. Deceived by the serpent, she ate the forbidden fruit and gave it to Adam.

Righteous man in a corrupt generation. Built the ark at God's command, preserved humanity and animals through the flood, received God's covenant promise.

Father of faith, called from Ur to Canaan. Received God's covenant promises of land, descendants, and universal blessing. His faith was counted as righteousness.

Wife of Abraham, mother of Isaac. Laughed at God's promise of a son in old age but saw it fulfilled. Died at 127 and was buried in the cave of Machpelah.

Son of promise born to Abraham and Sarah. Nearly sacrificed on Mount Moriah. Married Rebekah, fathered Esau and Jacob, passed the blessing to Jacob.

Younger twin who obtained Esau's birthright and blessing. Wrestled with God and was renamed Israel. Father of twelve sons who became the tribes of Israel.

Favored son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his brothers. Rose to power in Egypt through divine wisdom, saved his family during famine, demonstrated forgiveness and providence.

The One Who Buried Jesus

Ruler of Egypt during the Exodus

The One Who Saw Salvation

Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ

The Man of Patience

First Wife of Jacob

Father of Rachel and Leah

Beloved Wife of Jacob

Youngest Son of Jacob

King of Judah who Repented

Syrian Commander Healed of Leprosy
Places in This Chapter

Place of human creation and the fall. God planted this garden eastward and placed Adam there to tend it. After sin, Adam and Eve were expelled and the way was guarded.

Site of the Tower of Babel where humanity united in rebellion against God. He confused their language and scattered them, explaining the origin of nations and languages.

Joseph rose to power here and brought his family during famine. Israel grew into a nation in Egypt, setting the stage for the Exodus.

Abraham built an altar here. Jacob dreamed of the ladder reaching heaven and named the place Bethel, meaning house of God.

Abraham settled near Hebron at the oaks of Mamre. He purchased the cave of Machpelah there as a burial site for Sarah, later used for the patriarchs.

Beersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath," was the southernmost major city of Israel. Abraham and Isaac both dug wells and made covenants here. It marked the traditional southern boundary of Israel in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." Hagar wandered in its wilderness, and Elijah fled here.
Position in Book
Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery. In Egypt, he rises from prisoner to prime minister through divine wisdom. During famine, his brothers come to Egypt for grain. Joseph reveals himself, forgives them, and brings his family to Egypt where they prosper under Pharaoh's protection.
Bible Bites
The Book of Beginnings
Genesis, meaning 'beginning,' spans 50 chapters covering from creation to Joseph's death in Egypt. In this first book of the Bible, we see the beginning of the world, humanity, sin, redemption, nations, languages, and God's covenant people—all foundational to understanding Scripture.
GenesisThe oldest man died the very year of the Flood
Add up the ages in Genesis 5: Methuselah, who lived 969 years, the longest life recorded, dies in the very year the Flood arrives. His name is even sometimes read as 'his death shall bring it.' The genealogy is quietly counting down to the great judgement.
Genesis 5

