Genesis 46:27 Meaning and Explanation
“And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →With Joseph's two sons included, the total number of Jacob's household is seventy.
The Context of Genesis 46:27
Joseph's sons are added to give a total of seventy souls in Jacob's household.
What Does Genesis 46:27 Mean?
When Joseph's two Egyptian-born sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) are added to the sixty-six, the total becomes seventy. This round number is theologically significant—seventy represents completeness and fullness in biblical symbolism. The entire household of Jacob—the future nation—can be contained in this single, sacred number.
The inclusion of Joseph's sons, though born outside the family circle, shows their complete integration into Israel's identity. They are not treated as half-Egyptian or outsiders; they are fully part of 'the house of Jacob.' This wholeness prepares the way for their formal adoption by Jacob later and their role in the tribal inheritance of Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 46:27
What does Genesis 46:27 mean?
With Joseph's two sons included, the total number of Jacob's household is seventy.
What is the context of Genesis 46:27?
Joseph's sons are added to give a total of seventy souls in Jacob's household.