Genesis 35:23-26 – Meaning and Explanation of the 12 Sons of Jacob (Israel)

Verse: Genesis 35:23-26
Theme: The 12 Sons of Jacob: The Patriarchal Lineage and the Foundation of the Twelve Tribes of Israel

The sons of Leah were Reuben Jacob’s firstborn and Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin The sons of Bilhah Rachel’s servant were Dan and Naphtali And the sons of Zilpah Leah’s servant were Gad and Asher These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan Aram
— Genesis 35:23–26, New Living Translation (NLT)

Meaning of Genesis 35:23-26

Genesis 35:23-26 lists the twelve sons of Jacob, a foundational moment in the history of Israel. These verses take on a different meaning when you realize we’re not just reading a family tree, but looking at the blueprint for an entire nation. Each name represents a future tribe, a territory, a legacy that would echo through thousands of years of history.

This passage is a prophetic outline of the leadership structure and territorial identity of the nation of Israel. What gets me is how God used such a complicated family situation to build His covenant people. You’ve got four different mothers, sibling rivalry that nearly destroyed them, and personalities that clashed constantly. Yet somehow, this messy dynamic became the foundation for the twelve tribes of Israel.

These twelve sons represent both the brokenness and the chosen calling of Jacob’s house. Their lives show how God builds His purposes through imperfect people and generations. Honestly, it’s encouraging when you think about it. If God could use Jacob’s dysfunctional family, there’s hope for all of us.

The 12 Sons of Jacob (Israel)

Reuben – First Son

Reuben is the first son/firstborn of Jacob. He held the right of inheritance and authority. Picture this: you’re the eldest son in ancient times, which means you’re destined to inherit double portions, lead the family, and carry the patriarchal blessing. Reuben had it all lined up perfectly.

Then he threw it away in one night of catastrophic poor judgment.

The guy had everything going for him: birthright privileges, a natural leadership position, and the respect that comes with being first. However, his downfall occurred when he slept with his father’s concubine, Bilhah, Rachel’s servant. Now, this wasn’t just adultery; it was a direct challenge to his father’s authority and a violation that cut to the core of family honor.

Jacob never forgot it. Years later, on his deathbed, he’d tell Reuben: “You will not excel, because you went up onto your father’s bed; onto my couch and defiled it.” Ouch. Talk about words that follow you to the grave.

Reuben’s story haunts me because it illustrates how a single moment of weakness can derail an entire destiny. He had natural leadership abilities; you see glimpses of it when he tries to save Joseph from his brothers’ murderous plot. But character flaws have a way of sabotaging even the most promising futures. You can have all the advantages in the world, but if you can’t master yourself, you’ll lose what matters most.

Simeon – Second Son

Simeon is the second son of Jacob. He was a man driven by fierce loyalty and uncontrollable rage, a dangerous combination that would define his legacy. When his sister Dinah was violated by Shechem, Simeon’s response revealed both his protective instincts and his fatal flaw.

Here’s what happened: Shechem, the son of a local ruler, raped Dinah and then decided he wanted to marry her. His father came to Jacob asking for a marriage arrangement. Sounds like they were trying to make things “right” after the fact, doesn’t it?

But Simeon and his brothers weren’t buying it.

The brothers came up with what seemed like a reasonable compromise: sure, you can marry our sister, but all your men need to be circumcised first. It’s a religious requirement, they explained. The men of Shechem agreed, probably thinking they were getting off easy.

But while the men were recovering from the procedure, when they were most vulnerable, Simeon and Levi struck. They didn’t just kill Shechem; they slaughtered every male in the city. Then they looted everything and took the women and children as spoils of war.

Jacob was horrified; he condemned their actions. Not just because of the violence, but because it made him “odious to the inhabitants of the land.” This wasn’t justice; it was overkill that endangered the entire family. Sometimes righteous anger becomes unrighteous vengeance, and the line between the two can be thinner than we think.

Levi – Third Son

Levi is the third son of Jacob. He was also Simeon’s partner in the Shechem massacre, and for most of his life, that violent act defined him. But here’s where God’s redemptive power gets interesting: the same zeal that led to bloodshed would later be transformed into holy service.

After the golden calf incident at Mount Sinai, when Moses called out, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” it was the Levites who responded. They took up swords again, but this time to execute God’s judgment on the idolaters. About three thousand people died that day, and many of the victims were the Levites’ own relatives.

That decisive moment changed everything for Levi’s descendants. Moses blessed them: “They observed your word and kept your covenant. They shall teach your rules and Israel your law; they shall put incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar.”

From violence to consecration, it’s one of the most remarkable transformations in Scripture. The tribe of Levi became guardians of worship, teachers of the Law, and mediators between God and Israel. They were scattered throughout Israel, but unlike Simeon’s scattering (which was a curse), Levi’s was a blessing. They became the spiritual heartbeat of the nation.

Sometimes our greatest weaknesses become our greatest strengths when surrendered to God. Levi’s passion, once directed toward revenge, became zealous devotion to holiness.

Judah – Fourth Son

Judah is the fourth son of Jacob. His rise to leadership wasn’t obvious at first. Fourth son, morally compromised, definitely not the guy you’d pick to father the royal line. But character has a way of revealing itself over time, and Judah’s story is ultimately about growth, repentance, and stepping up when it mattered most.

Let’s be honest about his failures first. When his brothers wanted to kill Joseph, Judah suggested selling him to slave traders instead. He probably thought he was being merciful, but it was still a betrayal that would haunt the family for decades. Later, he mistook his daughter-in-law Tamar for a prostitute and slept with her, then tried to have her burned alive when she turned up pregnant, until he discovered the child was his.

Not exactly leadership material, right?

But here’s what changed everything: Judah learned to own his mistakes. When confronted about Tamar, he didn’t make excuses or blame others. He said, “She is more righteous than I.” That’s the beginning of real leadership, the ability to admit when you’re wrong.

The defining moment came years later in Egypt. When Joseph (still unrecognized by his brothers) demanded to keep Benjamin as a slave, it was Judah who stepped forward. He offered himself as a substitute, knowing it would destroy his father to lose Rachel’s youngest son.

That willingness to sacrifice himself for others, that’s what made Judah the kingly tribe, and later on, his leadership mandate was further prophesied and endorsed by Jacob, his father. From Judah came David, and eventually Jesus Christ. The Lion of the tribe of Judah conquered not through violence but through sacrifice, showing a different kind of strength than raw power.

Dan – Fifth Son

Dan is the fifth son of Jacob, born to Rachael’s servant, Bilhah. Dan’s name means “judge,” and his birth felt like vindication to his mother Rachel. She was desperate for children, watching her sister Leah produce son after son while she remained barren. When her servant Bilhah gave birth to Dan, Rachel declared, “God has judged me and has also heard my voice and given me a son.”

There’s something poetic about that name, isn’t there? Dan the judge. You’d expect great things from a tribe called to bring justice and discernment to Israel.

But Dan’s legacy became complicated, and honestly, it breaks my heart a little. The tribe that was supposed to bring godly judgment instead became synonymous with spiritual compromise. They were the first to introduce systematic idolatry into Israel, setting up their own religious center complete with stolen idols and a rogue priesthood.

It started when they couldn’t secure their assigned territory near the Philistines. Instead of trusting God for the victory, they migrated north and conquered the peaceful city of Laish. Then they set up their own worship system, completely separate from the tabernacle at Shiloh. What began as practical accommodation became full-blown apostasy.

The irony is crushing: the tribe named “judge” led Israel into spiritual adultery. By the time of Revelation, Dan is conspicuously absent from the list of sealed tribes. Sometimes the greatest calling can become the greatest fall if we don’t stay faithful to our foundations.

Naphtali – Sixth Son

Naphtali is the sixth son of Jacob, and the second son born to Bilhah, Rachel’s servant. His name reflects the intense competition between the sisters for Jacob’s affection. Rachel said, “With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed,” so she called him Naphtali, meaning “my wrestling.”

But there’s something beautiful about how this son of conflict became associated with freedom and grace. Jacob’s blessing described him as “a deer set free that bears beautiful words.” Can you picture that? The image of a graceful deer moving freely through the forest, bringing messages of beauty and hope.

Naphtali’s tribal territory encompassed some of the most stunning landscapes in Israel, including the hills around the Sea of Galilee, the fertile plains, and the Jordan River valley. This wasn’t an accident; it was prophetic. The tribe that began with wrestling found peace in one of the most peaceful regions of the Promised Land.

What gets me is how this area became central to Jesus’ ministry. Capernaum, Bethsaida, the shores where Jesus called His first disciples, all in Naphtali’s inheritance. Isaiah prophesied about this region in Isaiah 9:1: “In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.”

Sometimes God takes our struggles and turns them into stages for His glory.

Gad – Seventh Son

Gad is the seventh son of Jacob. When Gad was born to Zilpah, Leah’s servant, his name meant “good fortune” or “a troop comes.” Leah felt like the tide was turning in her favor, like reinforcements had arrived in her battle for Jacob’s attention.

That military imagery turned out to be prophetic. Gad’s descendants became some of Israel’s most formidable warriors, not just brave, but strategically brilliant and fiercely loyal. When it came time to settle the Promised Land, they chose the rugged territory east of the Jordan River, putting themselves on the front lines of Israel’s defense against eastern enemies.

These weren’t weekend warriors. The Gadites were professional soldiers who understood that freedom requires vigilance and strength. Moses described them as warriors who “arm themselves for battle and cross over before the Lord to war.” They kept their word, fighting alongside their brothers to conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance.

I love the description of Gad’s warriors who joined David during his fugitive years: “men whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains.” Can you imagine meeting guys like that? They crossed the Jordan River at flood stage, when it was a mile wide and dangerous, just to join David’s cause.

Gad represents something we need today: the courage to take the difficult positions, to stand guard while others sleep safely, to choose the harder path because it serves the greater good.

Asher – Eighth Son

Asher is the eighth son of Jacob, and the second son of Zilpah, Leah’s servant. His name means “happy” or “blessed,” and his story is refreshingly straightforward compared to some of his brothers. When Leah’s servant Zilpah gave birth to him, Leah declared, “Happy am I! For women will call me blessed.” Finally, something good without the drama.

Jacob’s blessing over Asher was all about abundance: “Asher’s food shall be rich, and he shall yield royal delicacies.” This wasn’t just about having enough to eat; it was about having so much abundance that you could provide delicacies for kings.

And that’s exactly what happened. Asher’s tribal inheritance included some of the most fertile and productive land in all Israel, the coastal plains with their olive groves, the rich agricultural valleys, and the Mediterranean coastland. They became known for their olive oil, which was considered among the finest in the ancient world.

But here’s what I find beautiful about Asher: they understood that blessing comes with responsibility. They didn’t just hoard their abundance; they shared it. During times of national crisis, when other regions faced famine or hardship, Asher was there with supplies and support.

There’s something to be learned from Asher’s legacy. Some people are called to suffer for the kingdom; others are called to prosper for the kingdom. Both are necessary, and both require faithfulness. Asher shows us that being blessed materially isn’t a sign of God’s favoritism; it’s a call to be a blessing to others.

Issachar – Ninth Son

Issachar is the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth son of Leah. Issachar’s story begins with a bizarre transaction between his mothers. Leah’s son Reuben found mandrakes in the field, plants believed to help with fertility. Rachel wanted them desperately, so she made a deal: Leah could sleep with Jacob that night in exchange for the mandrakes.

When Issachar was born from this arrangement, Leah said, “God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband.” His name means “wages” or “reward,” connecting him forever to this strange negotiation.

But don’t let the awkward origin story fool you. Issachar became one of the most valuable tribes in Israel, known for two things: hard work and wisdom. Jacob compared him to “a strong donkey crouching between the sheepfolds,” which sounds insulting until you understand that donkeys were prized for their strength, endurance, and reliability.

The men of Issachar were famous for understanding “the times and knowing what Israel should do.” In our information-overload culture, we need Issachar’s gift: the ability to discern what really matters and know how to respond wisely. They weren’t the flashiest tribe, but they were the ones who kept their heads when everyone else was panicking.

Sometimes the most important people aren’t the ones in the spotlight, but the ones doing the steady, essential work that keeps everything else functioning.

Zebulun – Tenth Son

Zebulun is the tenth son of Jacob and Leah’s sixth and final son, and his name reflects her hope that now, finally, her husband would honor her. “God has endowed me with a good endowment,” she said. “Now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.”

The name Zebulun means “dwelling” or “honor,” and Jacob’s blessing connected him to the sea and commerce: “Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon.”

Here’s the interesting thing: Zebulun’s actual tribal territory wasn’t directly on the Mediterranean coast. But they were positioned perfectly to facilitate trade between the coastal regions and the inland areas. They became the middlemen, the connectors, the ones who made commerce flow smoothly throughout northern Israel.

This is such a practical lesson about finding your role in God’s economy. Not everyone can be a seaport, but someone needs to connect the seaports to the inland markets. Not everyone gets the glamorous position, but every position matters if it serves the whole.

Zebulun’s descendants also showed up when military courage was needed. During the period of the judges, they “risked their lives to the death” in Israel’s battles. They understood that prosperity and freedom go together; you can’t have one without being willing to fight for the other.

Joseph – Eleventh Son

Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob, and also the firstborn of Rachel, after years of barrenness. Joseph’s story deserves its own book and basically gets one in Genesis. He was Rachel’s firstborn after years of barrenness, the answer to desperate prayers, the child who represented hope fulfilled. Jacob’s favoritism toward him wasn’t just about birth order; Joseph was the son of his beloved wife, born when Jacob thought he might never have children with Rachel.

Jacob (Israel) loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, and that favoritism created its own problems. The coat of many colors, the first prophetic dream, the obvious preference; it all fed into a family dynamic that was already strained by polygamy and competition. When Joseph shared his second dream about his family bowing down to him, his brothers had heard enough.

What happened next reads like a thriller: attempted murder, last-minute rescue, sale into slavery, false accusation, which led to his imprisonment, forgotten promises, and then sudden elevation to power. Through it all, Joseph maintained his integrity and his faith in God’s sovereignty.

But here’s what I find most remarkable about Joseph: he saw God’s hand in everything, even the worst betrayals. When he finally revealed himself to his brothers, he said, “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”

That’s not denial or spiritual bypassing, that’s genuine faith in God’s ability to work through human evil for divine good. Joseph saved Egypt, preserved his family, and positioned them for growth into a great nation. His administrative genius during the seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine, was nothing short of miraculous.

Benjamin – Twelfth Son

Benjamin is the twelfth son of Jacob, and the second son of Rachel, born during Rachel’s most difficult hour, literally. She died giving birth to him, and with her last breath, she named him Ben-oni, meaning “son of my sorrow.” But Jacob couldn’t bear to call his youngest son by such a tragic name, so he renamed him Benjamin, “son of my right hand.”

That name change tells you everything about how precious Benjamin became to Jacob. He was all that remained of Rachel, the living reminder of his greatest love and deepest loss. Jacob’s protectiveness toward Benjamin was probably unhealthy; it created a family dynamic where losing Benjamin would destroy him.

You see this when the brothers need to return to Egypt for more grain. Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go, even though it means the whole family might starve. “His brother is dead, and he is left alone,” Jacob says. “If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.”

But Benjamin proved worthy of that love. Though his tribe ended up being one of the smallest numerically, they produced some of Israel’s greatest warriors and remained fiercely loyal to the house of David when the kingdom split. They understood that size doesn’t determine significance.

The Benjamites were known for their skill with the sling and their ambidextrous warriors who could fight effectively with either hand. When civil war nearly destroyed them after the incident at Gibeah, they showed such courage in battle that it took the combined armies of all the other tribes to defeat them.

Sometimes the smallest voices speak the loudest truths, and the smallest tribes show the biggest hearts.

The Twelve Tribes and Their Biblical Legacy

Reuben’s Tribe

Settled east of the Jordan River in territory that was good for livestock but isolated from the main action. The tribe reflected Reuben’s own character; they had potential but struggled with instability and never really stepped into leadership. They were among the first tribes taken into exile, and by the end of Israel’s history, they’d pretty much disappeared from significance. It’s a sobering reminder that early advantages don’t guarantee lasting success.

Simeon’s Tribe

Got scattered throughout Israel, just as Jacob had prophesied, because of Simeon’s violence at Shechem. They were eventually absorbed into the territory of Judah, losing their distinct identity. Their inheritance was literally scattered among other tribes, small cities here and there, rather than a cohesive territory. Sometimes our actions have consequences that echo through generations, affecting not just us but everyone who comes after us.

Levi’s Tribe

They were set apart for priestly service, which meant they didn’t receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities scattered throughout Israel and were supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes. The Levites became spiritual leaders, teaching the Law and maintaining temple worship. They turned their early violence into holy zeal, becoming the guardians of Israel’s relationship with God. It’s one of the most dramatic character transformations in Scripture.

Judah’s Tribe

Emerged as the most dominant, both politically and spiritually. They got the largest territory, produced the royal dynasty starting with David, and ultimately gave us the Messiah. Judah became the leading tribe in both military strength and spiritual authority. When the kingdom split, Judah remained the southern kingdom and maintained the Davidic line. The Lion of Judah conquered through sacrifice rather than violence, showing a different kind of strength than his ancestor’s early mistakes.

Dan’s Tribe

Initially settled in a small area between the Philistines and the mountains, but the territory proved too restrictive and hostile. So they pulled up stakes and migrated north, conquering the peaceful city of Laish and renaming it Dan. Unfortunately, they also set up their own religious center, complete with idols, becoming infamous for leading Israel into apostasy. In some later biblical lists, Dan is completely omitted, reflecting the tribe’s troubled spiritual legacy.

Naphtali’s Tribe

Inherited some of the most beautiful and fertile territory in northern Israel, around the Sea of Galilee. This region became significant during Jesus’ ministry. Capernaum, where Jesus based His Galilean ministry, was in Naphtali’s territory. The tribe was known for courage in battle and played important roles during the period of the judges. Their land was among the first to see the light of Christ’s ministry, fulfilling ancient prophecies about light shining in darkness.

Gad’s tribe

Chose to settle east of the Jordan River alongside Reuben and half the tribe of Manasseh. This put them on the front lines of Israel’s defense against eastern enemies. They became skilled warriors who often defended Israel’s frontiers, and they were specifically commended for their military prowess and loyalty. When David was fleeing from Saul, some of Gad’s warriors joined him, described as “men whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains.”

Asher’s Tribe

Settled along the Mediterranean coast in some of the most fertile and prosperous land in Israel. True to Jacob’s blessing, they became known for abundance, olive oil, grain, and other agricultural products. Asher became a symbol of prosperity and provision, often helping to supply other parts of Israel during difficult times. Their territory included some of the most beautiful coastland and productive farmland in the entire region.

Issachar’s Tribe

Inherited a portion of the fertile Jezreel Valley, perfect for agriculture. They were known as hard workers and also for wisdom; the men of Issachar were described as those who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” They became advisors and supporters of national unity, often providing the steady, practical wisdom that kept the nation functioning. During David’s rise to power, Issachar provided 200 chiefs who understood the political situation and knew how to respond.

Zebulun’s Tribe

They occupied territory that connected the inland areas with the coastal regions, making them natural facilitators of trade and commerce. They didn’t directly control seaports, but their location made them essential for moving goods between the sea and the interior. Their willingness to work with others and facilitate economic activity helped build Israel’s prosperity. They were also known for military courage, providing strong support during various conflicts.

Joseph’s Legacy

Joseph’s story was different from the other sons. He had a unique legacy because it was divided between his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Ephraim became the dominant tribe of the northern kingdom, so much so that “Ephraim” often stood for the entire northern kingdom of Israel. They were blessed with some of the most fertile hill country in central Israel. Manasseh inherited land on both sides of the Jordan River and became one of the largest tribes numerically. Both tribes were known for military strength and agricultural prosperity, living up to Joseph’s legacy of success and influence.

Benjamin’s Tribe

Remained fiercely loyal to Judah when the kingdom was divided, even though they were one of the smallest tribes. Jerusalem sat right on the border between Judah and Benjamin, giving Benjamin special significance as the guardians of the holy city. Despite their small size, they produced some of Israel’s greatest warriors and remained faithful during the most difficult periods of Israel’s history. Their loyalty proved that faithfulness matters more than size.

Together, these twelve tribes shaped the political, spiritual, and prophetic landscape of Israel. Each tribe had its own personality, its strengths and weaknesses, and its role to play in God’s unfolding plan.

Their tribal banners marched through the wilderness for forty years, their territories formed the Promised Land, and their names are engraved on the gates of the New Jerusalem in Revelation.

Though their paths varied dramatically, some faithful, some rebellious, some powerful, some humble, each tribe bore witness to God’s covenant with Jacob and His promise to bless all nations through his descendants.

How They All Point to Christ

The twelve sons of Jacob do more than form tribes; they prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus Christ was born into the tribe of Judah, fulfilling prophetic words spoken through Jacob and later developed by the prophets.

But here’s what’s amazing: the pattern of flawed sons being used for divine purposes culminates in Christ, the true and perfect Son who redeems all tribes and tongues.

Think about it, Jesus’ family tree includes liars, murderers, adulterers, and idol worshippers. Yet God didn’t avoid the messy bloodlines; He worked through them. The genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel deliberately highlights some of the most problematic characters, showing that God’s grace doesn’t just cover our failures, it weaves them into His redemptive story.

In Revelation 7, the names of these tribes appear again, sealed and redeemed in a final vision of God’s people gathered from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, reigns as the fulfillment of what began with these twelve brothers. The dysfunction that started in Genesis finds its resolution in the throne room of heaven.

Related Bible Verses

Now these are the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt Each man and his household came with Jacob Reuben Simeon Levi and Judah Issachar Zebulun and Benjamin Dan and Naphtali Gad and Asher
— Exodus 1:1–4, King James Version (KJV)

The Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai saying Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel by families by the houses of their fathers according to the number of names every male individually
— Numbers 1:1–2, King James Version (KJV)

And this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death
— Deuteronomy 33:1, King James Version (KJV)

And I heard the number of those who were sealed One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed
— Revelation 7:4, King James Version (KJV)

Closing Reflection

Genesis 35:23-26 is not just a family record. It’s a divine blueprint showing how God fulfills promises across generations. The beautiful thing about this passage is that it doesn’t hide the family dysfunction or pretend these were perfect people. Instead, it shows how God takes complicated, broken families and uses them for His glory.

Though the sons of Jacob had serious personal flaws, and I mean serious, their lives were woven into the greater plan of redemption. Each name carries the weight of legacy and calling, and together, they remind us that God uses imperfect vessels to accomplish His perfect will. That’s not just ancient history; that’s hope for today.

Our spiritual legacy today is connected to theirs, not by bloodline, but by faith. As believers in Christ, we are grafted into this story, carrying forward the same covenant hope that began with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The same God who turned twelve dysfunctional brothers into the foundation of His chosen people is still working in our messy families today.

Say This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the lives and legacies of Jacob’s sons. Though they were broken men with serious flaws, You chose them for greatness anyway.

I ask that You use my life the same way, not because I am perfect or have it all figured out, but because You are faithful to Your promises.

Help me walk in purpose, leave a godly legacy for the next generation, and trust in Your covenant even when my family situation feels complicated.

Thank You that my story isn’t finished yet, and that You’re still writing redemption into every chapter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.