Exodus 1:5
And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַֽיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נָ֑פֶשׁ
And all the souls
H5315
נָ֑פֶשׁ
And all the souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יֹֽצְאֵ֥י
that came out
H3318
יֹֽצְאֵ֥י
that came out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יֶֽרֶךְ
of the loins
H3409
יֶֽרֶךְ
of the loins
Strong's:
H3409
Word #:
5 of 11
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
נָ֑פֶשׁ
And all the souls
H5315
נָ֑פֶשׁ
And all the souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
The seventy count matches Genesis 46:27 and Deuteronomy 10:22, providing historical verification. This small immigrant group arrived during the Hyksos period (c. 1700 BC) when Semitic rulers controlled Egypt, explaining their favorable reception. The population explosion that follows (v. 7) spans approximately four centuries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's ability to build a nation from seventy people encourage faith when resources seem insufficient?
- What does Joseph's prior presence in Egypt teach about God's providential preparation in your circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
All the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls (שִׁבְעִים נֶפֶשׁ, shiv'im nefesh)—The number seventy represents completeness in Hebrew thought (cf. seventy nations in Genesis 10, seventy elders in Exodus 24:1). Souls (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh) emphasizes living persons, not mere statistics. From this small clan God would multiply a nation—fulfilling His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5). For Joseph was in Egypt already shows divine providence: the one sold into slavery became the savior who preserved the covenant family. This verse sets up the miraculous multiplication to follow.