How Many People Came with Jacob into Egypt?

The question of how many people accompanied Jacob (also called Israel) into Egypt is important for understanding the early formation of the nation of Israel. The Bible gives several numbers related to this event, and when examined together, they reveal both the size of Jacob’s household and the theological purpose behind recording these details.

1. The Biblical Background

Jacob and his family moved to Egypt during a severe famine, at the invitation of Joseph, who had risen to power as Pharaoh’s second-in-command (Genesis 46–47). This relocation marks a turning point in Israel’s development from a family into a nation.

To answer the question properly, we need to explore the numbers given in Genesis 46 and Exodus 1.

2. Genesis 46: The First Count—Seventy Persons

Genesis 46:26–27 is the main passage that gives a numerical total:

66 direct descendants of Jacob (excluding Jacob himself, Joseph, and Joseph’s two sons)
+ 1 Jacob
+ 3 Joseph and his two sons (already in Egypt)
= 70 persons in total

Who is included in the 70?

The list includes:

Jacob
His sons (12 sons including Joseph)
His daughters and granddaughters (notably Dinah and Serah)
His grandsons and great-grandsons

This number, 70, is symbolic as well as literal. In the Bible, 70 often symbolizes completeness, suggesting the “complete family of Israel” entering Egypt.

**3. A Different Number: Seventy-Five Persons (Acts 7:14)**

Stephen, in his speech in Acts 7:14, states:

“Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all.”

Why the difference?

The figure of 75 comes from the Septuagint (LXX)—the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament. The Septuagint includes five additional descendants of Joseph, recognizing more of his grandchildren who are not listed in the Hebrew text of Genesis.

So the numbers differ because:

Hebrew text → 70
Greek text → 75

Both recountings are accurate within their own textual traditions.

4. Exodus 1:5 Confirms the Number Seventy

Exodus 1:5 states:

“All the persons who came from the loins of Jacob were seventy.”

This aligns with the Hebrew text of Genesis 46.

However, Exodus emphasizes not just the number but the result:

“But the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly.”

This small group of 70 became a nation of hundreds of thousands—perhaps even over two million—by the time of the Exodus.

5. Why Does Scripture Emphasize These Numbers?

A. To highlight God’s covenant faithfulness

God promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2, 15:5). The family entering Egypt is small, but God will multiply them there.

B. To show the humble beginnings of a great people

Israel’s story does not begin with glory or power but with a small, struggling family seeking survival during famine.

C. To reveal providence in suffering

Egypt becomes the place of:

protection (during famine)
multiplication (during their stay)
deliverance (through the Exodus)

D. To connect the genealogies through Scripture

The genealogical list in Genesis 46 demonstrates the continuity of God’s plan through each generation.

6. Summary of the Numbers

Source	Number	Reason
Genesis 46 (Hebrew text)	70	Standard count of Jacob + descendants + Joseph’s family
Exodus 1:5	70	Confirms the Hebrew count
Acts 7:14 (Septuagint tradition)	75	Includes additional descendants listed in the Greek text

7. Final Answer