Genesis 47 1

Genesis 47:1 kjv

Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen.

Genesis 47:1 nkjv

Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, "My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of Goshen."

Genesis 47:1 niv

Joseph went and told Pharaoh, "My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen."

Genesis 47:1 esv

So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, "My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen."

Genesis 47:1 nlt

Then Joseph went to see Pharaoh and told him, "My father and my brothers have arrived from the land of Canaan. They have come with all their flocks and herds and possessions, and they are now in the region of Goshen."

Genesis 47 verses

Genesis 47 1 meaning

Genesis 47:1 recounts Joseph's immediate action of informing Pharaoh about the arrival of his family from Canaan. This verse signifies the direct and decisive placement of Jacob's household in Egypt, fulfilling Joseph's divinely orchestrated plan to preserve his family during the famine. It marks the formal establishment of the Israelites in a designated region of Egypt, the land of Goshen, ensuring their separation and provision.

Genesis 47 1 Context

Genesis 47:1 serves as a pivotal verse immediately following the detailed account of Jacob's entire household migrating to Egypt (Genesis 46), prompted by Joseph's generous provision and Pharaoh's invitation during the severe famine. Joseph, now effectively the second in command in Egypt, has successfully overseen the storage of grain and is distributing it. His family's arrival marks a critical moment in the history of the nascent Israelite nation. They are arriving in a foreign land, reliant on Joseph, yet unknowingly stepping into God's grand plan for their growth into a multitude and eventual deliverance. The immediate historical context is the widespread famine affecting Canaan, compelling Jacob and his sons to relocate for survival, moving them from the promised land to a temporary haven, Goshen.

Genesis 47 1 Word analysis

• Then: Implies immediacy, a logical progression from the family's arrival described at the end of Genesis 46. Joseph does not delay in his responsibility.
• Joseph: Refers to Jacob's beloved son, now a powerful administrator in Egypt. His journey from rejected brother to esteemed leader is a testament to God's restorative and providential power, allowing him to be the deliverer of his family. He foreshadows a savior figure.
• went and told: Shows direct communication and urgency. Joseph, despite his high status, personally delivers this news to Pharaoh, demonstrating his familial commitment and administrative diligence.
• Pharaoh: The ruling monarch of Egypt, a powerful, albeit pagan, ruler who is instrumental in God's plan. He represents worldly authority under divine sovereign control.
• and said: Introduces Joseph's verbal report.
• “My father and my brothers”: Emphasizes the personal relationship and the restoration of his family, which had been broken by their past betrayal and Joseph's separation. It signifies reconciliation and completion of the family unit in Egypt.
• with their flocks and their herds: Specifies the primary wealth and occupation of Jacob's family – animal husbandry. This detail is crucial as it positions them for a specific region (Goshen) and highlights their identity, which differed sharply from Egyptian norms, thus facilitating separation.
• and all that they possess: A comprehensive statement, indicating the totality of their assets brought from Canaan, implying a complete relocation.
• have come from the land of Canaan: "Canaan" is the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their departure from it, though temporary, highlights the immediate priority of survival over residing in the promised land, all within God's larger design for their development in Egypt. It subtly underscores God's ability to work outside geographical boundaries to achieve His purposes.
• and indeed: An intensifying particle, affirming the truth and certainty of their arrival.
• they are in the land of Goshen (Hebrew: ’erets Gōshen): "Goshen" was a fertile, desirable region in Egypt, strategically located on the eastern delta, suitable for pasture. Its significance lies in its suitability for Israel's primary occupation, its proximity to Canaan, and crucially, its geographical separation from the main Egyptian population centers, preserving Israel's distinct cultural and religious identity. This separation was vital for their future national formation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh": This sequence reveals Joseph's swift and responsible action, maintaining the official process even though the prior invitation came from Pharaoh himself (Gen 45:17). Joseph's loyalty to both his family and Pharaoh is evident.
• "My father and my brothers, with their flocks and their herds and all that they possess": This detailed inventory conveys the complete relocation of Jacob's household and their entire livelihood, painting a picture of a substantial, identifiable group dependent on their pastoral trade. It sets the stage for Pharaoh to understand their specific needs and place in Egypt.
• "have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed, they are in the land of Goshen.": This pair of geographical references is highly significant. Coming from Canaan signifies a departure from the covenant land (even if temporary), while being in Goshen establishes their specific temporary dwelling, carefully chosen by God's providence through Joseph to facilitate both their growth and preservation, as well as their distinct identity separate from the Egyptians. Goshen acts as a preparatory place for their nationhood.

Genesis 47 1 Bonus section

The seemingly straightforward act of reporting to Pharaoh hides profound theological implications. The selection of Goshen (not explicitly stated by Joseph in this verse, but clearly implied by him telling Pharaoh in anticipation of Pharaoh's follow-up questions) for the Israelite family highlights God's strategic hand in establishing their semi-isolated community. This separation in Goshen would not only protect them culturally and religiously from Egyptian paganism and practices but also prepare the grounds for their numerical growth without direct Egyptian interference for a significant period. Furthermore, Joseph's deliberate choice to emphasize their occupation as shepherds (as revealed in the preceding chapter) demonstrates his shrewdness and faithfulness to his family, securing their most suitable accommodation and ensuring their distinctiveness from the outset. This careful planning echoes the divine meticulousness in unfolding His covenant plan, using human agents and natural circumstances like famine to bring His people precisely where He intended.

Genesis 47 1 Commentary

Genesis 47:1 marks the official formalization of Israel's entry into Egypt, under divine providence orchestrated through Joseph. Joseph's prompt action in informing Pharaoh underlines his role as a responsible steward of God's people and his unique position of trust with the Egyptian ruler. The listing of "father and brothers" alongside their "flocks and herds" is not just a detail; it is foundational. It highlights their identity as shepherds, an occupation generally viewed with disdain by Egyptians, making the allocation of the segregated land of Goshen essential. This geographical separation was crucial for Israel's preservation from assimilation, allowing them to maintain their distinct heritage and multiply freely in preparation for nationhood, as God had promised Abraham. Thus, what appears to be a simple notification is actually a pivotal moment for the covenant family, moving them into the temporary foreign land that would both nourish and eventually oppress them, ultimately preparing them for a powerful deliverance.