Genesis 46:15

These bee the sonnes of Leah, which she bare vnto Iacob in Padan-Aram, with his daughter Dinah: all the soules of his sonnes and his daughters, were thirtie and three. Genesis 46:15 (KJV)

Historical Context: Before examining Genesis 46:15, it is helpful to see the broader setting. Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, had twelve sons who would become the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. At this point in the narrative a severe famine has struck Canaan, where Jacob and his family live. God instructs Jacob to go down to Egypt, where food is available, and promises to be with him there.

Leah and Her Children: Leah was Jacob’s first wife. She bore him six sons—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun—and a daughter, Dinah. The phrase “which she bare unto Jacob in Padan‑aram” refers to the period when Jacob was staying with his uncle Laban in Haran before returning to Canaan. The verse records the names of these sons and mentions the daughter Dinah.

Count of Souls: The verse states that the total number of Leah’s descendants, including her children and grandchildren, was thirty‑33. Leah’s immediate offspring therefore number seven individuals: the six sons and the daughter Dinah. This count does not include Jacob himself, his other wives, or any of their servants.

Symbolic Significance: Numbers often carry symbolic weight in biblical literature, but the passage itself does not assign a particular symbolic meaning to the number of Leah’s children. While the number thirty‑33 may be seen as indicating the completeness of Leah’s offspring, the primary focus of the verse is the record of the family members who will travel to Egypt.

Overall Significance: Genesis 46:15 provides a clear record of Leah’s descendants as Jacob’s family prepares to journey to Egypt. The passage underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham, and it highlights the continuity of the family line that will become the nation of Israel.