Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 46בראשית 46

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Descent into Egypt becomes irreversible here, yet the movement is framed not as a fall from promise into exile alone, nor as mere migration logistics, but as a divinely guided transfer of the patriarchal house into the setting where it will become a great nation. Israel sets out with all that is his, pauses at Beersheba in sacrifice, receives a night vision of reassurance, and then descends with the whole household under divine promise. This movement therefore binds worship, fear, revelation, genealogy, reunion, and prudent settlement strategy into one movement. Its center lies in the divine speech: Jacob is not to fear going down to Egypt, for there God will make him a great nation, go down with him, and surely bring him up again. The long register of names is thus not a digression but the embodied form of the promise, showing the household that enters Egypt as a counted seed-bearing company. By the end Joseph and Israel are reunited in Goshen, death loses its immediate terror before restored sight, and the family is positioned to dwell in a place of provision while remaining socially distinct within Egypt.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. Descent into Egypt is formalized here under divine sanction, as sacrifice at Beersheba, counted household movement, and reunion in Goshen prepare the patriarchal family for national growth. Verse 1 is important because Jacob does not move straight into Egypt without cultic pause; Beersheba recalls earlier patriarchal associations, and the sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac place the migration within the continuity of covenant worship. Verses 2-4 are the theological core. The doubled address 'Jacob, Jacob' gives the vision its urgency and tenderness, and the divine self-identification as 'the God, the God of your father' grounds the reassurance in ancestral continuity. The prohibition 'do not fear to go down to Egypt' should retain its force, since the descent is both necessary and potentially threatening in the memory of patriarchal movement. Verse 3's 'I will make you there into a great nation' and verse 4's twin promises - 'I myself will go down with you to Egypt' and 'I myself will surely bring you up again' - are decisive for the whole Pentateuchal horizon. The line about Joseph's hand closing Jacob's eyes should be preserved in its intimate funerary force. Verses 8-27 present the household register, and that material should not be treated as mere archival interruption. The names, sub-branches, and totals show the patriarchal family entering Egypt as an ordered seed-company. Several arithmetic and classificatory tensions are well known: the totals associated with Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah, the relation between those born in Paddan-aram and those born in Egypt, and the round number of seventy in verse 27. These should be acknowledged without flattening the MT's own structuring logic. Verse 12's note about Er and Onan's death in Canaan keeps earlier narrative judgment inside the family count, while verse 20's inclusion of Manasseh and Ephraim born in Egypt shows that the list is organized by household reality rather than simple travel chronology alone. Verse 26's exclusion of sons' wives from one total and verse 27's climactic seventy are especially important for understanding the narrative's compositional method. Verse 28 resumes the narrative by sending Judah ahead to Joseph, a notable sign of his continuing leadership after the previous chapters. Verse 29's reunion scene should retain its emotional weight: Joseph harnesses his chariot, goes up to meet Israel his father in Goshen, falls upon his neck, and weeps עוד, still or again, in prolonged emotion. Verse 30's 'let me die this time' expresses not a death wish in abstraction but the release of one who has now seen his son's face alive. Verses 31-34 turn immediately to settlement strategy. Joseph prepares the brothers for Pharaoh's inquiry and instructs them to identify themselves as livestock men from youth onward, so that they may dwell in Goshen. The closing rationale, that every shepherd is an abomination to Egypt, should be preserved in full social force; the family's occupational distinctness becomes the means by which they are settled with provision yet kept somewhat separate from Egyptian assimilation. The narrative therefore joins promise, descent, counted continuity, and prudent differentiation in a way essential for what follows in Exodus. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַיִּסַּ֤ע יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְכָל אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ וַיָּבֹ֖א בְּאֵ֣רָה שָּׁ֑בַע וַיִּזְבַּ֣ח זְבָחִ֔ים לֵאלֹהֵ֖י אָבִ֥יו יִצְחָֽק

And Israel set out, and all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and he sacrificed sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

Israel’s descent begins with worshipful pause at Beershebaוַיִּסַּע
The migration does not rush past the covenantal landscape; sacrifice frames the descent under the God of the fathers.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּסַּ֤עand he journeyedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָסַע (H5265)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, pull up stakes, set out'; nomadic movement verb; here begins the formal migration of the patriarchal household toward Egypt.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of the wayyiqtol verbיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel, he who strives with God'; the covenant name signals that this descent occurs under patriarchal and covenantal identity.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinating conjunction + subject extensionכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, the whole'; in construct before אֲשֶׁר it encompasses Israel's entire household and possessions.
אֲשֶׁרthat belongedrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (head: כָּל)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that, who'; general-purpose relative marker; introduces the possessive clause 'that was his'.
ל֔וֹto himprep לְ + suf 3msPredicate of relative clause (possessive)Prepositional phrase לוֹ expressing possession; the relative clause = 'all that belonged to him'.
וַיָּבֹ֖אand he cameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter, arrive'; marks Israel's arrival at Beersheba as a cultic waypoint before Egypt.
בְּאֵ֣רָהto Beer-proper noun + dir-he · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Directional prepositional phrase (goal of travel)בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884) 'Beersheba, Well of Seven/Oath'; southern boundary site of Canaan, repeatedly associated with patriarchal covenant worship (Gen 21:33; 26:23-33).
שָּׁ֑בַע-shebaproper noun · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Second element of compound place nameשֶׁבַע second element of בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע; the whole name evokes prior patriarchal covenant at this southernmost outpost of promise.
וַיִּזְבַּ֣חand he sacrificedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · זָבַח (H2076)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceזָבַח (H2076) 'to sacrifice, slaughter as offering'; the cultic act before the descent frames the entire migration as covenant worship rather than survival flight.
זְבָחִ֔יםsacrificesN m pl abs · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct object of וַיִּזְבַּחזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice, slaughtered offering'; cognate with the verb זָבַח; the cognate-object construction emphasizes the completeness and intentionality of the act.
לֵאלֹהֵ֖יto the God ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Dative prepositional phrase (recipient of sacrifice)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; in construct with אָבִיו; grounding the sacrifice in the inherited patriarchal relationship with the covenant God.
אָבִ֥יוhis fatherN m sg constr + suf 3ms · אָב (H1)Genitive in construct chainאָב (H1) 'father'; 'the God of his father Isaac' signals personal and covenantal continuity from Isaac to Jacob within the descent narrative.
יִצְחָֽקIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Apposition identifying 'his father'יִצְחָק (H3327) 'Isaac, he laughs'; son of Abraham, father of Jacob; his name placed last anchors the sacrifice explicitly in the Abrahamic covenant line.
2

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֤ים לְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּמַרְאֹ֣ת הַלַּ֔יְלָה וַיֹּ֖אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֣ב יַעֲקֹ֑ב וַיֹּ֖אמֶר הִנֵּֽנִי

And God said to Israel in the visions of the night, and he said, 'Jacob, Jacob.' And he said, 'Here I am.'

God addresses Israel by name in the night visionוַיֹּאמֶר
The doubled “Jacob, Jacob” gives the revelation both urgency and filial tenderness before the move into Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; standard speech-introduction verb introducing the divine address.
אֱלֹהִ֤יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of speech verbאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; plural of majesty; the divine speaker of the night vision; matches the designation in v. 1, maintaining covenantal continuity.
לְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙to Israelprep לְ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Dative of recipientיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant name is used for the recipient of divine revelation, emphasizing that the promise is addressed to Israel as covenant heir.
בְּמַרְאֹ֣תin visions ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · מַרְאָה (H4759)Locative prepositional phrase (medium of revelation)מַרְאָה (H4759) 'vision, appearance'; from רָאָה 'to see'; a standard medium of divine disclosure at night (cf. Gen 15:1; Num 12:6).
הַלַּ֔יְלָהthe nightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Genitive complement to מַרְאֹתלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; the definite article specifies this particular night; nocturnal visions are a recurring mode of divine communication in the patriarchal narratives (Gen 15; 28).
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol: inner speech introduction (God calls by name)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); second occurrence introduces the vocative name-call within the vision.
יַעֲקֹ֣בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Vocative (first occurrence in doubled name-call)יַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob, heel-grasper'; the pre-covenant birth name is used in God's direct address, giving the call historical and personal resonance.
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Vocative (second occurrence — emphatic doubled name-call)The doubled vocative 'Jacob, Jacob' intensifies urgency and tenderness; the same pattern appears at Gen 22:11 (Abraham) and Exod 3:4 (Moses) — signals divine urgency.
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol: Jacob's reply introduction→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); third speech-introduction in this verse, now introducing Jacob's one-word response.
הִנֵּֽנִיhere I aminterj הִנֵּה + suf 1cs · הִנֵּה (H2009)Response particle expressing complete availabilityהִנֵּה (H2009) + 1cs suffix = 'behold me / here I am'; the classic response of readiness and obedience to divine address (cf. 1 Sam 3:4; Isa 6:8).
3

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אָנֹכִ֥י הָאֵ֖ל אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֑יךָ אַל תִּירָא֙ מֵרְדָ֣ה מִצְרַ֔יְמָה כִּֽי לְג֥וֹי גָּד֖וֹל אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֥ שָֽׁם

And he said, 'I am God, the God of your father. Do not fear to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.'

God forbids fear and promises nationhood in Egyptוַיֹּאמֶר
Egypt is explicitly named as the place where the family will become a great nation rather than disappear.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol: continuation of divine speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); speech verb continuing the revelation of v. 2.
אָנֹכִ֥יIpers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Emphatic subject pronoun (fronted divine self-identification)אָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'; emphatic independent pronoun; its fronting mirrors the formal structure of divine self-disclosure (cf. Exod 20:2 'I am YHWH your God').
הָאֵ֖לGodart + N m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Predicate noun of divine self-identificationאֵל (H410) 'God, El, the Mighty One'; with the definite article: 'the God', not merely 'a god'; in apposition to the following construct phrase grounding the identity in ancestral relationship.
אֱלֹהֵ֣יGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct phrase — appositive divine specificationאֱלֹהִים (H430) in construct; 'the God, the God of your father' — the doubled identification grounds the promise in covenantal continuity with Isaac and Abraham.
אָבִ֑יךָyour fatherN m sg constr + suf 2ms · אָב (H1)Genitive in construct chainאָב (H1) 'father'; suf 2ms makes this direct address to Jacob: 'the God of your father' points to Isaac (named in v. 1) and the continuous covenant.
אַלdo notneg particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle governing the following jussiveאַל (H408) 'not, do not'; prohibitive negative used with jussive to forbid an immediate action; stronger existential force than לֹא.
תִּירָא֙fearQal jussive 2ms · יָרֵא (H3372)Volitional (jussive) — negated prohibition→ Volitional: jussive expressing the divine prohibition of fear before descentיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, be afraid'; the prohibitive 'do not fear' (אַל תִּירָא) is a foundational covenant-reassurance formula in the patriarchal narratives (Gen 15:1; 26:24).
מֵרְדָ֣הfrom going downprep מִן + Qal inf constr · יָרַד (H3381)Prepositional infinitive clause (object of fear — what is feared)→ Infinitive construct: the feared action — descent into Egyptיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; with מִן = 'from/because of going down'; descending to Egypt carries symbolic weight as departure from the promised land.
מִצְרַ֔יְמָהto Egyptproper noun + dir-he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Directional goal of the infinitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; dual form, perhaps reflecting Upper and Lower Egypt; he-directional confirms Egypt as the direction of movement.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the prohibition of fear)כִּי (H3588) 'because, for, that'; causal here — fear is displaced because God will accomplish his promise precisely in Egypt.
לְג֥וֹיinto a nationprep לְ + N m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Complement of אֲשִׂימְךָ (lamed of result/transformation)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people-group, ethnic entity'; the promise to make Jacob a nation echoes the Abrahamic promise (Gen 12:2; 17:5); Egypt becomes the incubator of nationhood.
גָּד֖וֹלgreatadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying גּוֹיגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large, mighty'; from גָּדַל 'to grow, become great'; the promise of national greatness is given in the very place that seems to threaten Israel's identity.
אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֥I will make youQal impf 1cs + suf 2ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb of the divine promise clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — the divine promise of national formationשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, set, make'; with לְ + noun = 'make into'; the divine creative act that will transform Jacob's household into a nation within Egypt.
שָֽׁםthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (fronted emphatic — Egypt is the site of the promise)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; placed at verse-end for emphasis: precisely in Egypt — the feared destination — the nation will emerge.
4

אָנֹכִ֗י אֵרֵ֤ד עִמְּךָ֙ מִצְרַ֔יְמָה וְאָנֹכִ֖י אַֽעַלְךָ֣ גַם עָלֹ֑ה וְיוֹסֵ֕ף יָשִׁ֥ית יָד֖וֹ עַל עֵינֶֽיךָ

'I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I myself will surely bring you up again. And Joseph shall put his hand upon your eyes.'

Divine presence and eventual bringing-up are pledgedאָנֹכִי
The descent is framed by God’s own going down and by a future return horizon, while Joseph is promised as the son who will close Jacob’s eyes.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אָנֹכִ֗יIpers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Emphatic subject pronoun (fronted for divine self-pledge)אָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'; fronted emphatic subject — 'I myself will go down' — stressing divine personal agency in the descent.
אֵרֵ֤דwill go downQal impf 1cs · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate of first divine promise→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — God pledges personal accompaniment of the descentיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; here God himself becomes the subject of descent — not merely permitting but personally accompanying the migration to Egypt.
עִמְּךָ֙with youprep עִם + suf 2ms · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with, together with'; the divine presence formula — cf. the patriarchal promise 'I am with you' (Gen 26:24; 28:15); here God pledges to accompany Israel personally.
מִצְרַ֔יְמָהto Egyptproper noun + dir-he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Directional goal of the verbמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; he-directional marks the place of descent; God goes down to Egypt with Jacob.
וְאָנֹכִ֖יand Iconj וְ + pers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Coordinating conjunction + emphatic subject (parallel to first clause)אָנֹכִי (H595); parallel structure with v.4a reinforces both promises: God goes down with Jacob and will bring him up again.
אַֽעַלְךָ֣will bring you upHiphil impf 1cs + suf 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate of second divine promise→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — the divine pledge of eventual return from Egyptעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; Hiphil 'to bring up, cause to ascend'; the promise looks beyond Egypt to the eventual return — a foundational pledge anticipating the exodus.
גַםcertainlyadv · גַּם (H1571)Emphatic adverb strengthening the following infinitive absoluteגַּם (H1571) 'also, even, certainly'; paired here with the infinitive absolute it emphasizes the certainty of the divine promise.
עָלֹ֑הsurely bring upQal inf abs · עָלָה (H5927)Infinitive absolute (intensifying the finite Hiphil verb)→ Infinitive absolute: asseverative — guaranteeing the promise of returnעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; inf abs before the cognate Hiphil finite = 'I will surely bring you up' — a rhetorical strengthening of the covenantal pledge.
וְיוֹסֵ֕ףand Josephconj וְ + proper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Coordinating conjunction + subject of the following clauseיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph, May he add'; the shift from divine promises to Joseph's role introduces the intimate funerary assurance of the verse.
יָשִׁ֥יתwill layQal impf 3ms · שִׁית (H7896)Predicate verb (promise about Joseph's presence at death)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — the assurance of Joseph closing Jacob's eyes at deathשִׁית (H7896) 'to put, place, set'; related to שִׂים; here of placing the hand upon the dying father's eyes — the ancient gesture of filial attendance at death.
יָד֖וֹhis handN (c) sg constr + suf 3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of יָשִׁיתיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the hand that closes the eyes symbolizes Joseph's personal presence at Jacob's deathbed — the final promise of the vision is intimately filial.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (location of the hand)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over, on'; spatial preposition governing עֵינֶיךָ.
עֵינֶֽיךָyour eyesN (c) du constr + suf 2ms · עַיִן (H5869)Object of the prepositional phraseעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; dual as expected; 'Joseph will put his hand upon your eyes' = the closing of a dying person's eyes — a gesture of filial duty and intimate presence.
5

וַיָּ֥קָם יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִבְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיִּשְׂא֨וּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת יַעֲקֹ֣ב אֲבִיהֶ֗ם וְאֶת טַפָּם֙ וְאֶת נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם בָּעֲגָל֕וֹת אֲשֶׁר שָׁלַ֥ח פַּרְעֹ֖ה לָשֵׂ֥את אֹתֽוֹ

Then Jacob rose up from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father and their little ones and their wives in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

The family departs Beersheba in ordered movementוַיָּקָם
Vision turns to travel, and Pharaoh’s wagons become instruments of the now-authorized descent.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיָּ֥קָםand he aroseconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand up, rise'; signals the transition from divine vision to enacted departure; the patriarch responds with immediate movement.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיָּקָםיַעֲקֹב (H3290); the earthly name returns after 'Israel' was used for the vision-recipient, reflecting the narrative's fluid use of both names.
מִבְּאֵ֣רfrom Beer-prep מִן + proper noun · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Locative prepositional phrase (point of departure)בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884) 'Beersheba'; departure from Beersheba closes the scene opened in v. 1 — the cultic pause is complete and the authorized descent begins.
שָׁ֑בַע-shebaproper noun · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Second element of compound place nameשֶׁבַע second element of בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע; Beersheba names the liminal threshold — the last patriarchal sacred site in Canaan.
וַיִּשְׂא֨וּand they carriedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; the sons of Israel now carry Jacob and the dependents — a reversal of the expected order of a father leading sons.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיִּשְׂאוּבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the construct plural in subject position — the sons of Israel act collectively as one bearable group.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive in construct chain (sons of Israel)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the tribal identity is already implied — they act in their capacity as Israel's covenant sons.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the first definite direct object.
יַעֲקֹ֣בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Direct object of וַיִּשְׂאוּיַעֲקֹב (H3290); the father is now among those carried — the sons transport the aging patriarch in filial honor.
אֲבִיהֶ֗םtheir fatherN m sg constr + suf 3mp · אָב (H1)Apposition to יַעֲקֹבאָב (H1) 'father'; the appositive makes explicit the relational role — a father being honored by being carried in Pharaoh's wagons.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853); second object marker extends the inventory of those transported.
טַפָּם֙their little onesN m sg constr + suf 3mp · טַף (H2945)Direct object (second)טַף (H2945) 'little ones, young children, dependents'; those too young to travel independently; regularly paired with wives in migration accounts.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)אֵת (H853); third in the series — the family unit is complete.
נְשֵׁיהֶ֔םtheir wivesN f pl constr + suf 3mp · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object (third)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; the full household is enumerated: father, children, wives — all transported in Pharaoh's wagons.
בָּעֲגָל֕וֹתin the wagonsprep בְּ + art + N f pl abs · עֲגָלָה (H5699)Instrumental/locative prepositional phraseעֲגָלָה (H5699) 'wagon, cart'; these are the specific wagons Pharaoh sent (Gen 45:19-21); their use frames the descent as divinely and royally provided transportation.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (antecedent: הָעֲגָלוֹת)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause specifying Pharaoh's role as sender.
שָׁלַ֥חhad sentQal perf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed prior action — Pharaoh's sending of the wagonsשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, dispatch'; Pharaoh's sending of wagons (Gen 45:19-21) is recalled as the mechanism of the family's providentially enabled descent.
פַּרְעֹ֖הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of the relative clause verbפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; Egyptian royal title; his wagons become instruments of divine providence, co-opted into the purposes of God.
לָשֵׂ֥אתto carry himprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Purposive infinitive (purpose of sending the wagons)→ Infinitive construct: purposive — to transport Jacob to Egyptנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry, bear'; the same verb as וַיִּשְׂאוּ earlier in the verse — a verbal echo linking the sons' action and Pharaoh's provision.
אֹתֽוֹhimobj marker + suf 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object of the infinitive (Jacob)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; the suffix refers to Jacob — he is the person the wagons were sent to transport.
6

וַיִּקְח֣וּ אֶת מִקְנֵיהֶ֗ם וְאֶת רְכוּשָׁם֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר רָֽכְשׁוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ מִצְרָ֑יְמָה יַעֲקֹ֖ב וְכָל זַרְע֥וֹ אִתּֽוֹ

And they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and they came to Egypt, Jacob and all his seed with him,

Livestock, goods, and seed are brought into Egypt togetherוַיִּקְחוּ
The whole house moves as a covenant-bearing household, not as isolated individuals.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּקְח֣וּand they tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, receive, acquire'; the family takes its portable wealth — livestock and goods — into Egypt alongside persons.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the first definite direct object.
מִקְנֵיהֶ֗םtheir livestockN m sg constr + suf 3mp · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Direct object of וַיִּקְחוּמִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, cattle, property in animals'; from קָנָה 'to acquire/possess'; the family's primary wealth; the same word will drive the settlement strategy in vv. 32-34.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853); second object marker.
רְכוּשָׁם֙their goodsN m sg constr + suf 3mp · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Direct object (second)רְכוּשׁ (H7399) 'property, possessions, movable goods'; the same word used of Abraham's wealth acquired in Egypt (Gen 12:5) — a subtle ironic echo.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhichrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (antecedent: רְכוּשָׁם)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause specifying the origin of their goods in Canaan.
רָֽכְשׁוּ֙they had acquiredQal perf 3cp · רָכַשׁ (H7408)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed prior acquisition in Canaanרָכַשׁ (H7408) 'to acquire, gather property'; cognate with רְכוּשׁ; the pair emphasizes these goods were rightfully and personally earned in the land of Canaan.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; in construct with כְּנַעַן marking the promised land as the place of origin for the family wealth.
כְּנַ֔עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive complement to אֶרֶץכְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the promised land is the source of their portable wealth, which they now carry into Egypt.
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּand they cameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; the arrival in Egypt is narrated simply — the emphasis is on who and what arrives, not the journey itself.
מִצְרָ֑יְמָהto Egyptproper noun + dir-he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Directional goalמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; arrival realized after the divine permission, sacrifice, and preparations of vv. 1-5.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Resumptive subject appositionיַעֲקֹב (H3290); the patriarch is named again as the head of the arriving company.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinating conjunction + totalizerכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; resumes enumeration of who came with Jacob.
זַרְע֥וֹhis seedN m sg constr + suf 3ms · זֶרַע (H2233)Genitive in construct (all his seed)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring, descendants'; covenant term carrying the promise of multiplication; encompasses Jacob's entire household.
אִתּֽוֹwith himprep אֵת + suf 3ms · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with' (comitative, distinct from H853 obj marker); 'all his seed with him' echoes the divine promise that God would go down with Jacob.
7

בָּנָ֞יו וּבְנֵ֤י בָנָיו֙ אִתּ֔וֹ בְּנֹתָ֛יו וּבְנ֥וֹת בָּנָ֖יו וְכָל זַרְע֑וֹ הֵבִ֥יא אִתּ֖וֹ מִצְרָֽיְמָה

his sons and his sons' sons with him, his daughters and his sons' daughters, and all his seed he brought with him to Egypt.

The descent is totalized in terms of the whole seedבָּנָיו
The narrative emphasizes continuity of generations and the fullness of the family line entering Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
בָּנָ֞יוhis sonsN m pl constr + suf 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (listing Jacob's male descendants)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the first in a series listing all branches of Jacob's descending household.
וּבְנֵ֤יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinating conjunction + construct (grandsons)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; in construct with בָנָיו to form 'his sons' sons' — grandchildren are included in the total.
בָנָיו֙his sonsN m pl constr + suf 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive in construct (sons of his sons)בֵּן (H1121); the construct genitive that completes the phrase 'sons of his sons'.
אִתּ֔וֹwith himprep אֵת + suf 3ms · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; the whole company travels with Jacob as a unified household.
בְּנֹתָ֛יוhis daughtersN f pl constr + suf 3ms · בַּת (H1323)Subject in continuation (female branch of the listing)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; the female line is explicitly included — the descent registers both sons and daughters.
וּבְנ֥וֹתand daughters ofconj וְ + N f pl constr · בַּת (H1323)Coordinating conjunction + construct (granddaughters)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; in construct with בָּנָיו to form 'his sons' daughters' — the genealogy extends to granddaughters as well.
בָּנָ֖יוhis sonsN m pl constr + suf 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive in construct (daughters of his sons)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; completes 'daughters of his sons'.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinating conjunction + totalizerכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the comprehensive summary of Jacob's entire descending household.
זַרְע֑וֹhis seedN m sg constr + suf 3ms · זֶרַע (H2233)Genitive in construct (all his seed)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; the covenant term that encompasses both male and female descendants — the total seed-bearing company.
הֵבִ֥יאhe broughtHiphil perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Main predicate verb (back-shifted subject summary)→ Perfective: completed action — Jacob brought his entire household to Egyptבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come'; the subject is Jacob; he is the one who led/brought all his seed — deliberate, complete, comprehensive action.
אִתּ֖וֹwith himprep אֵת + suf 3ms · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; 'all his seed with him' is a formula of corporate solidarity.
מִצְרָֽיְמָהto Egyptproper noun + dir-he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Directional goal of the verbמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; he-directional closes the sentence with the destination — the household has arrived.
8

וְאֵ֨לֶּה שְׁמ֧וֹת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל הַבָּאִ֥ים מִצְרַ֖יְמָה יַעֲקֹ֣ב וּבָנָ֑יו בְּכֹ֥ר יַעֲקֹ֖ב רְאוּבֵֽן

And these are the names of the sons of Israel who were coming to Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Jacob's firstborn was Reuben.

The entering household is formally named and countedוְאֵלֶּה
The genealogy is introduced as the embodied company of Israel going down to Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְאֵ֨לֶּהand these areconj וְ + dem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Presentative formula introducing the genealogical registerאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; the standard formula for introducing a list or register (cf. Exod 1:1 'וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת' for the opening of Exodus).
שְׁמ֧וֹתnames ofN m pl constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Predicate noun (the register is defined as a list of names)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name, reputation'; the register is explicitly introduced as a names-list; cf. Exod 1:1 uses the same opening to mark the family-to-nation transition.
בְּנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive in construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the whole household is denominated as 'sons of Israel' — the tribal identity in embryo.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (sons of Israel)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant name makes this list an identity-register for the covenant people entering Egypt.
הַבָּאִ֥יםwho were comingart + Qal ptc m pl abs · בּוֹא (H935)Adjectival participle modifying בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל→ Participle: substantival — those in the act/process of coming to Egyptבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the participial form describes them mid-journey; the list captures them in the act of descent.
מִצְרַ֖יְמָהto Egyptproper noun + dir-he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Directional goal of the participleמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; he-directional attached to the participle's implied motion.
יַעֲקֹ֣בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Apposition to the subject (Jacob himself heads the list)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the patriarch is named at the head of the register before his sons, establishing the household under his personal identity.
וּבָנָ֑יוand his sonsconj וְ + N m pl constr + suf 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinating conjunction + subject extensionבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the sons are grouped with Jacob as the collective subject of the entering household.
בְּכֹ֥רfirstborn ofN m sg constr · בְּכֹר (H1060)Predicate noun introducing the firstborn designationבְּכֹר (H1060) 'firstborn, firstborn son'; the term carries legal priority and covenantal weight; Reuben's primogeniture is noted even though he later forfeited it (Gen 49:3-4).
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive in construct (firstborn of Jacob)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the naming of the firstborn by father grounds the list in genealogical order.
רְאוּבֵֽןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Appositive identifying the firstbornרְאוּבֵן (H7205) 'Reuben, See, a son'; eldest son of Jacob and Leah; despite primogeniture he lost his birthright to Joseph's sons (Gen 49:3-4; 1 Chr 5:1).
9

וּבְנֵ֖י רְאוּבֵ֑ן חֲנ֥וֹךְ וּפַלּ֖וּא וְחֶצְר֥וֹן וְכַרְמִֽי

And the sons of Reuben: Hanoch and Pallu and Hezron and Carmi.

Reuben’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
The register proceeds branch by branch, grounding the migration in named descent.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וּבְנֵ֖יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Reuben's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the formulaic sub-header 'and the sons of X' structures each tribal branch in the register.
רְאוּבֵ֑ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (sons of Reuben)רְאוּבֵן (H7205) 'Reuben'; the firstborn of Jacob; his four sons are now enumerated.
חֲנ֥וֹךְHanochproper noun · חֲנוֹךְ (H2585)First name in Reuben's genealogical listחֲנוֹךְ (H2585) 'Hanoch, dedicated/initiated'; first son of Reuben; shares the name of the antediluvian patriarch but is a distinct individual.
וּפַלּ֖וּאand Palluconj וְ + proper noun · פַּלּוּא (H6396)Coordinated name in genealogical listפַּלּוּא (H6396) 'Pallu, distinguished'; second son of Reuben; ancestor of the clan of Pallu.
וְחֶצְר֥וֹןand Hezronconj וְ + proper noun · חֶצְרוֹן (H2696)Coordinated name in genealogical listחֶצְרוֹן (H2696) 'Hezron, enclosed courtyard'; third son of Reuben; the same name also appears for a son of Perez (v. 12).
וְכַרְמִֽיand Carmiconj וְ + proper noun · כַּרְמִי (H3756)Final coordinated name in Reuben's listכַּרְמִי (H3756) 'Carmi, my vineyard'; fourth and last son of Reuben; ancestor of Achan (Josh 7:1).
10

וּבְנֵ֣י שִׁמְע֗וֹן יְמוּאֵ֧ל וְיָמִ֛ין וְאֹ֖הַד וְיָכִ֣ין וְצֹ֑חַר וְשָׁא֖וּל בֶּן הַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽית

And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel and Jamin and Ohad and Jachin and Zohar and Shaul the son of the Canaanite woman.

Simeon’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
The family register includes maternal and lineal markers significant for household identity.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וּבְנֵ֣יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Simeon's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the formulaic sub-header continues the tribal register.
שִׁמְע֗וֹןSimeonproper noun · שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095)Genitive (sons of Simeon)שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095) 'Simeon, hearing'; second son of Jacob and Leah; six sons are listed including one born of a Canaanite woman.
יְמוּאֵ֧לJemuelproper noun · יְמוּאֵל (H3223)First name in Simeon's genealogical listיְמוּאֵל (H3223) 'Jemuel'; first son of Simeon; appears as נְמוּאֵל in Num 26:12 and 1 Chr 4:24 (textual variant).
וְיָמִ֛יןand Jaminconj וְ + proper noun · יָמִין (H3226)Coordinated name in genealogical listיָמִין (H3226) 'Jamin, right hand'; second son of Simeon.
וְאֹ֖הַדand Ohadconj וְ + proper noun · אֹהַד (H161)Coordinated name in genealogical listאֹהַד (H161) 'Ohad'; third son of Simeon; not listed in Num 26 — he apparently died without descendants.
וְיָכִ֣יןand Jachinconj וְ + proper noun · יָכִין (H3199)Coordinated name in genealogical listיָכִין (H3199) 'Jachin, he establishes'; fourth son of Simeon; the name recurs for a pillar of Solomon's temple (1 Kgs 7:21).
וְצֹ֑חַרand Zoharconj וְ + proper noun · צֹחַר (H6714)Coordinated name in genealogical listצֹחַר (H6714) 'Zohar, whiteness/tawny'; fifth son of Simeon.
וְשָׁא֖וּלand Shaulconj וְ + proper noun · שָׁאוּל (H7586)Coordinated name with distinguishing note to followשָׁאוּל (H7586) 'Shaul, asked for'; sixth son of Simeon; uniquely identified by his maternal descent from a Canaanite woman, distinguishing him from the other sons.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition identifying Shaul's maternal lineageבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the construct form introducing the unusual maternal identification — 'son of the Canaanite woman'.
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽיתthe Canaanite womanart + gentilic adj f sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִית (H3669)Genitive specifying Shaul's maternal descentכְּנַעֲנִית (H3669) 'Canaanite woman'; the only instance in this register where a son is identified by maternal rather than paternal lineage, marking Shaul's mixed heritage.
11

וּבְנֵ֖י לֵוִ֑י גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹן קְהָ֖ת וּמְרָרִֽי

And the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Levi’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
The ancestral house is being recorded in the form in which it enters Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וּבְנֵ֖יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Levi's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the formulaic sub-header continues.
לֵוִ֑יLeviproper noun · לֵוִי (H3878)Genitive (sons of Levi)לֵוִי (H3878) 'Levi, attached'; third son of Jacob and Leah; ancestor of the priestly tribe; his three sons here become the three Levitical clans (Num 3:17).
גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹןGershonproper noun · גֵּרְשׁוֹן (H1648)First name in Levi's genealogical listגֵּרְשׁוֹן (H1648) 'Gershon, exile/stranger'; first son of Levi; ancestor of the Gershonite Levitical clan responsible for the tabernacle curtains (Num 4:24-28).
קְהָ֖תKohathproper noun · קְהָת (H6955)Second name in Levi's genealogical listקְהָת (H6955) 'Kohath, assembly'; second son of Levi; ancestor of the Kohathite clan and of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Exod 6:18-20).
וּמְרָרִֽיand Merariconj וְ + proper noun · מְרָרִי (H4847)Final name in Levi's genealogical listמְרָרִי (H4847) 'Merari, bitter/vigorous'; third son of Levi; ancestor of the Merarite Levitical clan responsible for the tabernacle frames (Num 4:29-33).
12

וּבְנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֗ה עֵ֧ר וְאוֹנָ֛ן וְשֵׁלָ֖ה וָפֶ֣רֶץ וָזָ֑רַח וַיָּ֨מָת עֵ֤ר וְאוֹנָן֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן וַיִּהְי֥וּ בְנֵי פֶ֖רֶץ חֶצְר֥וֹן וְחָמֽוּל

And the sons of Judah: Er and Onan and Shelah and Perez and Zerah. But Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.

Judah’s line is enumerated with narrative memory intactוּבְנֵי
The deaths of Er and Onan in Canaan remain part of the counted family memory even within the descent list.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וּבְנֵ֣יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Judah's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the sub-header for Judah's branch, which is notably expanded with narrative memory.
יְהוּדָ֗הJudahproper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Genitive (sons of Judah)יְהוּדָה (H3063) 'Judah, let him be praised'; fourth son of Jacob and Leah; his branch carries the most expansive genealogical note, including the deaths of Er and Onan.
עֵ֧רErproper noun · עֵר (H6147)First name in Judah's genealogical listעֵר (H6147) 'Er, watchful'; firstborn of Judah; killed by YHWH because of his wickedness (Gen 38:7).
וְאוֹנָ֛ןand Onanconj וְ + proper noun · אוֹנָן (H209)Coordinated name in Judah's listאוֹנָן (H209) 'Onan, vigorous/strength'; second son of Judah; also killed by YHWH for refusing levirate duty (Gen 38:8-10).
וְשֵׁלָ֖הand Shelahconj וְ + proper noun · שֵׁלָה (H7956)Coordinated name in Judah's listשֵׁלָה (H7956) 'Shelah, petition'; third son of Judah; withheld from Tamar by Judah, leading to the Tamar episode (Gen 38:11-14).
וָפֶ֣רֶץand Perezconj וְ + proper noun · פֶּרֶץ (H6557)Coordinated name in Judah's listפֶּרֶץ (H6557) 'Perez, breach'; son of Judah by Tamar; ancestor of David and the messianic line (Ruth 4:18-22; Matt 1:3).
וָזָ֑רַחand Zerahconj וְ + proper noun · זֶרַח (H2226)Final coordinated name in Judah's initial listזֶרַח (H2226) 'Zerah, rising/dawning'; twin brother of Perez, born to Judah and Tamar (Gen 38:30).
וַיָּ֨מָתand he diedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol: retrospective narrative interruption→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded event (the deaths of Er and Onan recalled within the list)מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the narrative interrupts the name-list to note the deaths of Er and Onan in Canaan — divine judgment folded into the genealogy.
עֵ֤רErproper noun · עֵר (H6147)Subject of the death noticeעֵר (H6147) 'Er'; repeated from i=2 to name the dead — the genealogy includes even the judged.
וְאוֹנָן֙and Onanconj וְ + proper noun · אוֹנָן (H209)Coordinated subject (two who died)אוֹנָן (H209) 'Onan'; the second death is noted alongside Er's — both sons eliminated before the Egypt descent.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (where the deaths occurred)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; specifying that the deaths happened in Canaan, not Egypt — prior history embedded in the descent record.
כְּנַ֔עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive complement to אֶרֶץכְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the promised land is the scene of these deaths — divine judgment executed within the very land of promise.
וַיִּהְי֥וּand they wereconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol: existential statement introducing Perez's sons→ Wayyiqtol: narrative continuation (moving to next sub-branch)הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist, become'; existential verb introducing the sons of Perez — a sub-branch within Judah's line.
בְנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of the existential clauseבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; introduces the sub-branch of Perez within Judah's line.
פֶ֖רֶץPerezproper noun · פֶּרֶץ (H6557)Genitive in construct (sons of Perez)פֶּרֶץ (H6557) 'Perez'; the sub-branch of Perez is given because his sons accompany the descent — a detail relevant to the total count.
חֶצְר֥וֹןHezronproper noun · חֶצְרוֹן (H2696)First name in Perez's sub-listחֶצְרוֹן (H2696) 'Hezron'; first son of Perez; ancestor of the line through which David descends (Ruth 4:18-19).
וְחָמֽוּלand Hamulconj וְ + proper noun · חָמוּל (H2538)Final name in Perez's sub-listחָמוּל (H2538) 'Hamul, spared/pitied'; second son of Perez; ancestor of the clan of Hamul (Num 26:21).
13

וּבְנֵ֖י יִשָׂשכָ֑ר תּוֹלָ֥ע וּפֻוָּ֖ה וְי֥וֹב וְשִׁמְרֽוֹן

And the sons of Issachar: Tola and Puvah and Job and Shimron.

Issachar’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
The register continues its ordered expansion through Leah’s branch.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וּבְנֵ֖יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Issachar's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the formulaic sub-header continues through Leah's sons.
יִשָׂשכָ֑רIssacharproper noun · יִשָּׂשכָר (H3485)Genitive (sons of Issachar)יִשָּׂשכָר (H3485) 'Issachar, there is reward/hired man'; fifth son of Jacob and Leah; four sons listed.
תּוֹלָ֥עTolaproper noun · תּוֹלָע (H8439)First name in Issachar's genealogical listתּוֹלָע (H8439) 'Tola, worm/crimson grub'; first son of Issachar; ancestor of the Tolaite clan (Num 26:23).
וּפֻוָּ֖הand Puvahconj וְ + proper noun · פֻּוָּה (H6312)Coordinated name in Issachar's listפֻּוָּה (H6312) 'Puvah, mouth/blast'; second son of Issachar; appears as פֻּוָה in Num 26:23.
וְי֥וֹבand Jobconj וְ + proper noun · יוֹב (H3102)Coordinated name in Issachar's listיוֹב (H3102) 'Job'; third son of Issachar; appears as יָשׁוּב in Num 26:24 (textual variant).
וְשִׁמְרֽוֹןand Shimronconj וְ + proper noun · שִׁמְרוֹן (H8110)Final name in Issachar's genealogical listשִׁמְרוֹן (H8110) 'Shimron, watch-post'; fourth son of Issachar; ancestor of the Shimronite clan (Num 26:24).
14

וּבְנֵ֖י זְבוּלֻ֑ן סֶ֥רֶד וְאֵל֖וֹן וְיַחְלְאֵֽל

And the sons of Zebulun: Sered and Elon and Jahleel.

Zebulun’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
Each branch of the house is made visible as the promise-bearing seed descends.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וּבְנֵ֖יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Zebulun's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the formulaic sub-header for the last of Leah's sons.
זְבוּלֻ֑ןZebulunproper noun · זְבוּלֻן (H2074)Genitive (sons of Zebulun)זְבוּלֻן (H2074) 'Zebulun, dwelling/honor'; sixth and youngest son of Jacob and Leah; three sons listed.
סֶ֥רֶדSeredproper noun · סֶרֶד (H5624)First name in Zebulun's genealogical listסֶרֶד (H5624) 'Sered'; first son of Zebulun; ancestor of the Seredite clan (Num 26:26).
וְאֵל֖וֹןand Elonconj וְ + proper noun · אֵלוֹן (H356)Coordinated name in Zebulun's listאֵלוֹן (H356) 'Elon, oak'; second son of Zebulun; ancestor of the Elonite clan (Num 26:26).
וְיַחְלְאֵֽלand Jahleelconj וְ + proper noun · יַחְלְאֵל (H3177)Final name in Zebulun's genealogical listיַחְלְאֵל (H3177) 'Jahleel, God waits/hopes in God'; third son of Zebulun; ancestor of the Jahleelite clan (Num 26:26).
15

אֵ֣לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י לֵאָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָֽלְדָ֤ה לְיַעֲקֹב֙ בְּפַדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֔ם וְאֵ֖ת דִּינָ֣ה בִתּ֑וֹ כָּל נֶ֧פֶשׁ בָּנָ֛יו וּבְנוֹתָ֖יו שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וְשָׁלֹֽשׁ

These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan-aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the persons of his sons and his daughters were thirty-three.

Leah’s branch is totaledאֵלֶּה
The genealogy pauses to consolidate the branch numerically before moving on.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אֵ֣לֶּהthese aredem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Presentative pronoun introducing the branch summaryאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; the summary formula closes Leah's branch after her sons' sons have been named.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate noun (subject of demonstrative predication)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the collective term encompasses all the descendants listed in the Leah branch.
לֵאָ֗הLeahproper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Genitive (these are the sons of Leah)לֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah, weary/wild cow'; Jacob's first wife; her branch (including Dinah) totals thirty-three persons.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhomrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (antecedent: Leah)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause identifying the mother and place of Leah's children.
יָֽלְדָ֤הshe boreQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed action of bearing childrenיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth, beget'; Qal 3fs with Leah as subject; the births in Paddan-aram are distinguished from births in Egypt.
לְיַעֲקֹב֙to Jacobprep לְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Dative (born to Jacob)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); Jacob is the father — the children are counted within his household.
בְּפַדַּ֣ןin Paddan-prep בְּ + proper noun · פַּדַּן אֲרָם (H6307)Locative prepositional phrase (birthplace)פַּדַּן אֲרָם (H6307) 'Paddan-aram, field of Aram'; the Aramean homeland where Jacob lived and the sons were born (Gen 29-30); distinguished from births in Egypt.
אֲרָ֔ם-aramproper noun · פַּדַּן אֲרָם (H6307)Second element of compound place nameאֲרָם (H6307) 'Aram'; second element of פַּדַּן אֲרָם — the geographic home of Laban and the birthplace of most of Israel's sons.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (adding Dinah)אֵת (H853); marks Dinah as an additional direct object alongside the sons — she is explicitly included in the birth record.
דִּינָ֣הDinahproper noun · דִּינָה (H1783)Direct object (added daughter named explicitly)דִּינָה (H1783) 'Dinah, vindicated'; the only daughter named individually in this register; her story in Gen 34 makes her significant within the family narrative.
בִתּ֑וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + suf 3ms · בַּת (H1323)Apposition to דִּינָהבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; identifies Dinah's relationship to Jacob, distinguishing her as the daughter counted alongside the sons.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the numerical summaryכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; introduces the branch total.
נֶ֧פֶשׁpersonsN (c) sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive in construct (all the persons)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person, living being'; used as a counting unit for persons in census/genealogical contexts; cf. Exod 1:5 where the same formula is used.
בָּנָ֛יוof his sonsN m pl constr + suf 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive limiting נֶפֶשׁבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the persons counted are his sons' persons — the subject of the count.
וּבְנוֹתָ֖יוand his daughtersconj וְ + N f pl constr + suf 3ms · בַּת (H1323)Coordinating conjunction + genitive extension (daughters included)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; the count explicitly includes daughters — the total of 33 incorporates the full household.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥יםthirtyN (c) pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numerical predicate (first element of compound number)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; the tens component of the total; the round tens plus three indicates a carefully structured count.
וְשָׁלֹֽשׁand threeconj וְ + adj f sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Coordinated numeral completing the total (thirty-three)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three' (feminine form used with masculine noun); combined with שְׁלֹשִׁים = thirty-three persons for Leah's branch.
16

וּבְנֵ֣י גָ֔ד צִפְי֥וֹן וְחַגִּ֖י שׁוּנִ֣י וְאֶצְבֹּ֑ן עֵרִ֥י וַֽאֲרוֹדִ֖י וְאַרְאֵלִֽי

And the sons of Gad: Ziphion and Haggi, Shuni and Ezbon, Eri and Arodi and Areli.

Gad’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
Zilpah’s contribution to Jacob’s house is fully counted within the descent.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וּבְנֵ֣יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Gad's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the formulaic sub-header moves to Zilpah's sons.
גָ֔דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (sons of Gad)גָּד (H1410) 'Gad, fortune/troop'; first son of Zilpah (Leah's maid); seven sons listed, the most of any tribe in this register.
צִפְי֥וֹןZiphionproper noun · צִפְיוֹן (H6837)First name in Gad's genealogical listצִפְיוֹן (H6837) 'Ziphion, watchman'; first son of Gad; appears as צְפוֹן in Num 26:15 (textual variant).
וְחַגִּ֖יand Haggiconj וְ + proper noun · חַגִּי (H2291)Coordinated name in Gad's listחַגִּי (H2291) 'Haggi, festive/born on a feast day'; second son of Gad (Num 26:15).
שׁוּנִ֣יShuniproper noun · שׁוּנִי (H7764)Coordinated name in Gad's listשׁוּנִי (H7764) 'Shuni'; third son of Gad; ancestor of the Shunite clan (Num 26:15).
וְאֶצְבֹּ֑ןand Ezbonconj וְ + proper noun · אֶצְבֹּן (H675)Coordinated name in Gad's listאֶצְבֹּן (H675) 'Ezbon'; fourth son of Gad; appears as אֹצְנִי in Num 26:16 (textual variant).
עֵרִ֥יEriproper noun · עֵרִי (H6179)Coordinated name in Gad's listעֵרִי (H6179) 'Eri, my watcher'; fifth son of Gad (Num 26:16).
וַֽאֲרוֹדִ֖יand Arodiconj וְ + proper noun · אֲרוֹדִי (H722)Coordinated name in Gad's listאֲרוֹדִי (H722) 'Arodi'; sixth son of Gad; appears as אֲרוֹד in Num 26:17 (shortened form).
וְאַרְאֵלִֽיand Areliconj וְ + proper noun · אַרְאֵלִי (H692)Final name in Gad's genealogical listאַרְאֵלִי (H692) 'Areli, heroic/lion of God'; seventh and last son of Gad (Num 26:17).
17

וּבְנֵ֣י אָשֵׁ֗ר יִמְנָ֧ה וְיִשְׁוָ֛ה וְיִשְׁוִ֥י וּבְרִיעָ֖ה וְשֶׂ֣רַח אֲחֹתָ֑ם וּבְנֵ֣י בְרִיעָ֔ה חֶ֖בֶר וּמַלְכִּיאֵֽל

And the sons of Asher: Imnah and Ishvah and Ishvi and Beriah, and Serah their sister. And the sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.

Asher’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
Sons, sister, and grandsons are all integrated into the branch structure.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וּבְנֵ֣יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Asher's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the sub-header for Asher, second son of Zilpah; this branch uniquely includes a named daughter and a sub-branch.
אָשֵׁ֗רAsherproper noun · אָשֵׁר (H836)Genitive (sons of Asher)אָשֵׁר (H836) 'Asher, happy/blessed'; second son of Zilpah; four sons plus a daughter (Serah) and two grandsons (through Beriah) are listed.
יִמְנָ֧הImnahproper noun · יִמְנָה (H3232)First name in Asher's genealogical listיִמְנָה (H3232) 'Imnah, right hand/prosperity'; first son of Asher (Num 26:44).
וְיִשְׁוָ֛הand Ishvahconj וְ + proper noun · יִשְׁוָה (H3438)Coordinated name in Asher's listיִשְׁוָה (H3438) 'Ishvah, he resembles'; second son of Asher; not listed in Num 26 (may have died without descendants).
וְיִשְׁוִ֥יand Ishviconj וְ + proper noun · יִשְׁוִי (H3440)Coordinated name in Asher's listיִשְׁוִי (H3440) 'Ishvi, he resembles me'; third son of Asher (Num 26:44 as יִשְׁוִי).
וּבְרִיעָ֖הand Beriahconj וְ + proper noun · בְּרִיעָה (H1283)Coordinated name in Asher's list (with sub-branch to follow)בְּרִיעָה (H1283) 'Beriah, with evil/in misfortune'; fourth son of Asher; notable as the only son of Asher whose sons are separately named in this register.
וְשֶׂ֣רַחand Serahconj וְ + proper noun · שֶׂרַח (H8294)Coordinated element (sister added to Asher's list)שֶׂרַח (H8294) 'Serah'; daughter of Asher; one of only two named women in this register (with Dinah); later tradition credits her with longevity and wisdom.
אֲחֹתָ֑םtheir sisterN f sg constr + suf 3mp · אָחוֹת (H269)Apposition identifying Serah's relationshipאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; the appositive 'their sister' integrates Serah into the brothers' branch; she is counted alongside the male descendants.
וּבְנֵ֣יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Sub-header for Beriah's sub-branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; a sub-branch within Asher's branch, specifying Beriah's sons and bringing the total to twelve persons for Zilpah's line.
בְרִיעָ֔הBeriahproper noun · בְּרִיעָה (H1283)Genitive (sons of Beriah)בְּרִיעָה (H1283) 'Beriah'; his two sons are named, making Asher's branch the most detailed after Judah's.
חֶ֖בֶרHeberproper noun · חֶבֶר (H2268)First name in Beriah's sub-listחֶבֶר (H2268) 'Heber, companion/associate'; first son of Beriah; ancestor of the Heberite clan (Num 26:45).
וּמַלְכִּיאֵֽלand Malchielconj וְ + proper noun · מַלְכִּיאֵל (H4439)Final name in Beriah's sub-listמַלְכִּיאֵל (H4439) 'Malchiel, God is my king'; second son of Beriah; ancestor of the Malchielite clan (Num 26:45).
18

אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י זִלְפָּ֔ה אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥ן לָבָ֖ן לְלֵאָ֣ה בִתּ֑וֹ וַתֵּ֤לֶד אֶת אֵ֨לֶּה֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב שֵׁ֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה נָֽפֶשׁ

These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob, sixteen persons.

Zilpah’s branch is totaledאֵלֶּה
The narrative keeps the maternal branch structure explicit as it counts the entering house.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
אֵ֚לֶּהthese aredem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Presentative pronoun introducing the Zilpah branch summaryאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; the closing formula for Zilpah's branch, paralleling the summary formula used for Leah (v. 15) and Bilhah (v. 25).
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate nounבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the collective term for all descendants through Zilpah.
זִלְפָּ֔הZilpahproper noun · זִלְפָּה (H2153)Genitive (these are the sons of Zilpah)זִלְפָּה (H2153) 'Zilpah'; Leah's maidservant given to Jacob; mother of Gad and Asher; her branch totals sixteen persons.
אֲשֶׁרwhomrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (antecedent: Zilpah)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause identifying Laban's role in giving Zilpah.
נָתַ֥ןgaveQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed prior action — Laban's gift of Zilpah to Leahנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant, place'; Laban is the giver; the maternal lineage is traced back to its origin in Laban's household.
לָבָ֖ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subject of the relative clause verbלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban, white'; Jacob's uncle and father-in-law; his gift of maidservants is now embedded in the genealogy as the origin of two tribal lines.
לְלֵאָ֣הto Leahprep לְ + proper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Dative (Laban gave Zilpah to Leah)לֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah'; Zilpah was Leah's maidservant, then given to Jacob — the full chain of provision is noted.
בִתּ֑וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + suf 3ms · בַּת (H1323)Apposition to לֵאָהבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; specifies Leah's relationship to Laban — Zilpah was given by a father to his daughter.
וַתֵּ֤לֶדand she boreconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol: resumptive narrative (Zilpah bore these to Jacob)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; Qal 3fs with Zilpah as subject — the maidservant became a mother in Jacob's household.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853); marks the following demonstrative pronoun as the definite direct object.
אֵ֨לֶּה֙thesedem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Direct object (these people = those just listed)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; the demonstrative refers back to the just-named descendants — 'these she bore to Jacob'.
לְיַעֲקֹ֔בto Jacobprep לְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Dative (born to Jacob)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); Jacob is the father in whose household Zilpah's children are counted.
שֵׁ֥שׁsixadj f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Numerical predicate (first element of compound number)שֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six' (feminine form); the units component of sixteen — the total for Zilpah's branch.
עֶשְׂרֵ֖הteenadj f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Coordinated numeral completing sixteenעֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) 'ten, -teen'; combined with שֵׁשׁ = sixteen persons for Zilpah's branch.
נָֽפֶשׁpersonsN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate-noun total (sixteen persons)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person, living being'; the counting unit for the total; sixteen is the specific branch count for Zilpah.
19

בְּנֵ֤י רָחֵל֙ אֵ֣שֶׁת יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב יוֹסֵ֖ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן

The sons of Rachel, Jacob's wife: Joseph and Benjamin.

Rachel’s branch is introducedבְּנֵי
The beloved-wife line is named compactly before its detailed reckoning.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
בְּנֵ֤יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical header introducing Rachel's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Rachel's branch opens without the standard conjunction, giving it a slightly climactic emphasis after Leah's long section.
רָחֵל֙Rachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Genitive (sons of Rachel)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel, ewe'; Jacob's beloved wife; only Joseph and Benjamin are named here, with their sons detailed in subsequent verses.
אֵ֣שֶׁתwife ofN f sg constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Appositive specifying Rachel's marital relationshipאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; the appositive 'wife of Jacob' distinguishes Rachel from the maidservants who were also mothers in the household.
יַֽעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive (Rachel's husband named)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); Rachel is specifically identified as Jacob's wife — her spousal status is noted in a way not done for Leah or the maidservants.
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)First name in Rachel's genealogical listיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph, May he add'; Rachel's firstborn; already in Egypt and already listed with his Egyptian sons in v. 20.
וּבִנְיָמִֽןand Benjaminconj וְ + proper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Final name in Rachel's initial listבִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'Benjamin, son of the right hand'; Rachel's youngest, born at cost of her life (Gen 35:16-18); his ten sons (v. 21) reflect unusual prolific expansion for the youngest son.
20

וַיִּוָּלֵ֣ד לְיוֹסֵף֮ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַיִם֒ אֲשֶׁ֤ר יָֽלְדָה לּוֹ֙ אָֽסְנַ֔ת בַּת פּ֥וֹטִי פֶ֖רַע כֹּהֵ֣ן אֹ֑ן אֶת מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה וְאֶת אֶפְרָֽיִם

And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath daughter of Potiphera priest of On bore to him.

Joseph’s Egyptian sons are included in the family reckoningוַיִּוָּלֵד
The narrative’s logic is household and promise, not merely travel chronology, so Manasseh and Ephraim belong within the total.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּוָּלֵ֣דand there were bornconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol: Niphal passive expansion of Joseph's line→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance (passive — births in Egypt)יָלַד (H3205) Niphal 'to be born'; passive voice signals that Joseph received children, not a conquest of fatherhood; the Egyptian births are included in the household count.
לְיוֹסֵף֮to Josephprep לְ + proper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Dative of recipient (children born to Joseph)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the births to Joseph in Egypt are included in the genealogy — the register's logic is household membership, not travel chronology.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (Egypt, not Canaan)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the location is explicitly Egypt — a detail that justifies including these sons in the Canaan-to-Egypt count.
מִצְרַיִם֒Egyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complement to אֶרֶץמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; births in Egypt are included because the count is of the house of Jacob, not merely those born in Canaan.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhomrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (antecedent: the sons born to Joseph)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim.
יָֽלְדָהboreQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed prior act of bearing childrenיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear'; Qal 3fs with Asenath as the subject; Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph through an Egyptian priestly family.
לּוֹ֙to himprep לְ + suf 3msDative (born to him — to Joseph)לוֹ — prepositional phrase meaning 'to him', identifying Joseph as the father.
אָֽסְנַ֔תAsenathproper noun · אָסְנַת (H621)Subject of the relative clause (Asenath bore them)אָסְנַת (H621) 'Asenath'; Egyptian name meaning 'belonging to Neith'; daughter of Potiphera; Joseph's Egyptian wife, given to him by Pharaoh (Gen 41:45).
בַּתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Apposition identifying Asenath's lineageבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; in construct with פּוֹטִי פֶרַע, identifying Asenath's priestly Egyptian heritage.
פּ֥וֹטִיPotiphe-proper noun · פּוֹטִי פֶרַע (H6319)Genitive (Asenath's father's name, first element)פּוֹטִי פֶרַע (H6319) 'Potiphera, he whom Ra gave'; Egyptian priest of On; distinct from Potiphar (Gen 39) despite the similar name.
פֶ֖רַע-raproper noun · פּוֹטִי פֶרַע (H6319)Second element of Potiphera's nameפֶרַע = Ra (the Egyptian sun god); the theophoric ending embeds the Egyptian religious context of Joseph's marriage.
כֹּהֵ֣ןpriest ofN m sg constr · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Appositive identifying Potiphera's titleכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; Potiphera is a priest of On (Heliopolis); Joseph's marriage into an Egyptian priestly family is preserved in the genealogical record.
אֹ֑ןOnproper noun · אֹן (H204)Genitive (priest of On)אֹן (H204) 'On'; the Egyptian city known as Heliopolis (Greek) or Iunu (Egyptian); center of solar worship in Lower Egypt.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resuming the birth report)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the first of the two sons born to Joseph.
מְנַשֶּׁ֖הManassehproper noun · מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519)Direct object (first son named)מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519) 'Manasseh, causing to forget'; Joseph's firstborn by Asenath; later adopted by Jacob (Gen 48); he and Ephraim replace Joseph and Levi in the tribal list.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second son)אֵת (H853); marks Ephraim as the second direct object of the birth account.
אֶפְרָֽיִםEphraimproper noun · אֶפְרַיִם (H669)Direct object (second son named)אֶפְרַיִם (H669) 'Ephraim, double fruit'; Joseph's second son; though the younger, Jacob blessed him first (Gen 48:17-19); the dominant tribe of the northern kingdom.
21

וּבְנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֗ן בֶּ֤לַע וָבֶ֨כֶר֙ וְאַשְׁבֵּ֔ל גֵּרָ֥א וְנַעֲמָ֖ן אֵחִ֣י וָרֹ֑אשׁ מֻפִּ֥ים וְחֻפִּ֖ים וָאָֽרְדְּ

And the sons of Benjamin: Bela and Becher and Ashbel, Gera and Naaman, Ehi and Rosh, Muppim and Huppim and Ard.

Benjamin’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
The youngest Rachel-son now appears with an expanded branch of his own.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וּבְנֵ֣יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Benjamin's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the sub-header for Benjamin, the youngest son of Rachel; his ten sons make his branch surprisingly large.
בִנְיָמִ֗ןBenjaminproper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Genitive (sons of Benjamin)בִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'Benjamin, son of the right hand'; Rachel's youngest son; notable that he already has ten sons when only a young man entering Egypt.
בֶּ֤לַעBelaproper noun · בֶּלַע (H1106)First name in Benjamin's genealogical listבֶּלַע (H1106) 'Bela, swallowing'; firstborn of Benjamin; ancestor of the Belaite clan; the same name as the king of Sodom (Gen 14:2).
וָבֶ֨כֶר֙and Becherconj וְ + proper noun · בֶּכֶר (H1071)Coordinated name in Benjamin's listבֶּכֶר (H1071) 'Becher, young camel/firstborn'; second son of Benjamin; not listed in Num 26 (may have merged with Bela's clan).
וְאַשְׁבֵּ֔לand Ashbelconj וְ + proper noun · אַשְׁבֵּל (H788)Coordinated name in Benjamin's listאַשְׁבֵּל (H788) 'Ashbel'; third son of Benjamin; ancestor of the Ashbelite clan (Num 26:38).
גֵּרָ֥אGeraproper noun · גֵּרָא (H1617)Coordinated name in Benjamin's listגֵּרָא (H1617) 'Gera, grain/sojourner'; fourth son of Benjamin; the same name is later associated with Ehud (Judg 3:15) and Shimei (2 Sam 16:5).
וְנַעֲמָ֖ןand Naamanconj וְ + proper noun · נַעֲמָן (H5283)Coordinated name in Benjamin's listנַעֲמָן (H5283) 'Naaman, pleasantness'; fifth son of Benjamin; ancestor of the Naamite clan (Num 26:40); the same name as the Aramean general healed by Elisha (2 Kgs 5).
אֵחִ֣יEhiproper noun · אֵחִי (H278)Coordinated name in Benjamin's listאֵחִי (H278) 'Ehi, my brother'; sixth son of Benjamin; appears as אֲחִירָם in Num 26:38 (a longer form).
וָרֹ֑אשׁand Roshconj וְ + proper noun · רֹאשׁ (H7220)Coordinated name in Benjamin's listרֹאשׁ (H7220) 'Rosh, head'; seventh son of Benjamin; not listed in Num 26 (may have died without descendants).
מֻפִּ֥יםMuppimproper noun · מֻפִּים (H4649)Coordinated name in Benjamin's listמֻפִּים (H4649) 'Muppim'; eighth son of Benjamin; appears as שְׁפוּפָם in Num 26:39 (textual variant).
וְחֻפִּ֖יםand Huppimconj וְ + proper noun · חֻפִּים (H2650)Coordinated name in Benjamin's listחֻפִּים (H2650) 'Huppim'; ninth son of Benjamin; appears as חוּפָם in Num 26:39 (textual variant).
וָאָֽרְדְּand Ardconj וְ + proper noun · אָרְדְּ (H714)Final name in Benjamin's genealogical listאָרְדְּ (H714) 'Ard, fugitive'; tenth and last son of Benjamin; listed as a son of Bela in Num 26:40 (harmonistic difference).
22

אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י רָחֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֻלַּ֖ד לְיַעֲקֹ֑ב כָּל נֶ֖פֶשׁ אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָֽׂר

These are the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob, fourteen persons in all.

Rachel’s branch is totaledאֵלֶּה
The branch total again reinforces the house as a counted seed-company.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אֵ֚לֶּהthese aredem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Presentative pronoun introducing Rachel's branch summaryאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; the standard closing formula after the detailed listing of a branch, parallel to vv. 15 and 25.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate nounבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; encompasses both Joseph's and Benjamin's lines within Rachel's branch.
רָחֵ֔לRachelproper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Genitive (these are the sons of Rachel)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel, ewe'; the beloved wife's branch is totaled at fourteen — the highest branch total (with Leah counting 33).
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (antecedent: the sons of Rachel)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause summarizing their birth.
יֻלַּ֖דwere bornPual perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of relative clause (collective passive)→ Perfective passive: the completed births of all sons in Rachel's branchיָלַד (H3205) Pual 'to be born'; passive of Piel; 3ms with collective force (all the sons), emphasizing that these are duly counted persons.
לְיַעֲקֹ֑בto Jacobprep לְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Dative (born to Jacob)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); all Rachel's sons are counted as born to Jacob — including the Egyptian-born Manasseh and Ephraim.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the numerical summaryכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the branch total.
נֶ֖פֶשׁpersonsN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive in construct (all persons = all souls)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person'; the counting unit; fourteen total for Rachel's branch.
אַרְבָּעָ֥הfourteenadj m sg abs · אַרְבָּעָה (H702)Numerical predicate (tens-complement)אַרְבָּעָה (H702) 'four' (m form for feminine noun עָשָׂר); combined with עָשָׂר = fourteen persons total for Rachel's branch.
עָשָֽׂרteenadj m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Coordinated numeral completing fourteenעָשָׂר (H6240) 'ten, -teen'; combined with אַרְבָּעָה = fourteen, the total for Rachel's branch including Manasseh and Ephraim.
23

וּבְנֵי דָ֖ן חֻשִֽׁים

And the sons of Dan: Hushim.

Dan’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
Even the briefest branches are not omitted from the covenant household list.
Word-by-word analysis· 3 words
וּבְנֵיand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Dan's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Dan is the first of Bilhah's sons to be enumerated.
דָ֖ןDanproper noun · דָּן (H1835)Genitive (sons of Dan)דָּן (H1835) 'Dan, judge'; first son of Bilhah (Rachel's maid); uniquely, only one son is listed — Hushim — the briefest branch in the register.
חֻשִֽׁיםHushimproper noun · חֻשִׁים (H2366)Sole name in Dan's genealogical entryחֻשִׁים (H2366) 'Hushim, hasters'; the only son of Dan listed; appears as שׁוּחָם in Num 26:42 (different form); despite one son, Dan becomes a full tribe.
24

וּבְנֵ֖י נַפְתָּלִ֑י יַחְצְאֵ֥ל וְגוּנִ֖י וְיֵ֥צֶר וְשִׁלֵּֽם

And the sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel and Guni and Jezer and Shillem.

Naphtali’s line is enumeratedוּבְנֵי
Bilhah’s branch is completed through named descent.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וּבְנֵ֖יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genealogical sub-header for Naphtali's branchבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Naphtali is the second son of Bilhah; four sons listed, completing the Bilhah branch.
נַפְתָּלִ֑יNaphtaliproper noun · נַפְתָּלִי (H5321)Genitive (sons of Naphtali)נַפְתָּלִי (H5321) 'Naphtali, my wrestling'; second son of Bilhah; four sons listed.
יַחְצְאֵ֥לJahzeelproper noun · יַחְצְאֵל (H3183)First name in Naphtali's genealogical listיַחְצְאֵל (H3183) 'Jahzeel, God divides'; first son of Naphtali; ancestor of the Jahzeelite clan (Num 26:48).
וְגוּנִ֖יand Guniconj וְ + proper noun · גּוּנִי (H1476)Coordinated name in Naphtali's listגּוּנִי (H1476) 'Guni, painted/protected'; second son of Naphtali; ancestor of the Gunite clan (Num 26:48).
וְיֵ֥צֶרand Jezerconj וְ + proper noun · יֵצֶר (H3337)Coordinated name in Naphtali's listיֵצֶר (H3337) 'Jezer, imagination/form'; third son of Naphtali; ancestor of the Jezrite clan (Num 26:49).
וְשִׁלֵּֽםand Shillemconj וְ + proper noun · שִׁלֵּם (H8006)Final name in Naphtali's genealogical listשִׁלֵּם (H8006) 'Shillem, repaid/recompensed'; fourth son of Naphtali; ancestor of the Shillemite clan (Num 26:49).
25

אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י בִלְהָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥ן לָבָ֖ן לְרָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֑וֹ וַתֵּ֧לֶד אֶת אֵ֛לֶּה לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב כָּל נֶ֥פֶשׁ שִׁבְעָֽה

These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob, all the persons were seven.

Bilhah’s branch is totaledאֵלֶּה
The final maternal branch is summed before the narrative turns to overall totals.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
אֵ֚לֶּהthese aredem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Presentative pronoun introducing Bilhah's branch summaryאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; the closing summary formula for Bilhah's branch, parallel to vv. 15 and 18.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate nounבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; encompasses Dan and Naphtali's lines within Bilhah's branch.
בִלְהָ֔הBilhahproper noun · בִּלְהָה (H1090)Genitive (these are the sons of Bilhah)בִּלְהָה (H1090) 'Bilhah'; Rachel's maidservant given to Jacob; mother of Dan and Naphtali; her branch totals seven persons.
אֲשֶׁרwhomrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (antecedent: Bilhah)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying Laban as the original giver of Bilhah.
נָתַ֥ןgaveQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed prior action — Laban's gift of Bilhah to Rachelנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the same verb used for Zilpah in v. 18; both maidservants were given by Laban — the household's origins in Haran are embedded in the genealogy.
לָבָ֖ןLabanproper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subject of the relative clause verbלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban, white'; Jacob's uncle and father-in-law; the common origin of both maidservants in Laban's household is noted twice (vv. 18, 25).
לְרָחֵ֣לto Rachelprep לְ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Dative (Laban gave Bilhah to Rachel)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; Bilhah was given to Rachel, who then gave her to Jacob as a surrogate wife.
בִּתּ֑וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + suf 3ms · בַּת (H1323)Apposition to לְרָחֵל (Rachel is Laban's daughter)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; Rachel was Laban's daughter — the same identification as used for Leah in v. 18.
וַתֵּ֧לֶדand she boreconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol: Bilhah bore these to Jacob→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative continuationיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; Qal 3fs with Bilhah as the implied subject — the maidservant became a mother in Jacob's household.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi.
אֵ֛לֶּהthesedem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Direct object (the persons just listed)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; the demonstrative refers back to Dan's and Naphtali's descendants.
לְיַעֲקֹ֖בto Jacobprep לְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Dative (born to Jacob)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); Jacob is the father in whose household Bilhah's children are counted.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the numerical summaryכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the branch total.
נֶ֥פֶשׁpersonsN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive in construct (total persons)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person'; the counting unit for the Bilhah branch total.
שִׁבְעָֽהsevenadj m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Numerical predicate (seven persons total)שִׁבְעָה (H7651) 'seven' (masculine form); seven persons for Bilhah's branch: Dan's one son plus Naphtali's four sons and their line.
26

כָּל הַ֠נֶּפֶשׁ הַבָּאָ֨ה לְיַעֲקֹ֤ב מִצְרַ֨יְמָה֙ יֹצְאֵ֣י יְרֵכ֔וֹ מִלְּבַ֖ד נְשֵׁ֣י בְנֵי יַעֲקֹ֑ב כָּל נֶ֖פֶשׁ שִׁשִּׁ֥ים וָשֵֽׁשׁ

All the persons who came with Jacob to Egypt, who came forth from his loins, apart from Jacob's sons' wives, were sixty-six persons in all.

A subtotal is given for those descending from Jacob’s loins apart from sons’ wivesכָּל
The narrative’s arithmetic is carefully qualified rather than casually rounded.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the subtotal clauseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the carefully qualified subtotal before the climactic total of seventy.
הַ֠נֶּפֶשׁthe personsart + N (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive in construct (all the persons)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person'; with the article specifying the entire category being counted.
הַבָּאָ֨הwho cameart + Qal ptc f sg abs · בּוֹא (H935)Adjectival participle modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁ→ Participle: characterizing those in the act of coming to Jacob's Egyptבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the feminine participle agrees with נֶפֶשׁ (grammatically feminine); the article on the ptc makes it function as a relative clause.
לְיַעֲקֹ֤בwith Jacobprep לְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Associative prepositional phraseיַעֲקֹב (H3290); the persons counted are those who came with/to Jacob on the descent.
מִצְרַ֨יְמָה֙to Egyptproper noun + dir-he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Directional goalמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; he-directional specifies the destination of the company being counted.
יֹצְאֵ֣יthose coming fromQal ptc m pl constr · יָצָא (H3318)Appositional participle (those who came out of his loins)→ Participle: defining biological descent from Jacobיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come forth'; in construct with יְרֵכוֹ — 'those who came out of his loins' = direct biological descendants, excluding wives.
יְרֵכ֔וֹhis loinsN f sg constr + suf 3ms · יָרֵךְ (H3409)Genitive (came out of his loins)יָרֵךְ (H3409) 'thigh, loin'; euphemism for procreative origin; 'coming from his loins' specifies that the count is of biological descendants only, excluding daughters-in-law.
מִלְּבַ֖דapart fromprep מִן + prep לְ + N m sg constr · בַּד (H905)Exceptive prepositional phrase (excluding wives)מִלְּבַד (compound: מִן+לְ+בַּד H905) 'apart from, besides, except'; a precise exclusion — the subtotal of 66 does not count Jacob's sons' wives.
נְשֵׁ֣יwives ofN f pl constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Genitive (whose wives are excluded)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; the exclusion of sons' wives is explicit; the count is restricted to biological descendants of Jacob.
בְנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive in construct (wives of Jacob's sons)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the construct specifies whose wives are excluded — those of Jacob's sons, not daughters-in-law of other relatives.
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive (Jacob's sons' wives are excluded)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the subtotal of 66 is biologically restricted to Jacob's loins, preparing for the distinction with the total of 70 in v. 27.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Resumptive totalizer before final countכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; resumes the counting formula for the subtotal.
נֶ֖פֶשׁpersonsN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Counting unitנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person'; the standard census-counting term.
שִׁשִּׁ֥יםsixtyN (c) pl abs · שִׁשִּׁים (H8346)Numerical predicate (tens of the subtotal)שִׁשִּׁים (H8346) 'sixty'; the tens component of the subtotal for those coming from Jacob's loins, excluding Jacob, Joseph's sons (born in Egypt), and wives.
וָשֵֽׁשׁand sixconj וְ + adj f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Coordinated numeral completing sixty-sixשֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six' (feminine form); combined with שִׁשִּׁים = sixty-six, the subtotal for those descending from Jacob's loins who entered Egypt (excluding Jacob himself, Joseph, Manasseh, Ephraim, and wives).
27

וּבְנֵ֥י יוֹסֵ֛ף אֲשֶׁר יֻלַּד ל֥וֹ בְמִצְרַ֖יִם נֶ֣פֶשׁ שְׁנָ֑יִם כָּל הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ לְבֵֽית יַעֲקֹ֛ב הַבָּ֥אָה מִצְרַ֖יְמָה שִׁבְעִֽים

And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came to Egypt were seventy.

Joseph’s Egyptian sons are joined to the final total of seventyוּבְנֵי
The climactic number gathers the house of Jacob into a complete covenantal company entering Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וּבְנֵ֥יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Clause header adding Joseph's Egyptian sons to the countבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the final addition before the total: Joseph's two Egyptian-born sons.
יוֹסֵ֛ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Genitive (sons of Joseph)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; his Egyptian sons Manasseh and Ephraim are here added to the count, bringing the total from 66 to 70 by including Jacob himself and these two.
אֲשֶׁרwhorel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (Joseph's sons born in Egypt)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the specification that these sons were born in Egypt.
יֻלַּדwere bornPual perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of relative clause (passive)→ Perfective passive: births already accomplished before the descentיָלַד (H3205) Pual 'to be born'; collective 3ms with Joseph's sons as subject; the Pual passive underscores that these are received births counted for the household.
ל֥וֹto himprep לְ + suf 3msDative (born to Joseph)לוֹ refers to Joseph; the sons were born to him in Egypt and are counted in his father's household.
בְמִצְרַ֖יִםin Egyptprep בְּ + proper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; their Egyptian origin is again specified, distinguishing them from the Canaan-born sons.
נֶ֣פֶשׁpersonsN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate noun (counting unit for Joseph's sons)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person'; the counting unit before the number two.
שְׁנָ֑יִםtwoadj m du abs · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numerical predicate (Joseph's two Egyptian sons)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two' (masculine dual); two persons (Manasseh and Ephraim) are the final addition before the climactic total of seventy.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the climactic total sentenceכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the comprehensive final total of the house of Jacob.
הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁthe personsart + N (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive (all the persons of the house of Jacob)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person'; the comprehensive counting formula now moves to the final total.
לְבֵֽיתof the house ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Possessive prepositional phrase (of the house of Jacob)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; 'the house of Jacob' is the covenant household unit entering Egypt as a complete entity.
יַעֲקֹ֛בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive (the house of Jacob)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the patriarch's name frames the total — the house of Jacob is the covenant seed entering Egypt.
הַבָּ֥אָהthat cameart + Qal ptc f sg abs · בּוֹא (H935)Adjectival participle modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁ→ Participle: characterizing the household as the company entering Egyptבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; feminine participle agreeing with נֶפֶשׁ (grammatically feminine); 'the persons of the house of Jacob who came to Egypt'.
מִצְרַ֖יְמָהto Egyptproper noun + dir-he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Directional goal of the participleמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; he-directional marks Egypt as the destination of the full company.
שִׁבְעִֽיםseventyN (c) pl abs · שִׁבְעִים (H7657)Numerical predicate (the climactic total)שִׁבְעִים (H7657) 'seventy'; the climactic number — the whole house of Jacob entering Egypt is a complete covenant company; seventy is a number of fullness (cf. Exod 1:5; Deut 10:22).
28

וְאֶת יְהוּדָ֞ה שָׁלַ֤ח לְפָנָיו֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף לְהוֹרֹ֥ת לְפָנָ֖יו גֹּ֑שְׁנָה וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אַ֥רְצָה גֹּֽשֶׁן

And he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to show the way before him to Goshen, and they came to the land of Goshen.

Judah is sent ahead and the narrative resumes in Goshenוְאֶת
Leadership and practical orientation move the story from counted list back into enacted arrival.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Topicalized object marker (fronted — Judah sent ahead)אֵת (H853); the object (Judah) is fronted before the verb for topical emphasis — Judah is sent ahead as the one who will lead.
יְהוּדָ֞הJudahproper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Fronted direct object (Judah is the one sent ahead)יְהוּדָה (H3063) 'Judah'; his selection to go ahead of Israel signals his continuing leadership role after Gen 37-44; the narrative resumes after the genealogy with Judah in front.
שָׁלַ֤חhe sentQal perf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause, subject = Israel/Jacob)→ Perfective: completed decisive action of sending Judah aheadשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, dispatch'; the subject is implied (Jacob/Israel); his sending Judah ahead echoes Joseph's earlier sending of brothers and reflects family leadership patterns.
לְפָנָיו֙before himprep לְ + N (c) pl constr + suf 3ms · פָּנֶה (H6440)Prepositional phrase (Judah goes ahead of Jacob)פָּנֶה (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי = 'before, ahead of'; Judah is sent as a vanguard to Joseph.
אֶלtoprep · אֵל (H413)Prepositional phrase (directional — to Joseph)אֵל (H413) 'to, toward'; directional preposition marking the recipient of the mission.
יוֹסֵ֔ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Object of the preposition (Judah goes to Joseph)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; Judah is sent directly to Joseph to prepare for the family's arrival in Goshen.
לְהוֹרֹ֥תto directprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · יָרָה (H3384)Purposive infinitive (purpose of sending Judah)→ Infinitive construct: purposive — to point out/direct the way to Goshenיָרָה (H3384) Hiphil 'to direct, point, instruct, show the way'; the Hiphil infinitive expresses the purpose: Judah goes ahead to prepare the way.
לְפָנָ֖יוbefore himprep לְ + N (c) pl constr + suf 3ms · פָּנֶה (H6440)Prepositional phrase (directing the way ahead of Jacob)פָּנֶה (H6440) 'face'; a second לְפָנָיו specifying the direction of Judah's pathfinding mission — ahead of Jacob's company.
גֹּ֑שְׁנָהto Goshenproper noun + dir-he · גֹּשֶׁן (H1657)Directional goal of the mission (the region of Goshen)גֹּשֶׁן (H1657) 'Goshen'; the eastern Nile delta region assigned to Israel; he-directional marks it as the destination of both Judah's mission and Jacob's household.
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּand they cameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (arrival completed)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; the whole company arrives in Goshen after Judah's advance preparation.
אַ֥רְצָהto the land ofN (c) sg constr + dir-he · אֶרֶץ (H776)Directional locative (the land of Goshen)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; with he-directional; 'they came to the land of Goshen' — the arrival is narrated from the perspective of entering a new territory.
גֹּֽשֶׁןGoshenproper noun · גֹּשֶׁן (H1657)Genitive complement to אַרְצָהגֹּשֶׁן (H1657) 'Goshen'; the name appears twice in this verse (also i=8), framing the arrival with geographic precision.
29

וַיֶּאְסֹ֤ר יוֹסֵף֙ מֶרְכַּבְתּ֔וֹ וַיַּ֛עַל לִקְרַֽאת יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל אָבִ֖יו גֹּ֑שְׁנָה וַיֵּרָ֣א אֵלָ֗יו וַיִּפֹּל֙ עַל צַוָּארָ֔יו וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ עַל צַוָּארָ֖יו עֽוֹד

Then Joseph harnessed his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen, and he appeared to him, and fell upon his neck, and wept on his neck still.

Joseph meets Israel and weeps upon him in Goshenוַיֶּאְסֹר
The long-anticipated reunion is narrated with royal movement, filial embrace, and prolonged weeping.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֶּאְסֹ֤רand he harnessedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָסַר (H631)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Joseph's royal response)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָסַר (H631) 'to bind, harness, attach'; Joseph harnesses his chariot — a detail of urgency and royal status, showing he goes to meet his father with every haste available to him.
יוֹסֵף֙Josephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject of the wayyiqtol verbיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the reunion scene now focuses entirely on Joseph's emotional and physical urgency.
מֶרְכַּבְתּ֔וֹhis chariotN f sg constr + suf 3ms · מֶרְכָּבָה (H4818)Direct object of וַיֶּאְסֹרמֶרְכָּבָה (H4818) 'chariot'; from רָכַב 'to ride'; Joseph's Egyptian chariot signals his royal status (Gen 41:43); he uses his official vehicle for a deeply personal mission.
וַיַּ֛עַלand he went upconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; from Egypt's lower elevation 'up' to Goshen; the same verb God promised in v. 4 ('I will bring you up') now describes Joseph's movement.
לִקְרַֽאתto meetprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קִרְאָה (H7125)Purposive infinitive (purpose of going up)→ Infinitive construct: purposive — to go out to meet (formal meeting gesture)קִרְאָה (H7125) 'meeting, encounter'; לִקְרַאת = 'to meet, to go out to meet'; a formal and urgent meeting gesture in Hebrew narrative.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Object of the meeting (Israel = Jacob)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant name is used at the moment of reunion — Joseph goes to meet Israel, the patriarch, not merely 'his father Jacob'.
אָבִ֖יוhis fatherN m sg constr + suf 3ms · אָב (H1)Apposition to יִשְׂרָאֵלאָב (H1) 'father'; the appositive 'his father' restores the filial register after the formal name, making the reunion deeply personal.
גֹּ֑שְׁנָהto Goshenproper noun + dir-he · גֹּשֶׁן (H1657)Directional goal (Joseph goes up to Goshen)גֹּשֶׁן (H1657) 'Goshen'; he-directional — Joseph travels toward Goshen where Jacob and the family have arrived.
וַיֵּרָ֣אand he appearedconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (appearance/revelation)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance (Niphal — he made himself seen)רָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to appear, be seen, show oneself'; the Niphal is reflexive — Joseph presented himself to his father; the same verb used for divine appearances (e.g., Gen 12:7).
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֵל + suf 3ms · אֵל (H413)Prepositional phrase (Joseph appeared to Jacob)אֵל (H413) 'to, toward'; with suf 3ms — Joseph appeared to his father Jacob.
וַיִּפֹּל֙and he fellconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (embrace gesture)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; falling upon someone's neck is the gesture of embrace and weeping in reunion scenes (cf. Gen 45:14; Luke 15:20).
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (upon his neck)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; the physical orientation of the embrace.
צַוָּארָ֔יוhis neckN m pl constr + suf 3ms · צַוָּאר (H6677)Object of the prepositional phraseצַוָּאר (H6677) 'neck'; plural used for a single neck (dual-form body part); 'fell upon his neck' = embraced him; the neck appears twice in this verse (vv. 29a, 29b).
וַיֵּ֥בְךְּand he weptconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּכָה (H1058)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep, cry'; Joseph's weeping is characteristic of him at moments of intense emotion (Gen 42:24; 43:30; 45:2, 14-15); here the grief becomes reunion joy.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (upon his neck — repeated)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; repeated with 'his neck' for emphasis — the weeping is prolonged and face-to-neck.
צַוָּארָ֖יוhis neckN m pl constr + suf 3ms · צַוָּאר (H6677)Object of the prepositional phrase (second occurrence)צַוָּאר (H6677) 'neck'; the repetition of 'upon his neck' gives the weeping scene its lingering, prolonged quality.
עֽוֹדstilladv · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverb (prolonging the weeping)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; ambiguous — either 'he wept still/again upon his neck'; the word makes the weeping extensive, not a single burst.
30

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֶל יוֹסֵ֖ף אָמ֣וּתָה הַפָּ֑עַם אַחֲרֵי֙ רְאוֹתִ֣י אֶת פָּנֶ֔יךָ כִּ֥י עוֹדְךָ֖ חָֽי

And Israel said to Joseph, 'Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.'

Israel declares himself ready to die after seeing Joseph aliveוַיֹּאמֶר
The father’s grief is finally displaced by fulfilled sight, and death loses its immediate bitterness.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Israel speaks)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; speech-introduction verb; Israel's response to the reunion is his first speech in this chapter.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of the speech verbיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant name is used at this climactic moment — it is Israel as patriarch who makes this profound declaration.
אֶלtoprep · אֵל (H413)Prepositional phrase (speech directed to Joseph)אֵל (H413) 'to, toward'; directional preposition marking the recipient of Israel's speech.
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Object of the preposition (Israel speaks to Joseph)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; Israel addresses him directly and personally.
אָמ֣וּתָהlet me dieQal cohortative 1cs · מוּת (H4191)Volitional: cohortative expressing the patriarch's ready surrender to death→ Volitional: cohortative expressing resigned readiness to die after sight is fulfilledמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the cohortative expresses volition — 'let me die, I am ready to die'; not a death-wish but the release of one whose deepest grief has been resolved.
הַפָּ֑עַםthis timeart + N f sg abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Temporal adverbial (now, at this moment)פַּעַם (H6471) 'time, beat, step'; with article = 'this time'; the specific moment of fulfilled sight makes death now acceptable.
אַחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase (after seeing Joseph's face)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; introduces the temporal clause of fulfilled sight.
רְאוֹתִ֣יmy seeingQal inf constr + suf 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Infinitive construct with subject suffix (temporal clause)→ Infinitive construct: temporal — after seeing (my seeing of)רָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Qal inf constr with 1cs suffix = 'my seeing'; the inf constr + suffix functions as a gerundive noun phrase: 'after my seeing of your face'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (of the face)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking פָּנֶיךָ as the definite object of seeing.
פָּנֶ֔יךָyour faceN (c) pl constr + suf 2ms · פָּנֶה (H6440)Direct object of seeingפָּנֶה (H6440) 'face'; 'seeing your face' is the resolution of years of grief — Jacob was told Joseph was dead (Gen 37:33-35); now he sees his face alive.
כִּ֥יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (reason the death is now acceptable)כִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the grounds for Israel's readiness to die: Joseph is still alive.
עוֹדְךָ֖you are stilladv + suf 2ms · עוֹד (H5750)Predicate adverb with pronominal subjectעוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; with 2ms suffix = 'you are still [alive]'; the adverb functions as a predicate: 'you are still alive'.
חָֽיaliveadj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjective (Joseph is alive)חַי (H2416) 'alive, living'; the final word of Israel's speech — 'because you are still alive'; the predicate adjective names the one fact that displaces all grief.
31

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֤ף אֶל אֶחָיו֙ וְאֶל בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֔יו אֶעֱלֶ֖ה וְאַגִּ֣ידָה לְפַרְעֹ֑ה וְאֹֽמְרָ֣ה אֵלָ֔יו אַחַ֧י וּבֵית אָבִ֛י אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאֶֽרֶץ כְּנַ֖עַן בָּ֥אוּ אֵלָֽי

And Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's house, 'I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and I will say to him: My brothers and my father's house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me.'

Joseph prepares to report the family’s arrival to Pharaohוַיֹּאמֶר
Reunion turns immediately toward political mediation and secure settlement.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Joseph addresses the family)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joseph turns immediately from reunion to practical strategy — the family must be settled in Goshen.
יוֹסֵ֤ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject of the speech verbיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; Joseph shifts from son weeping on his father's neck to royal official managing the family's settlement.
אֶלtoprep · אֵל (H413)Prepositional phrase (speech directed to brothers and father's house)אֵל (H413) 'to, toward'; the audience of Joseph's instruction is both his brothers and the extended father's household.
אֶחָיו֙his brothersN m pl constr + suf 3ms · אָח (H251)Object of the preposition (first audience)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Joseph addresses the brothers who survived the journey from Canaan — his long-separated family members.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֵל (H413)Conjunction + prepositional phrase (second audience)אֵל (H413); the conjunction adds the second recipient of Joseph's instruction.
בֵּ֣יתhouse ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct in construct chain (father's house)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; the extended family as a household unit — 'his father's house' is the full patriarchal household beyond just the brothers.
אָבִ֔יוhis fatherN m sg constr + suf 3ms · אָב (H1)Genitive in construct (father's house)אָב (H1) 'father'; 'his father's household' is the whole community of those who belong to Jacob.
אֶעֱלֶ֖הI will go upQal impf 1cs · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate of first future declaration→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — Joseph's plan to report to Pharaohעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; from Goshen 'up' to Pharaoh's court in Egypt; the same directional verb that recurs throughout this chapter.
וְאַגִּ֣ידָהand I will tellconj וְ + Hiphil impf 1cs · נָגַד (H5046)Volitional imperfect with waw (I will go up and tell)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — Joseph will declare the family's arrival to Pharaohנָגַד (H5046) Hiphil 'to declare, tell, report'; the -āh ending on the cohortative adds slight volitional force; Joseph will make an official report to Pharaoh.
לְפַרְעֹ֑הto Pharaohprep לְ + proper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Dative (reporting to Pharaoh)פַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; Joseph must gain official permission for the family to dwell in Goshen — he works through royal channels.
וְאֹֽמְרָ֣הand I will sayconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · אָמַר (H559)Volitional cohortative (reporting the family's arrival)→ Volitional: cohortative expressing Joseph's determined plan to report to Pharaohאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; cohortative form with waw — Joseph frames his intended speech to Pharaoh as a determined act.
אֵלָ֔יוto himprep אֵל + suf 3ms · אֵל (H413)Prepositional phrase (speaking to Pharaoh)אֵל (H413) with 3ms suffix; Joseph will report directly to Pharaoh.
אַחַ֧יmy brothersN m pl constr + suf 1cs · אָח (H251)Subject in quoted speech to Pharaohאָח (H251) 'brother'; Joseph shifts to first person in his intended speech to Pharaoh, claiming personal relationship with the family.
וּבֵיתand house ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Coordinating conjunction + construct (and my father's house)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; 'my brothers and my father's house' frames the family claim in both relational and structural terms.
אָבִ֛יmy fatherN m sg constr + suf 1cs · אָב (H1)Genitive (my father's house)אָב (H1) 'father'; Joseph claims the household as his father's — personalizing the request before Pharaoh.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (antecedent: brothers and father's house)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause specifying where the family came from.
בְּאֶֽרֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (prior location in Canaan)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; their Canaanite origin is the defining geographical fact that Joseph reports to Pharaoh.
כְּנַ֖עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive complement to אֶרֶץכְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the family's origin in the promised land is not hidden from Pharaoh — they are Canaanite herdsmen seeking settlement.
בָּ֥אוּhave comeQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate of relative clause (they have come to Joseph)→ Perfective: completed arrival (the family has already come to Joseph)בּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; the perfect marks the arrival as an accomplished fact that Joseph will report to Pharaoh.
אֵלָֽיto meprep אֵל + suf 1cs · אֵל (H413)Prepositional phrase (they have come to Joseph)אֵל (H413) with 1cs suffix; Joseph reports that they came to him — stressing his personal connection and responsibility.
32

וְהָאֲנָשִׁים֙ רֹ֣עֵי צֹ֔אן כִּֽי אַנְשֵׁ֥י מִקְנֶ֖ה הָי֑וּ וְצֹאנָ֧ם וּבְקָרָ֛ם וְכָל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָהֶ֖ם הֵבִֽיאוּ

'And the men are shepherds, for they have been men of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.'

The family’s occupational identity is definedוְהָאֲנָשִׁים
Their status as livestock men becomes the strategic key to where and how they will dwell in Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהָאֲנָשִׁים֙and the menconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of the predicate statement (the men are shepherds)אִישׁ (H376) 'man, person'; the definite plural 'the men' refers specifically to Jacob's sons as a group.
רֹ֣עֵיshepherds ofQal ptc m pl constr · רָעָה (H7462)Predicate participle (the men are shepherds)→ Participle: occupational descriptor — habitual shepherding activityרָעָה (H7462) 'to graze, tend flocks, shepherd'; Qal ptc in construct — 'those who shepherd flocks' is their occupational identity.
צֹ֔אןflocksN (c) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive (shepherds of flocks)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, small cattle, sheep and goats'; the specific kind of livestock they tend; the same word recurs in v. 34 as the basis for Egyptian aversion.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (explaining why they are shepherds)כִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; explains and grounds the occupational statement: they are shepherds because they have been livestock men.
אַנְשֵׁ֥יmen ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Predicate nominal (they are livestock men)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; in construct with מִקְנֶה = 'men of livestock' — a social-occupational designation.
מִקְנֶ֖הlivestockN m sg abs · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Genitive in construct (men of livestock)מִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, cattle'; the same word used in v. 6 for their possessions; their identity is inseparable from their flocks and herds.
הָי֑וּthey have beenQal perf 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (stative — they have been livestock men)→ Perfective: lifelong habitual state — they have always been livestock menהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist, become'; the stative perfect describes their enduring occupational identity.
וְצֹאנָ֧םand their flocksconj וְ + N (c) sg constr + suf 3mp · צֹאן (H6629)Coordinating conjunction + subject (what they have brought)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock'; their flocks are among the property they have brought — evidence of their pastoral occupation.
וּבְקָרָ֛םand their cattleconj וְ + N (c) sg constr + suf 3mp · בָּקָר (H1241)Coordinating conjunction + subject (large cattle also brought)בָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd, large livestock'; contrasted with צֹאן (small flocks); together they represent the full spectrum of pastoral wealth.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinating conjunction + totalizerכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; 'and all that they have' comprehensively includes their portable property.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (all that they have)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause 'all that they have'.
לָהֶ֖םthey haveprep לְ + suf 3mpPredicate of relative clause (possessive)Prepositional לָהֶם expressing possession: 'all that belongs to them'.
הֵבִֽיאוּthey have broughtHiphil perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (they brought it all)→ Perfective: completed action — they have brought all their property to Egyptבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come'; the same Hiphil as v. 7; the whole household — persons and property — has been brought.
33

וְהָיָ֕ה כִּֽי יִקְרָ֥א לָכֶ֖ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְאָמַ֖ר מַה מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶֽם

'And it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, What is your occupation? '

Joseph anticipates Pharaoh’s inquiryוְהָיָה
The family is coached for the formal court encounter that will determine their place in the land.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְהָיָ֕הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal: prospective conditional frame (when Pharaoh calls you)→ Weqatal: sequential prospective — anticipating the court encounterהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come about'; the weqatal introduces a future conditional scenario — 'and it will be when Pharaoh calls you'.
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal conjunction (introducing the conditional — when Pharaoh calls)כִּי (H3588) 'when, if, because'; temporal here — 'and it shall be when Pharaoh calls you'.
יִקְרָ֥אhe callsQal impf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate of temporal clause (Pharaoh will call)→ Yiqtol: prospective/conditional — when Pharaoh calls youקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'; Pharaoh's summoning of the family for an audience is the anticipated formal event that requires preparation.
לָכֶ֖םto youprep לְ + suf 2mpDative (Pharaoh calls to you/the brothers)Prepositional לָכֶם expressing recipient; Pharaoh will call the brothers to appear before him.
פַּרְעֹ֑הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of the conditional clause verbפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; the royal court encounter is anticipated; Joseph prepares his family for the official interrogation.
וְאָמַ֖רand saysconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal: sequential action (Pharaoh then says)→ Weqatal: sequential future — Pharaoh's question follows his summoningאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the weqatal continues the sequential future: Pharaoh will call and then say...
מַהwhatinterrog pron · מַה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun introducing Pharaoh's questionמַה (H4100) 'what, how'; introduces the anticipated royal interrogation about the brothers' occupation.
מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶֽםis your occupationN m pl constr + suf 2mp · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Interrogative predicate (what is your occupation?)מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639) 'work, deed, occupation, craft'; Pharaoh's expected question is about their occupation — the family's answer to this will determine their settlement location.
34

וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֗ם אַנְשֵׁ֨י מִקְנֶ֜ה הָי֤וּ עֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙ מִנְּעוּרֵ֣ינוּ וְעַד עַ֔תָּה גַּם אֲנַ֖חְנוּ גַּם אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ בַּעֲב֗וּר תֵּשְׁבוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֔שֶׁן כִּֽי תוֹעֲבַ֥ת מִצְרַ֖יִם כָּל רֹ֥עֵה צֹֽאן

'then you shall say, Your servants have been men of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers - so that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd of flocks is an abomination to Egypt.'

The brothers are instructed to claim shepherd identity so as to dwell in Goshenוַאֲמַרְתֶּם
Egyptian aversion to shepherds becomes the means of preserving both provision and separation for Jacob’s house.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֗םand you shall sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal: sequential prospective — the brothers' scripted answer→ Weqatal: sequential prospective — directed speech completing the conditional scenarioאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; weqatal continuing from v. 33; this is Joseph's scripted reply for his brothers to give Pharaoh when asked about their occupation.
אַנְשֵׁ֨יmen ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Predicate nominal (we have been livestock men)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; in construct with מִקְנֶה — 'men of livestock' is the self-identification Joseph instructs his brothers to use before Pharaoh.
מִקְנֶ֜הlivestockN m sg abs · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Genitive in construct (men of livestock)מִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, property'; the word encompasses both sheep and cattle; their claim is to be livestock men — herdsmen by profession and identity.
הָי֤וּhave beenQal perf 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (stative — your servants have always been livestock men)→ Perfective: lifelong habitual state — this has been their enduring occupationהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the stative perfect describes their entire past as livestock men — not a new or temporary occupation.
עֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙your servantsN m pl constr + suf 2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Subject of the predicate (we your servants are livestock men)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; the self-designation 'your servants' is the appropriate courtly address before Pharaoh — the same formula used when the brothers addressed Joseph in Egypt.
מִנְּעוּרֵ֣ינוּfrom our youthprep מִן + N m pl constr + suf 1cp · נַעַר (H5271)Temporal prepositional phrase (since youth)נַעַר (H5271) 'youth, lad'; 'from our youth' establishes that their occupation is lifelong and hereditary — they were born into this way of life.
וְעַדand untilconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Conjunction + preposition (extending the temporal range)עַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; combined with עַתָּה = 'until now'; the temporal range from youth to present establishes an unbroken vocational identity.
עַ֔תָּהnowadv · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverb (completing the range from youth to now)עַתָּה (H6258) 'now, at present'; 'from our youth even until now' — the occupation spans their entire life history, leaving no room for ambiguity.
גַּםbothadv · גַּם (H1571)Additive particle (we and also our fathers)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even, both'; the double גַּם construction 'both we and also our fathers' makes the occupation intergenerationally established.
אֲנַ֖חְנוּweindep pers pron 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject of the double גַּם construction (we ourselves)אֲנַחְנוּ (H587) 'we'; the independent pronoun adds emphasis: 'both we (ourselves) and our fathers'.
גַּםalsoadv · גַּם (H1571)Additive particle (second member of the double גַּם)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; the second גַּם — the double construction = 'both... and...', connecting the current generation with the preceding one.
אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּour fathersN m pl constr + suf 1cp · אָב (H1)Subject of the second גַּם (our fathers too were livestock men)אָב (H1) 'father'; 'our fathers' identifies the occupation as ancestral — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were all herdsmen; the claim is rooted in patriarchal precedent.
בַּעֲב֗וּרin order thatprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עֲבוּר (H5668)Purposive prepositional phrase (purpose of declaring their occupation)עֲבוּר (H5668) 'for the sake of, in order that'; introduces the purpose clause: the strategic reason for the brothers to identify as shepherds is so that they will be settled in Goshen.
תֵּשְׁבוּ֙you may dwellQal impf 2mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate of the purpose clause (purpose: you may settle in Goshen)→ Yiqtol: modal/purposive — so that you may settleיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; the purpose of the whole diplomatic strategy: the family's settlement in Goshen as a distinct community.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (dwelling in the land of Goshen)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; 'the land of Goshen' is the geographic goal of Joseph's strategy — an area suitable for herdsmen and somewhat separate from Egyptian urban centers.
גֹּ֔שֶׁןGoshenproper noun · גֹּשֶׁן (H1657)Genitive complement to אֶרֶץגֹּשֶׁן (H1657) 'Goshen'; the final geographic destination named in the chapter — the land where Israel will grow from a family of seventy into a nation.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (reason for settling in Goshen)כִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the rationale for the settlement strategy — shepherds are an abomination to Egyptians, so the family must be geographically segregated.
תוֹעֲבַ֥תabomination ofN f sg constr · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Predicate noun (every shepherd is an abomination to Egypt)תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination, detestable thing'; a strong term of cultural-religious revulsion; the same word used for covenant violations and idolatry; Egyptian disdain for Semitic herdsmen is a historically documented social reality.
מִצְרַ֖יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive (abomination to Egypt / of Egyptians)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the collective — every Egyptian finds shepherding abominable; this cultural gulf is the strategic reason Joseph wants the family in Goshen rather than in the heart of Egypt.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the predicate (every shepherd is an abomination)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; introduces the universal claim — not just some shepherds, but every shepherd is abominable to Egypt.
רֹ֥עֵהshepherdQal ptc m sg abs · רָעָה (H7462)Predicate participle (every one who shepherds)→ Participle: occupational/characterizing — one who herds is by nature abominable to Egyptרָעָה (H7462) 'to shepherd, graze, tend flocks'; the same root as v. 32 (רֹעֵי צֹאן); the participle functions as a substantive: 'every shepherd' = 'every one who tends flocks'.
צֹֽאןflocksN (c) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Direct object of the participle (shepherd of flocks)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, small cattle'; the final word of the chapter — the chapter ends where the narrative tension lies: the family's pastoral identity will make them culturally separate from Egypt, guarding the integrity of the covenant community until the Exodus.