Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the sons of Shimon listed in Genesis 46:10?
A: The sons of Shimon (Simeon) listed in Genesis 46:10 are Yemuel, Yamin, Ohad, Yakhin, Zohar, and Shaul, who is noted as the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the descendants of Shimon, one of the twelve sons of Yaakov (Jacob), who went down to Egypt with their family.
Q: Why is Shaul called 'the son of the Canaanite woman' in Genesis 46:10?
A: Shaul is called 'the son of the Canaanite woman' to distinguish him from his brothers, as his mother was a Canaanite. According to Rashi, this indicates that Shimon married a Canaanite woman, which was unusual since the family of Yaakov generally avoided intermarrying with Canaanites (see Genesis 24:3, 28:1). The Torah mentions this detail to highlight Shaul's unique lineage.
Q: What is the significance of listing Shimon's sons in Genesis 46:10?
A: Listing Shimon's sons in Genesis 46:10 is part of the Torah's account of Yaakov's family descending to Egypt. This establishes the lineage of the tribes of Israel, as Shimon's descendants became one of the twelve tribes. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) teaches that recording these names emphasizes the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to make Yaakov’s descendants into a great nation.
Q: Why are some names of Shimon's sons different in other parts of the Torah?
A: Some names of Shimon’s sons appear differently in other passages (e.g., Numbers 26:12-13) due to slight variations in spelling or possible scribal traditions. The Talmud (Bava Batra 123a) discusses such discrepancies and explains that names could sometimes change or have alternate forms. The essential identity of the tribes remains consistent across these listings.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Shimon having a son from a Canaanite woman?
A: Shimon’s marriage to a Canaanite woman, resulting in Shaul, serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining Jewish identity through proper marriages. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 12:1-2) teaches that avoiding assimilation with idolatrous nations was crucial for preserving the spiritual mission of Bnei Yisrael. This verse subtly reinforces the value of marrying within the covenant.
The Sons of Shimon
The verse lists the six sons of Shimon, the second son of Yaakov Avinu. The inclusion of "Shaul the son of the Kena'anite woman" raises questions, as the Torah generally avoids mentioning maternal lineage unless significant. Rashi (on Bereishit 46:10) explains that "the Kena'anite woman" refers to Dinah, Shimon's sister, who was taken captive by Shechem (Bereishit 34). Shimon married her after rescuing her, and Shaul was their son. The term "Kena'anite" here is understood metaphorically—either because Dinah had assimilated some Kena'anite ways during captivity or because her behavior resembled that of Kena'anites (Sifrei Bamidbar 7:5).
Names and Their Meanings
Shaul’s Unique Lineage
The Ramban (on Bereishit 46:10) notes that Shaul is singled out as "the son of the Kena'anite woman" to distinguish him from his brothers, emphasizing the unusual circumstances of his birth. The Talmud (Pesachim 50a) discusses whether this phrasing carries halachic implications, but most commentators view it as historical context rather than a legal designation.
Lessons from the Verse
The inclusion of Shimon's sons teaches about the complexities of family dynamics and redemption. Despite Dinah's traumatic experience, her son Shaul became part of the tribes of Israel, demonstrating that even in difficult circumstances, there is potential for renewal and continuity (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 8).