How Many Went to Egypt? Exploring a Biblical Family Puzzle

In this article, you will learn how Genesis 46:15 contradicts Genesis 46:27 and Acts 7:14. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The Bible, a cornerstone of many faiths, sometimes presents us with intriguing puzzles. One such puzzle lies in the differing numbers given for the descendants of Jacob who went to Egypt. Genesis 46:15, attributed to Moses, provides a snapshot of Jacob's family with Leah, listing 33 children, including their daughter Dinah. This seems straightforward until we dig deeper into other verses.

Genesis 46:27, for instance, expands the scope, stating that 70 people journeyed to Egypt. This number includes not just the direct descendants of Leah, but all of Jacob's family members who made the trek. The seeming contradiction arises here because the detailed family breakdown doesn't immediately align with this broader, total figure.

The plot thickens when we turn to the New Testament. Acts 7:14 introduces yet another figure, saying Joseph called 75 of his relatives to Egypt. This number, mentioned during Stephen's speech, throws in another twist, leaving readers scratching their heads about which number is accurate.

These discrepancies can be likened to a family reunion where one person counts all attendees, another only counts immediate family, and yet another lists those who RSVP'd vs. those who actually arrived. The numbers differ based on context and criteria.

Why did the numbers diverge? Each author might have used different criteria for their counts. Moses, in Genesis, might have approached the count differently from the author of Acts, each with a particular focus or audience in mind.

These contradictions are not trivial; they invite us to dig deeper and consider the reasons behind varying accounts. As we explore these differences, we come to understand the rich complexity of the biblical narrative, prompting us to think critically about context and perspective in ancient storytelling.