Hanoch חֲנוֹךְ
A son of Reuben, grandson of Jacob.
Who is Hanoch in the Bible?
Hanoch was a son of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and therefore a grandson of Jacob himself. He is mentioned in genealogical records at Genesis 46:9, Exodus 6:14, Numbers 26:5, and 1 Chronicles 5:3 as part of the family line that descended into Egypt with Jacob during the time of Joseph. His descendants formed the Hanochite clan within the larger tribe of Reuben, which later settled in the region east of the Jordan River after the conquest of Canaan. Though Hanoch himself is not described performing any significant actions in scripture, his inclusion in these genealogies reflects the importance the Bible places on family lineage and the careful organization of the Israelite tribes according to their ancestral heritage.
Biography
Hanoch is mentioned in Gen.46.9, Exo.6.14, Num.26.5, and 1Ch.5.3 as one of the sons of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel (or 'Jacob'). He is listed among the descendants of Reuben who went down to Egypt with Jacob during the time of Joseph (Gen.46.8-9). Hanoch's descendants formed the Hanochite clan within the tribe of Reuben (Num.26.5). The tribe of Reuben, along with the tribes of Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh, settled in the region east of the Jordan River after the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan (Num.32.1-5, 33-42). The mention of Hanoch in the genealogies of Reuben emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the organization of the Israelite tribes according to their ancestors.
Family
Siblings
In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 46:9
"The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi."
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Exodus 1 verse
- Exodus 6:14
"These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben."
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Numbers 1 verse
- Numbers 26:5
"Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu,"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 5:3
"The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חֲנוֹךְ | ḥănwōkĕ | Chanok , an antediluvian patriach |
| Group | Hebrew | חֲנֹכִי | — | — |