Genesis 35:23
Genesis 35:23 in Multiple Translations
The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun;
Now Jacob had twelve sons: the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob's first son, and Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun;
The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob's firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
The sonnes of Leah: Reuben Iaakobs eldest sonne, and Simeon, and Leui, and Iudah, and Issachar, and Zebulun.
And the sons of Jacob are twelve. Sons of Leah: Jacob's first-born Reuben, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun.
The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
The sons of Lia: Ruben the first born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Juda, and Issachar, and Zabulon.
The sons of Leah were Reuben, who was Jacob’s oldest son, then Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulon.
Jacob’s wife Leah had 6 sons, – Reuben. He was Jacob’s oldest son. – Simeon – Levi – Judah – Issachar – Zebulun
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 35:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 35:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּנֵ֣י
לֵאָ֔ה
בְּכ֥וֹר
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
רְאוּבֵ֑ן
וְ/שִׁמְעוֹן֙
וְ/לֵוִ֣י
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
וְ/יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר
וּ/זְבוּלֻֽן
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
לֵאָ֔ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
Leah
N-proper
בְּכ֥וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
רְאוּבֵ֑ן
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
Reuben
N-proper
וְ/שִׁמְעוֹן֙
Shimʻôwn
H8095
Shimeon
Conj | N-proper
וְ/לֵוִ֣י
Lêvîy
H3878
Levi
Conj | N-proper
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Conj | N-proper
וְ/יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר
Yissâˢkâr
H3485
Issachar
Conj | N-proper
וּ/זְבוּלֻֽן
Zᵉbûwlûwn
H2074
Zebulun
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 35:23
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֵאָ֔ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
"Leah"
N-proper
Leah was the first wife of Jacob, daughter of Laban, and mother of many tribes of Israel, including Reuben and Judah, as told in Genesis 29:16.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.16; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Rachel (H7354); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783) § Leah = "weary" daughter of Laban, first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Leah. See also: Genesis 29:16; Genesis 30:18; Ruth 4:11.
בְּכ֥וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
רְאוּבֵ֑ן
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
"Reuben"
N-proper
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.
וְ/שִׁמְעוֹן֙
Shimʻôwn
H8095
"Shimeon"
Conj | N-proper
Shimeon, also known as Simeon, was the second son of Jacob and the progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. He is also the name of an Israelite who had a foreign wife during the time of Ezra.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.31 § Simeon or Shimeon = "heard" 1) the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife Leah and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon 2) an Israelite of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Simeon. See also: Genesis 29:33; Numbers 26:12; Ezekiel 48:33.
וְ/לֵוִ֣י
Lêvîy
H3878
"Levi"
Conj | N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Conj | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וְ/יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר
Yissâˢkâr
H3485
"Issachar"
Conj | N-proper
Issachar means 'there is recompense' and refers to the 9th son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. He was the 5th son of Leah, Jacob's first wife. The tribe of Issachar is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and other books.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.26.5; son of: Obed-edom (H5654); brother of: Shemaiah (H8098I), Jehozabad (H3075H), Joah (H3098I), Sachar (H7940), Nethanel (H5417K), Ammiel (H5988I) and Peullethai (H6469) § Issachar = "there is recompense" 1) the 9th son of Jacob and the 5th by Leah his first wife and the progenitor of a tribe by his name 2) a Korahite Levite and the 7th son of Obed-edom and doorkeeper to the temple 3) the tribe descended from Issachar the son of Jacob 4) the territory allocated to the descendants of Issachar when they entered the land of Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Issachar. See also: Genesis 30:18; Joshua 19:23; Ezekiel 48:33.
וּ/זְבוּלֻֽן
Zᵉbûwlûwn
H2074
"Zebulun"
Conj | N-proper
Zebulun was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 30:20. The tribe and territory were also named after him.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.20; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Sered (H5624), Elon (H0356H) and Jahleel (H3177) § Zebulun = "exalted" 1) the 10th of the sons of Jacob, 6th and last of Leah; progenitor of Zebulun 2) the tribe descended from Zebulun 3) the land allocated to the tribe of Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Zebulun. See also: Genesis 30:20; Joshua 21:34; Psalms 68:28.
Study Notes — Genesis 35:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 35:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:23
- Sermons on Genesis 35:23
Context — The Sons of Jacob
21Israel again set out and pitched his tent beyond the Tower of Eder.
22While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:
23The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
24The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. 25The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 30:18–20 | Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar. Again Leah conceived and bore a sixth son to Jacob. “God has given me a good gift,” she said. “This time my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.” And she named him Zebulun. |
| 2 | Genesis 46:8–15 | Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron. The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. These are the sons of Leah born to Jacob in Paddan-aram, in addition to his daughter Dinah. The total number of sons and daughters was thirty-three. |
| 3 | Genesis 29:32–35 | And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. And once more she conceived and gave birth to a son and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah. Then Leah stopped having children. |
| 4 | Exodus 1:2–4 | Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher. |
| 5 | Genesis 33:2 | He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. |
Genesis 35:23 Summary
Genesis 35:23 lists the sons of Leah, who was one of Jacob's wives, and it's a reminder that family is very important to God. Just like Jacob had twelve sons who would become the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel, we all have a special role to play in our own families (as seen in Genesis 49:1-28). This verse also shows that our actions have consequences, as Reuben's mistake in Genesis 35:22 had significant effects (as seen in Genesis 49:3-4). By looking at Jacob's family, we can learn more about God's plan for our own lives and families, and how we can follow His will (as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of listing the sons of Leah in this verse?
The listing of the sons of Leah in Genesis 35:23 highlights the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative, as seen in Genesis 49:1-28 where Jacob blesses his sons before his death.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Jacob's life?
This verse serves as a reminder of Jacob's family and the twelve tribes of Israel that will come from him, as promised by God in Genesis 28:13-15 and reiterated in Genesis 35:11.
What can we learn from the fact that Reuben is listed as the firstborn of Jacob?
The mention of Reuben as the firstborn in Genesis 35:23 underscores the importance of birth order in biblical times, although Reuben's actions in Genesis 35:22 lead to him losing his birthright, as seen in Genesis 49:3-4 and 1 Chronicles 5:1-2.
How does this verse contribute to our understanding of the biblical concept of family?
Genesis 35:23 shows that family is a central theme in the Bible, with the listing of Jacob's sons emphasizing the importance of family relationships and the role of each individual within the family unit, as seen in Ephesians 6:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of family and lineage in our lives, and how can we apply this to our own families?
- How does the listing of the sons of Leah challenge or encourage you in your understanding of God's plan for your own life and family?
- What can we learn from the example of Reuben, the firstborn son, and how can we avoid making similar mistakes in our own lives?
- In what ways can we prioritize family and relationships in our lives, just as Jacob's family is highlighted in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah,.... Jacob's first wife, which are six, and are reckoned in order, according to their birth, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun: Sons of Jacob ... born ... in Padan-aram.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:23
Verse 23. The sons of Leah] The children are arranged under their respective mothers, and not in order of their birth.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:23
22b–29 (P). Jacob’s Sons, and the Death of Isaac 22b. the sons of Jacob] The names of Jacob’s sons are enumerated after the mention of Benjamin’s birth. But the enumeration is that of P, which assumes that all the sons of Jacob, including Benjamin, were born to him in Paddan-aram (Genesis 35:26), in direct contradiction to Genesis 35:16-18 (J). twelve] A sacred number, found also in the sons of Nahor and Ishmael (Genesis 17:20, Genesis 22:20-24, Genesis 25:16).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:23
22. Bilhah — Rachel’s handmaid, and mother of Dan and of Naphtali. Genesis 30:3-8. Israel heard — And it occasioned to Reuben the loss of his birthright, and the words of reproach recorded in Genesis 49:4.
Sermons on Genesis 35:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 6:14-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and his call to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt. Moses initially hesitates and makes excuses, questioning his o |
|
From the Death of Isaac to the Exodus Out of Egypt by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the reunion of Joseph with his brothers and father Jacob in Egypt, highlighting the forgiveness, reconciliation, and generosity displayed by Joseph toward |