Genesis 46:33 kjv

And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?

Genesis 46:33 nkjv

So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, 'What is your occupation?'

Genesis 46:33 niv

When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, 'What is your occupation?'

Genesis 46:33 esv

When Pharaoh calls you and says, 'What is your occupation?'

Genesis 46:33 nlt

Then he said, "When Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your occupation,

Genesis 46 verses

Genesis 46 33 Meaning

Genesis 46:33 conveys Joseph's specific instruction to his family on how to answer Pharaoh's anticipated question about their livelihood. Joseph, with foresight and an understanding of Egyptian court protocols, prepares them for a crucial encounter. The expected question about their occupation serves as a pivotal point, guiding Pharaoh to grant them residency in Goshen, a strategic move to preserve their distinct identity and livelihood in Egypt.

Genesis 46 33 Context

Chapter 46 of Genesis marks a significant transition: Jacob and his entire household, numbering 70 souls, are on their journey from Canaan to Egypt during a severe famine. Before their arrival, God Himself appeared to Jacob at Beersheba, confirming the move to Egypt and reiterating the covenant promises. Joseph, now second-in-command to Pharaoh, travels to Goshen to meet his family upon their arrival. Aware of Egyptian customs and Pharaoh's likely queries, Joseph immediately sets about strategizing their introduction to the Egyptian court. His plan, articulated in verses 31-34, is to inform Pharaoh of his family's arrival and their lifelong occupation as shepherds. This instruction, particularly in verse 33, anticipates Pharaoh's exact question and is crucial for ensuring their settlement in the land of Goshen—a fertile pastureland geographically distinct from the main population centers, a separation vital for maintaining Israel's identity as a distinct people.

Genesis 46 33 Word Analysis

• And when Pharaoh: The Hebrew phrase וְהָיָה כִּי-יִקְרָא אֶתְכֶם פַּרְעֹה (vəhāyāh kî-yiqrā’ ’etḵem par‘ôh). "Pharaoh" (Par'oh) is a title for the Egyptian ruler, signifying the supreme authority. Joseph's anticipation of Pharaoh's summons reveals his intimate knowledge of court protocol and Pharaoh's customary inquiries, showcasing his strategic mind and position of trust. This emphasizes the official, not casual, nature of the upcoming meeting.

• shall call you: The Hebrew verb יִקְרָא (yiqrā’), meaning to summon or call, indicates a formal request for their presence before the monarch. Joseph understood this was not merely a friendly visit but an administrative procedure to assess and settle the new arrivals.

• and shall say: The Hebrew וְאָמַר (və’āmar) indicates Pharaoh will speak and directly pose a question. Joseph’s knowledge of the exact question highlights his detailed preparation and wisdom.

• What is your occupation?: The Hebrew phrase מַה-מִּקְצֹעֲכֶם (mah miqqəṣō‘akem).

  • What?: An interrogative, pointing to a direct request for information.
  • occupation: The Hebrew term מִקְצֹעַ (miqqəṣō‘a) derives from a root meaning "to cut, trim, shape," often referring to a corner, edge, or a specialized trade or craft. In this context, it specifically refers to their livelihood or the primary profession by which they support themselves. In ancient Egypt, one's occupation determined social status, rights, and sometimes residential areas. For Jacob's family, declaring their pastoral profession would inherently separate them from the agriculturally-focused Egyptians and make the land of Goshen ideal.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And when Pharaoh shall call you...": This phrase underscores Joseph's strategic thinking. He's not just making arrangements but meticulously coaching his family on how to navigate the royal court. This reflects Joseph's wisdom, shaped by God, in leadership and diplomatic skills crucial for the well-being of his kin. It foreshadows a crucial encounter where their words will determine their future settlement and way of life in Egypt.
  • "...What is your occupation?": This question is the linchpin of Joseph's plan. He anticipates that Pharaoh's question about their livelihood will provide the perfect opening for his family to state their profession as shepherds. Given that shepherds were considered detestable by Egyptians (Gen 46:34), this would naturally lead Pharaoh to designate the separate and desirable land of Goshen for them. This ensured the Israelites' distinction and avoided assimilation into Egyptian society, protecting their unique identity and ultimately paving the way for their growth into a nation.

Genesis 46 33 Bonus section

• This preparation by Joseph exemplifies responsible leadership, ensuring his family's security and welfare in a foreign land. His detailed instructions anticipate obstacles and provide solutions, reflecting his God-given wisdom and administrative skill.
• The emphasis on "occupation" signifies its importance in ancient societies for determining status, residence, and cultural fit. For the Israelites, their nomadic, pastoral heritage defined them, differentiating them from Egypt's sedentary, agricultural populace, a distinction Joseph leveraged for their benefit.
• Joseph's ability to orchestrate this interaction suggests Pharaoh's high regard and trust in him, allowing Joseph significant influence in matters concerning new settlers within Egypt's borders.
• The fulfillment of this strategic counsel highlights the precision with which God guides His people, even using societal biases (the Egyptians' disdain for shepherds) to achieve His redemptive purposes, which ultimately ensured Israel’s survival and growth into a great nation, as prophesied to Abraham.

Genesis 46 33 Commentary

Genesis 46:33 demonstrates Joseph's profound foresight and practical wisdom, which God utilized for His purposes. As Prime Minister, Joseph was deeply familiar with Egyptian statecraft and social distinctions. Knowing Pharaoh would inquire about their livelihood, he prepared his family for a specific answer—their identity as shepherds—to secure their distinct place. This was a strategic move, not only because Goshen was ideal pasture land, but crucially because Egyptians generally held shepherding in disdain (Gen 46:34). This societal aversion, foreseen by Joseph, would compel Pharaoh to grant them the desired segregation in Goshen. This separation was vital for the Israelites to flourish numerically, maintain their distinct covenant identity, and avoid intermarriage and assimilation with Egyptian culture and polytheistic practices. Joseph's human ingenuity and careful planning, under divine orchestration, enabled God's promise to Israel to unfold in a land seemingly foreign to their covenant with Him. This instance is a powerful example of how God works through the practical wisdom and preparations of His servants to accomplish His sovereign plan, setting the stage for the growth of a nation that would later experience the Exodus.