Genesis 46 31

Genesis 46:31 kjv

And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and show Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;

Genesis 46:31 nkjv

Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's household, "I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, 'My brothers and those of my father's house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me.

Genesis 46:31 niv

Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's household, "I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, 'My brothers and my father's household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me.

Genesis 46:31 esv

Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's household, "I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, 'My brothers and my father's household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me.

Genesis 46:31 nlt

And Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's entire family, "I will go to Pharaoh and tell him, 'My brothers and my father's entire family have come to me from the land of Canaan.

Genesis 46 verses

Genesis 46 31 meaning

This verse records Joseph's immediate action and strategic plan after reuniting with his father Jacob and the entire household upon their arrival in Egypt. He declares his intention to present his family's arrival to Pharaoh, specifically identifying them as his brothers and his father's household who have come from Canaan to him. This declaration is a crucial first step in securing a place for them in Egypt, a strategic move by Joseph to protect his family and position them favorably.

Genesis 46 31 Context

Genesis chapter 46 recounts Jacob's journey to Egypt with his entire household in response to Joseph's invitation and Pharaoh's provision. Before departing Beer-sheba, Jacob receives a divine reassurance from God (Gen 46:1-4), promising to go with him to Egypt, make him a great nation there, and bring him back. Upon their arrival, Joseph joyfully reunites with Jacob, and after an emotional embrace (Gen 46:29-30), this verse immediately follows, marking Joseph's shift from personal reunion to administrative responsibility. It sets the stage for the formal presentation of Jacob's family to Pharaoh, which is vital for securing their designated settlement and livelihood in Egypt, specifically the land of Goshen. Historically and culturally, Egyptians held shepherds in low esteem, even as an "abomination" (Gen 46:34), a detail Joseph intends to leverage to secure a separate territory for his family, ensuring their distinct identity and protecting them from assimilation.

Genesis 46 31 Word analysis

• And Joseph said (וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף - Vayo'mer Yosef): Joseph, now a powerful ruler in Egypt, takes immediate action and command of the situation. This is not merely an emotional reunion but a moment of calculated planning for his family's welfare. His "saying" denotes a deliberate declaration of intent and a strategic step.
• to his brothers and to his father’s household (אֶל־אֶחָיו וְאֶל־בֵּית אָבִיו - el eḥaw v’el-bêt ’āwîw): Joseph addresses his family collectively and inclusively. "His brothers" highlights the personal, reconciled relationship, while "father's household" encompasses the wider family – wives, children, and possessions (Gen 46:5-7) – emphasizing his responsibility for the entire group. This underscores the vast number of people involved (seventy souls, Gen 46:27) who now depend on him.
• I will go up (אֶעֱלֶה - e‘ĕleh): The verb 'alah (עָלָה) often implies going up in elevation, but here it denotes going up in status or importance, moving from his family's camp to the royal palace to meet the Pharaoh. It suggests a formal and necessary action due to Pharaoh's authority.
• and tell Pharaoh (וְאַגִּיד לְפַרְעֹה - v’aggîḏ l’Par‘ōh): "Aggid" (אַגִּיד) is from the root nagad (נָגַד), meaning "to declare" or "to announce formally." Joseph plans a deliberate and official communication, not a casual chat. This shows his respectful protocol towards Pharaoh as the supreme authority in Egypt.
• My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me (אֶחָי וּבֵית אָבִי אֲשֶׁר בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן בָּאוּ אֵלָי - eḥay u’bêt ’āwî ’ăšer b’ereṣ Kena‘an bā’û ’elay): Joseph's precise phrasing here is intentional.
  • "My brothers and my father's household": This repetition from the earlier part of the verse reinforces the identity of the group, ensuring clarity and impact for Pharaoh.
  • "who were in the land of Canaan" (אֲשֶׁר בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן - asher b'eretz Kena'an): This explicitly states their origin, the famine-stricken land where they lived. This contrasts their nomadic, pastoral background with the settled, agricultural life of most Egyptians, providing a rationale for separate dwelling and a distinct identity. It also implies they were not Egyptians, highlighting their foreign status.
  • "have come to me" (בָּאוּ אֵלָי - ba'u elay): This phrasing indicates that their journey to Egypt was specifically to reach Joseph, acknowledging his authority and high position as their benefactor and protector. It positions Joseph as the pivot around whom their migration occurred, reinforcing his importance to Pharaoh.

Genesis 46 31 Bonus section

This verse subtly hints at the crucial transition for Jacob's family from being individual nomadic shepherds to becoming a "great nation" in a controlled environment, away from the dangers of Canaan and away from assimilation within Egyptian culture. Goshen would become a protected incubation chamber where the promise to Abraham (Gen 12:2-3) of a numerous seed could begin its extensive fulfillment. Joseph's strategic communication to Pharaoh effectively created the necessary social and geographical boundaries for this future growth, preventing intermarriage and cultural absorption, thus ensuring the distinct lineage that would lead to Israel's exodus.

Genesis 46 31 Commentary

Genesis 46:31 is a pivotal verse, revealing Joseph's sagacious planning as a divinely appointed leader. Following the joyous reunion, Joseph immediately turns to practical governance. His decision to personally inform Pharaoh about his family's arrival is not merely an act of deference but a carefully orchestrated political strategy. He articulates precisely what he will convey, setting the stage for their future settlement in Goshen (Gen 46:34; 47:4-6). This move demonstrates Joseph's understanding of both Egyptian politics and God's plan. By explicitly stating they were from Canaan and came to him, Joseph subtly reinforces his own power and anticipates Pharaoh's question, preparing to request a region that would allow his pastoral family to maintain their livelihood without becoming entangled or assimilated into Egyptian society, thus preserving their distinct identity as the people of God. This foresight aligns with the larger biblical narrative of God setting apart a people through whom His covenant promises would be fulfilled.