What does Exodus 1:2 mean?

This is part of a section introducing the nation of Israel and their history after moving into Egypt. Four of Jacob's twelve sons are mentioned in this verse, starting with Reuben. Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob through Leah (Genesis 29:32; 35:23; 49:3). Yet Reuben later had sex with his father's concubine Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). This act caused him to lose his preeminence or role as leader (Genesis 49:3–4). On the positive side, Reuben helped protect the life of Joseph from his brothers (Genesis 37:21–22).

Simeon, Levi, and Judah are the other three sons noted in this verse. Simeon and Levi were considered violent and angry (Genesis 49:5–7). They had attacked many people in an act of revenge for the defiling of their sister (Genesis 34:30). Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 29:33). Joseph imprisoned Simeon on the first trip Jacob's sons took to Egypt (Genesis 42:24). Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 29:34). Judah was their fourth son whose name sounds like the Hebrew word for "praise" (Genesis 29:35). Judah was certainly flawed (Genesiw 36:26–27; 38:24–26) was considered powerful among Jacob's sons (Genesis 49:8–12).