The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the clans of Simeon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse specifically notes Shaul as the "son of a Canaanite woman," highlighting a foreign admixture within Simeon's lineage. This detail isn't just a genealogical footnote; it points to the complex reality of the Israelites' presence in Egypt, where intermingling with the local population was already occurring.
The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the clans of Simeon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy tracing the descendants of Jacob, specifically focusing on the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. It's inserted into the narrative right after God reaffirms His promises to Moses, emphasizing that the deliverance of Israel will indeed come through these very lineages, including Moses and Aaron themselves. The detailed listing of names and clans serves to establish the legitimate ancestry of the leaders who will confront Pharaoh and lead the people out of Egypt.
Ever feel lost in a sea of names and dates? This passage might seem like just a list, but it's deeply connected to God's grand plan.
In Exodus 6, Moses lists the descendants of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. This isn't just random trivia; it's a crucial part of God's story.
Why the Genealogies?
The mention of a 'Canaanite woman' in the lineage of Simeon stands out. What does this detail reveal about identity and belonging within God's plan?
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Verse 15 notes that Shaul was 'the son of a Canaanite woman.' This isn't a condemnation but a factual detail that carries significant weight within the biblical narrative.
Understanding the Inclusion
This genealogy places the families of Israel, including Simeon, firmly within the context of their enslavement in Egypt, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even amidst generations of suffering and oppression.
c. 1800 BC
Jacob's Family Settles in Egypt
Jacob and his family, including Simeon, move to Egypt to escape famine. They are initially welcomed but eventually become enslaved.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
Generations later, the Israelites, now a vast people, are forced into brutal slavery by the Egyptians, who fear their growing numbers.
c. 1446 BC
God Appoints Moses and Aaron
God calls Moses to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, commissioning his brother Aaron to assist him.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
God Reaffirms Covenant Promises
God reassures Moses, revealing His covenant name Jehovah and promising the liberation of Israel, a confirmation of His promises to Abraham.
c. 1446 BC
The Ten Plagues Begin
God unleashes a series of devastating plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
After the final plague, Pharaoh finally allows the Israelites to leave Egypt, marking their miraculous liberation.
This passage provides the parallel genealogy for Simeon's sons during the time Jacob's family moved to Egypt, confirming the list of names and the inclusion of Shaul, son of a Canaanite woman.
Numbers 26:12-13This later census of Israelite tribes lists the families of Simeon, noting Jemuel (or Nemuel), Jamin, and Shaul, showing the continuation and development of these lineages after the Exodus.
1 Chronicles 4:24-27This passage offers another perspective on the descendants of Simeon, highlighting the family of Shaul and its growth, which contrasts with the potential dwindling of other lines mentioned in Exodus.
Exodus 2:1-10This narrative about the birth and adoption of Moses, a descendant of Levi (a brother to Simeon), showcases the incredible way God works through unexpected individuals and circumstances, even within prominent families.
gillExodus 6:15: "And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon."
And the sons of Simeon, Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman,.... See Gill on Genesis 46:10 . these are the families of Simeon; who gave rise and name to the several families of that tribe now in Egypt.
calvinExodus 6:14-30: "These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben."
Filii Simeon, Jemuel, et Jamin, Ohad, et Jachin et Sohar, et Saul filius Chananaeae. Hae cognationes Simeon.
And these are the names of the sons of Levi, according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. And the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years.
Et haec nomina…
The verse specifically notes Shaul as the "son of a Canaanite woman," highlighting a foreign admixture within Simeon's lineage. This detail isn't just a genealogical footnote; it points to the complex reality of the Israelites' presence in Egypt, where intermingling with the local population was already occurring.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy tracing the descendants of Jacob, specifically focusing on the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. It's inserted into the narrative right after God reaffirms His promises to Moses, emphasizing that the deliverance of Israel will indeed come through these very lineages, including Moses and Aaron themselves. The detailed listing of names and clans serves to establish the legitimate ancestry of the leaders who will confront Pharaoh and lead the people out of Egypt.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy tracing the descendants of Jacob, specifically focusing on the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. It's inserted into the narrative right after God reaffirms His promises to Moses, emphasizing that the deliverance of Israel will indeed come through these very lineages, including Moses and Aaron themselves. The detailed listing of names and clans serves to establish the legitimate ancestry of the leaders who will confront Pharaoh and lead the people out of Egypt.
"The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the clans of Simeon." — The verse specifically notes Shaul as the "son of a Canaanite woman," highlighting a foreign admixture within Simeon's lineage. This detail isn't just a genealogical footnote; it points to the comple…
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Last reviewed October 2026