Exodus 1:5

5 All those who were descendants ^[a] of Jacob were seventy ^[b] persons (for Joseph was in Egypt already).

Exodus 1:5 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 1:5

And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were
seventy souls
"Souls" are put for persons; of the number seventy, and how reckoned, (See Gill on Genesis 46:27). This was but a small number that went down to Egypt, when compared with that which went out of it; and that it should be compared with it is the design of its being mentioned, see ( Exodus 12:37 ) :

for Joseph was in Egypt already;
and is the reason why he is not reckoned among the sons of Jacob, that came thither with him; though rather it may be better rendered, "with Joseph who was in Egypt" ^F3; for he must be reckoned, and indeed his two sons also, to make up the number seventy; therefore Jonathan rightly supplies it,

``with Joseph and his sons who were in Egypt,''

(See Gill on Genesis 46:27).

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FOOTNOTES:

F3 (Poyw) "cum Josepho qui erat in Aegypto", Junius & Tremellius, Ainsworth, Noldius, No. 1197. p. 273. so the Arabic version, Kimchi, and Ben Melech.

Exodus 1:5 In-Context

3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin;

4 Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

5 All those who were descendants of Jacob were seventy persons (for Joseph was in Egypt already).

6 And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation.

7 But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally who came from the loins of
• [b]. Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint read seventy-five (compare Acts 7:14).