Shaul שָׁאוּל
Son of Simeon, grandson of Jacob
Who is Shaul in the Bible?
Shaul was the son of Simeon and grandson of Jacob, mentioned in Genesis 46:10, Exodus 6:15, Numbers 26:13, and 1 Chronicles 4:24. He was part of the group of descendants who traveled to Egypt with Jacob during the time of Joseph. Shaul is notably identified as the son of a Canaanite woman, indicating that his father Simeon had married outside the Hebrew community. In the census recorded in Numbers 26, Shaul is listed as the ancestor of the Shaulite clan within the tribe of Simeon, demonstrating the genealogical significance of his lineage and the biblical practice of recognizing all descendants as full members of the Israelite community, regardless of their mother's origin.
Biography
Shaul, mentioned in Gen.46.10, Exo.6.15, Num.26.13, and 1Ch.4.24, was a son of Simeon and a grandson of Israel (or 'Jacob'). He is listed among the descendants of Jacob who went down to Egypt during the time of Joseph. Shaul is specifically identified as the son of a Canaanite woman, which sets him apart from his brothers. This detail suggests that Simeon had married a Canaanite woman, and Shaul was born from this union. In the census of the Israelites recorded in Numbers 26, Shaul is mentioned as the ancestor of the Shaulite clan within the tribe of Simeon. The inclusion of Shaul in these genealogical records highlights the importance of tracing lineage and the recognition of all descendants, even those born to foreign mothers, as part of the Israelite community. The text does not provide any further details about Shaul's life or his role within the tribe of Simeon.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Jemuel Tribe of SimeonSon of SimeonSon of Simeon, also known as Nemuel.View full profile →
- Jamin Tribe of JudahSon of RamSon of Ram, descendant of JudahView full profile →
- Ohad Tribe of SimeonSon of SimeonSon of SimeonView full profile →
- Jachin MaleHead of a priestly division during David's reign.View full profile →
- Zerah Tribe of LeviSon of IddoLevite of the Gershonite clanView full profile →
In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 46:10
"The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman."
Study Genesis →
Exodus 1 verse
- Exodus 6:15
"The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon."
Study Exodus →
Numbers 1 verse
- Numbers 26:13
"the Zerahite clan from Zerah, and the Shaulite clan from Shaul."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 4:24
"The descendants of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שָׁאוּל | Shaul , the name of an Edomite and two Israelites |
| Group | Hebrew | שָׁאוּלִי | — |