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Genesis 46:14 - Zevulun's legacy: three sons

Genesis 46:14 - בראשית 46:14

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי זְבוּלֻן סֶרֶד וְאֵלוֹן וְיַחְלְאֵל׃

English Translation

And the sons of Zevulun; Sered, and Elon, and Yaĥle᾽el.

Transliteration

Uvnei Zvulun Sered ve'Elon veYachle'el.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵ֖י זְבֻל֑וּן סֶ֥רֶד וְאֵל֖וֹן וְיַחְלְאֵֽל׃
וּבְנֵ֖י זְבֻל֑וּן סֶ֥רֶד וְאֵל֖וֹן וְיַחְלְאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Commentary on the Sons of Zevulun

The verse lists the three sons of Zevulun: Sered, Elon, and Yaĥle᾽el (Bereishit 46:14). These names are also recorded in Bamidbar 26:26 as part of the census of the tribes. Below are insights from traditional Orthodox Jewish sources:

Meaning of the Names

  • Sered (סֶרֶד): Rashi (Bereishit 46:14) explains that the name Sered is related to the word sarid (שָׂרִיד), meaning "remnant" or "survivor," suggesting that his descendants would endure.
  • Elon (אֵלוֹן): The name Elon is associated with the oak tree (elon), symbolizing strength and steadfastness. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:8) connects it to the tribe of Zevulun’s role in commerce and Torah study, as they supported the tribe of Yissachar.
  • Yaĥle᾽el (יַחְלְאֵל): This name can be broken into yaĥel El (יַחֵל אֵל), meaning "he will hope in G-d." The Radak (on Bereishit 46:14) interprets this as an expression of trust in divine providence.

Zevulun’s Legacy

The tribe of Zevulun was known for its partnership with Yissachar—while Yissachar devoted themselves to Torah study, Zevulun engaged in trade and supported them financially (Midrash Tanĥuma, Vayechi 11). This symbiotic relationship is hinted at in the names of Zevulun’s sons, which reflect endurance (Sered), strength (Elon), and faith (Yaĥle᾽el)—qualities necessary for sustaining Torah and livelihood.

Historical Significance

According to the Talmud (Sotah 36b), the descendants of Zevulun played a role in the conquest and settlement of Eretz Yisrael. The names of the sons may also allude to their future territories, as the oak (Elon) is associated with fertile land, fitting Zevulun’s coastal inheritance (Devarim 33:18-19).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the sons of Zevulun mentioned in Genesis 46:14?
A: The sons of Zevulun mentioned in Genesis 46:14 were Sered, Elon, and Yaĥle᾽el. These were the descendants of Zevulun, one of the twelve sons of Yaakov (Jacob), and they became the founders of the tribes of Israel. Rashi notes that these names are recorded to trace the lineage of the tribes.
Q: Why is the lineage of Zevulun's sons important in the Torah?
A: The lineage of Zevulun's sons is important because it establishes the tribal identity of the descendants of Zevulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Torah meticulously records genealogies to maintain the purity and continuity of the tribes, which is essential for inheritance, leadership roles, and the fulfillment of various mitzvot (commandments) tied to tribal identity.
Q: What can we learn from the mention of Zevulun's sons in the Torah?
A: We learn the importance of family and tribal identity in Jewish tradition. The Torah emphasizes lineage to teach us about our roots and responsibilities. Additionally, the tribe of Zevulun later became known for its role in supporting Torah study through commerce (as seen in the partnership with Yissachar), showing how each tribe has a unique purpose in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people).
Q: How does the tribe of Zevulun relate to us today?
A: The tribe of Zevulun serves as a model for the partnership between material and spiritual pursuits. Just as Zevulun supported Torah study through trade, today, those engaged in business can emulate this by supporting Torah scholars and institutions. This reflects the Rambam's teachings on the value of contributing to communal Torah learning.