Exodus 1:3 lists the names of the sons of Jacob who went to Egypt with him. This verse serves as a historical record of the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who eventually became the nation of Israel. It sets the stage for the narrative of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and their eventual deliverance by God through Moses. The mention of these sons highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham of making his descendants into a great nation.