Who Were Joseph's Brothers in the Bible?

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and Rachel, is a significant figure in the Book of Genesis. His story introduces us to his eleven brothers, each with their unique identities and roles in the biblical narrative. Let's delve into the names and brief descriptions of Joseph's brothers.

Jacob's large family, stemming from his unions with Leah, Zilpah, Bilhah, and Rachel, was as diverse as the tribes they would later found. Joseph, however, was the only son of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife.

Joseph's Siblings from Leah

Leah, Jacob's first wife, bore him six sons and a daughter. She did so in a belief that having many children would cause Jacob to love her as he did Rachel.

Let's explore the names and roles of these children, other than Benjamin, who is discussed later under the heading of Rachel's children.

Reuben

Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son, named after Jacob's wrestling with a divine being. He was the leader among Joseph's brothers, initially siding with the idea of selling Joseph into slavery.

Later, he tried to save Joseph but was unsuccessful. His name, accelerated from the Hebrew word "re'uv" meaning "behold, a son," reflects his status as the eldest.

Simeon

Simeon was the second son of Leah, whose name comes from the Hebrew word "shomayim" meaning "heaven." He was the first to suggest putting Joseph in a pit, although it was Reuben who initially attempted to save him.

Simeon later settled in Canaan, where he and his descendants famously clashed with the tribe of Benjamin.

Rachel's Children

Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife and sister of Leah, bore him two sons. Joseph was the first, loved dearly, and time passed before the twins Benjamin was born.

Jacob's love for Rachel was evident in the birth of Benjamin, for he named him after Rachel's death, reflecting her life (the Hebrew word "ben" means "son" and "Iamar" means "the sea").

Benjamin

Benjamin is the youngest of all Jacob's sons and the only full brother of Joseph. His name means "son of the right hand," a term of royalty and favor in the ancient near east.

He grew up with the knowledge of Joseph's disappearance and maintain a special bond with him even after Joseph's status was revealed.