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Book of Genesis - Chapter 46 - Verse 18

46:18
These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Genesis provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Zilpah, one of the handmaids of Leah, who was Jacob's wife. The verse mentions that Laban, Leah's father, gave Zilpah to Leah as a maid, and she bore Jacob sixteen children. In the context of the biblical narrative, this verse highlights the importance of lineage and progeny in ancient Hebrew culture. It serves to document the growth and expansion of Jacob's family and the fulfillment of God's promise to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. By recording the names and numbers of Zilpah's offspring, the verse emphasizes the continuity of the divine covenant throughout generations. Additionally, the mention of Laban's gift of Zilpah to Leah symbolizes the intricate family dynamics and complex relationships that are woven throughout the narrative of Genesis. Overall, this verse provides valuable insight into the historical and cultural significance of genealogy within the context of the biblical story of Jacob and his descendants.

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