Genesis 46:14 — Word Study
WLCוּבְנֵ֖י זְבוּלֻ֑ן סֶ֥רֶד וְאֵל֖וֹן וְיַחְלְאֵֽל׃
BSAThe sonsbên [descendants, offspring] of ZebulunZᵉbûwlûwn [a son of Jacob and founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel] SeredÇered [an Israelite from the tribe of Zebulun] ElonʼÊylôwn [meaning mighty or strong] and JahleelYachlᵉʼêl [meaning God waits]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּבְנֵ֖י | and [the] sons of | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct |
| זְבוּלֻ֑ן | Zebulun | Noun proper masculine |
| סֶ֥רֶד | Sered | Noun proper masculine |
| וְאֵל֖וֹן | and Elon | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וְיַחְלְאֵֽל׃ | and Jahleel | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. |
| KJV | ¶ And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. |
| ASV | And the sons of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. |
| YLT | And sons of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. |
| WEB | The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. |
| BBE | And the sons of Zebulun: Sered and Elon and Jahleel; |
Where they part company is in stylistic choices, but all versions agree on the names listed.
The structure is straightforward, listing the sons of Zebulun without additional verbs or modifiers.
5 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Genesis 46:14
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Sons of Jacobgenerated
Genesis 46:14 is part of a genealogical list that details the sons of Jacob, specifically focusing on the tribe of Zebulun. This verse provides insight into the lineage of the tribes of Israel, which is significant for understanding their heritage and the roles they played in biblical history. The context includes the names of other sons of Jacob, highlighting the familial connections within the twelve tribes.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 30:19–20 | Again Leah conceived and bore a sixth son to Jacob. |
| 2 | Genesis 49:13 | Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon. |
| 3 | Numbers 1:9–30 | from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon; |
| 4 | Numbers 26:26–27 | These were the descendants of Zebulun by their clans: The Seredite clan from Sered, the Elonite clan from Elon, and the Jahleelite clan from Jahleel. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 33:18–19 | Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — זְבוּלֻן, ze.vu.Lungenerated
The word זְבוּלֻן (ze.vu.Lun) refers to the sixth son of Jacob and Leah, as well as his tribe and territory. The name is linked to the concept of habitation, reflecting Zebulun's role in the formation of the Israelite tribes.
Zebulun is significant in the genealogies of Israel, representing not just an individual but a lineage that contributed to the nation of Israel. His descendants are recognized as one of the twelve tribes, which played a crucial role in the history of the Israelites.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb is absent in this genealogical structure, which is typical for such lists. The construction consists of a noun phrase for the subject — וּבְנֵ֖י זְבוּלֻ֑ן — followed by the names of the sons as a predicate.
The order emphasizes the familial relationship, with the subject being the sons of Zebulun, followed by the specific names, which are presented in a straightforward listing.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates זְבוּלֻן as ζαβουλων, maintaining the identification of Zebulun as a significant figure. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of his importance in the lineage of Israel.
The Greek term used for the sons does not alter the meaning but confirms the continuity of the genealogical tradition from Hebrew to Greek.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 46:14 lists the sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. Zebulun is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and this verse highlights his descendants, showing the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel, as mentioned in Genesis 46:14.
The name Zebulun is linked to the concept of habitation and is significant in the context of the tribes of Israel.
Genealogy is important as it establishes family lines, inheritance, and the fulfillment of God's promises through specific descendants.
Zebulun's tribe was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, contributing to the formation and identity of the nation.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How does understanding the lineage of Zebulun help us understand the history of Israel?
- What can we learn from the names of the sons of Zebulun about their significance?
- In what ways does genealogical information shape our understanding of God's promises?
- How can we apply the concept of family lineage to our own spiritual heritage?
Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 46:14 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd the sons of Zebulun, Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. Whose names are the same in Numbers 26:26.
Read John Gill on Genesis 46 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 46 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(14) Zebulun has three sons: Numbers 26:26. Sered,Sered,Elon,Elon,Jahleel.Jahleel.No genealogy of the tribe of Zebulun is given in the Book of Chronicles.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 46 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges14. As in Numbers 26:26. Elon] The judge of this name in Judges 12:11 is also of the tribe of Zebulon.
Read Cambridge on Genesis 46 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleTHE MUSTER-ROLL OF ISRAEL, Genesis 46:8-27. “There is a painstaking minuteness in the dates and statistics of this history, which stands in wonderful contrast with the round numbers and vague statements of mythical narratives.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 46 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.
The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.
The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.
The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.
Tyndale line
¶ And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
And the sons of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
Also the sonnes of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Iahleel.
Strictly literal
— And the sons of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
And sons of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
And sons of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
And the sons of Zebulun: Sered, and Elon, and Yachleel.
The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel
From the Latin
The sons of Zabulon: Sared and Elon and Jahelel.
Simplified
The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.
And the sons of Zebulun: Sered and Elon and Jahleel;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word with the Hebrew text. The Septuagint matches the Hebrew closely, confirming the names and lineage without introducing variations.
וּבְנֵ֖י זְבוּלֻ֑ן סֶ֥רֶד וְאֵל֖וֹן וְיַחְלְאֵֽל׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ובני זבולן סרד ואלון ויחלאל
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Genesis 46:14
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.
בֵּן 4870 n.m. son
son, male child, born of a woman
children (male and female)
youth, young men
the young of animals
of plant shoots
fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
member of a guild, order or class
of animals son of (the) herd
ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
n. relat. of age
base
בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.
done
H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman
. children (male and female)
. youth, young men
. the young of animals
. of plant shoots
. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
. . member of a guild, order or class
. of animals son of (the) herd
. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
. n. relat. of age
H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son
1121 ben bane
from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the
widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,
including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,
etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)
(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,
(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,
bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X
came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of
first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +
kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)
people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +
spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous
one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 0251
בֵּן (ben) — son: child.
: child/son
בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;
son of: Jaaziah (H3269);
brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)
§ Beno = "his son"
the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)
בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.
: descendant, people, tribe, nation
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : child/son
בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.
: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : descendant
בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.
: rebel/son(Belial)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : people/men/nation/tribe
בֵּן (ben) — son.
: [inheriting]son/heir
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.
: warrior/son(strong)
Conj | N-mp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural constructHC/Ncmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
זְבוּלֻן (Zebulun) refers to the sixth son of Jacob and Leah, as well as his tribe and territory. The name is linked to the concept of habitation and is first mentioned in Genesis 30:20. The entries consistently identify Zebulun as a significant figure in the genealogies of Israel.
זְבוּלֻן, זְלֻבוּן n.pr.m. Zebulun
sixth son of Jacob and Leah
the tribe of Zebulun
territory of the tribe
base
H2074 זְבוּלֻן, זְלֻבוּן Zebulun
2074 Zbuwluwn zeb-oo-loon'
or Zbuluwn {zeb-oo-loon'}; or Zbuwlun {zeb-oo-loon'}; from
2082; habitation; Zebulon, a son of Jacob; also his territory
and tribe:--Zebulun.
see HEBREW for 02082
זְבוּלֻן (ze.vu.lun) — Zebulun.
A man of the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.20;
son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812);
brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485) and Dinah (H1783);
half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144);
father of: Sered (H5624), Elon (H0356H) and Jahleel (H3177)
§ Zebulun = "exalted"
1) the 10th of the sons of Jacob, 6th and last of Leah; progenitor of Zebulun
2) the tribe descended from Zebulun
3) the land allocated to the tribe of Zebulun
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
zeb'-u-lun (zebhulun, also written zebuwlun and zebuluwn; the first form occurs only in Jud 1:30; the other two are frequent, and are used interchangeably; Zaboulon): In Ge 30:20 Leah exclaims, "God hath endowed me with a good dowry," which suggests a derivation of Zebulun from zabhadh, "to bestow," the (d) being replaced by (l). Again she says, "Now will my husband dwell with me (or "honor me"): and she called his name Zebulun"; the derivation being from zabhal, "to exalt" or "honor" (OHL, under the word).
Zebulun was the 10th son of Jacob, the 6th borne to him by Leah in Paddan-aram. Nothing is known of this patriarch's life, save in so far as it coincides with that of his brethren. Targum Pseudo-Jonathan says that he first of the five brethren was presented to Pharaoh by…
Zebulun
Dwelling, the sixth and youngest son of Jacob and Leah (Gen. 30:20). Little is known of his personal history. He had three sons (46:14).
(a habitation), the tenth of the sons of Jacob, according to the order in which their births are enumerated, the sixth and last of Leah. (Genesis 30:20; 35:23; 46:14; 1 Chronicles 2:1) His birth is mentioned in (Genesis 30:19,20) Of the individual Zebulun nothing is recorded. The list of Genesis46 ascribes to him three sons, founders of the chief families of the tribe (comp.) (Numbers 26:26) at the time of the migration to Egypt. The tribe is not recorded to have taken part, for evil or good, in any of the events of the wandering or the conquest. The statement of Josephus is probably in the main correct, that it reached on the one side to the Lake of Gennesareth and on the…
1. Or ZABULON, Re 7:8, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah, born in Mesopotamia, Ge 30:20. Moses gives us few particulars respecting him. His tribe was respectable for numbers, Nu 1:30 26:26; and its portion in the Holy Land accorded with the prediction of Jacob, Ge 49:13, extending from the Mediterranean sea at Carmel to the sea of Gemnesaret, between Issachar on the south, and Naphtali and Asher on the north and north-west, Jos 19:10. His posterity are often mentioned in connection with Issachar, his nearest brother, De 33:18. They were entangled with the Phoenicians…
סֶ֫רֶד (Sered) refers to a man from the tribe of Zebulun, identified as the first son of Zebulun. The name is derived from a root meaning 'to tremble' or 'fear.' He is mentioned in Genesis 46:14 and is also associated with the term for his descendants, the Seredites.
סֶ֫רֶד n.pr.m. son of Zebulun
base
H5624 סֶ֫רֶד son of Zebulun
5624 Cered seh'-red
from a primitive root meaning to tremble; trembling; Sered,
an Israelite:--Sered.
סֶ֫רֶד (se.red) — Sered.
A man of the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.14;
son of: Zebulun (H2074);
brother of: Elon (H0356H) and Jahleel (H3177)
Also named: sar.di (סַרְדִּי "Seredite" H5625)
§ Sered = "fear"
the 1st son of Zebulun
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Sered
Fear, one of the sons of Zebulun (Gen. 46:14).
(fear), the first-born of Zebulun. (Genesis 46:14; Numbers 26:26) about 1700.)
dyer's vat
אֵלוֹן (Elon) refers to a name that encompasses several figures and a location in the Old Testament. It includes a Hittite who was the father-in-law of Esau, a judge from the tribe of Zebulun, and a town in Dan. The name is derived from the word for 'oak-grove' and is associated with strength, as indicated by its meaning 'terebinth, mighty.'
אֵלוֹן n.pr.m.
son of Zebulun
a Hittite, father-in-law of Esau
a judge of Isr., of tribe of Zeb.
n.pr.loc. a town of Dan
base
H356 אֵלוֹן . son of Zebulun
. a Hittite, father-in-law of Esau
. a judge of Isr., of tribe of Zeb.
. a town of Dan
356 'Eylown ay-lone'
or (shortened) ;Elown {ay-lone'}; or Eylon {ay- lone'}; from
352; oak-grove; Elon, the name of a place in Palestine, and
also of one Hittite, two Israelites:--Elon.
see HEBREW for 0352
אֵלוֹן (e.lon) — Elon.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.26.34;
father of: Adah (H5711H)
§ Elon = "terebinth, mighty"
1) Hittite, father-in-law of Esau
2) second son of Zebulun
3) Zebulonite judge of Israel
4) town in Dan
אֵלוֹן (e.lon) — Elon.
A man of the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.14;
son of: Zebulun (H2074);
brother of: Sered (H5624) and Jahleel (H3177)
Also named: e.lo.ni (אֵלֹנִי "Elonite" H0440)
§ Elon = "terebinth, mighty"
1) Hittite, father-in-law of Esau
2) second son of Zebulun
3) Zebulonite judge of Israel
4) town in Dan
אֵלוֹן (e.lon) — Elon.
§ Elon = "terebinth, mighty"
town in Dan
אֵלוֹן (e.lon) — Elon.
A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.12.11
§ Elon = "terebinth, mighty"
1) Hittite, father-in-law of Esau
2) second son of Zebulun
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
Elon
Oak. (1.) A city of Dan (Josh. 19:43). (2.) A Hittite, father of Bashemath, Esau’s wife (Gen. 26:34). (3.) One of the sons of Zebulun (Gen. 46:14). (4.) The eleventh of the Hebrew judges. He held office for ten years (Judg. 12:11, 12). He is called the Zebulonite.
(an oak). A Hittite, whose daughter was one of Esau’s wives. (Genesis 26:34; 36:2) (B.C. 1797.) The second of the three sons attributed to Zebulun, (Genesis 46:14; Numbers 26:26) and the founder of the family of the Elonites. (B.C. 1695.) Elon the Zebulonite, who judged Israel for ten years, and was buried in Aijalon in Zebulun. (Judges 12:11,12) (B.C. 1174-1164). On of the towns in the border of the tribe of Dan. (Joshua 19:43)
oak; grove; strong
The Hebrew word יַחְלְאֵל (*Yachl'el*) refers to a man from the tribe of Zebulun, specifically a descendant of Zebulun and brother of Sered and Elon. The name means 'God waits' and is associated with the family of the Jahleelites. It appears in Genesis 46:14.
יַחְלְאֵל n.pr.m. (wait for God!) a Zebulunite
base
H3177 יַחְלְאֵל (wait for God!) a Zebulunite
3177 Yachl'el yakh-leh-ale'
from 3176 and 410; expectant of God; Jachleel, an
Israelite:--Jahleel.
see HEBREW for 03176
see HEBREW for 0410
יַחְלְאֵל (yach.le.el) — Jahleel.
A man of the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.14;
son of: Zebulun (H2074);
brother of: Sered (H5624) and Elon (H0356H)
Also named: yach.le.e.li (יַחְלְאֵלִי "Jahleelite" H3178)
§ Jahleel = "God waits"
the 3rd of the 3 sons of Zebulun; founder of the family of the Jahleelites
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
(hoping in Jehovah), the third of the three sons of Zebulun, (Genesis 46:14; Numbers 26:26) founder of the family of Jahleelites. (B.C. 1706.)
waiting for, or beseeching, or hope in, God