Genesis 47:11 kjv

And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.

Genesis 47:11 nkjv

And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.

Genesis 47:11 niv

So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed.

Genesis 47:11 esv

Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.

Genesis 47:11 nlt

So Joseph assigned the best land of Egypt ? the region of Rameses ? to his father and his brothers, and he settled them there, just as Pharaoh had commanded.

Genesis 47 verses

Genesis 47 11 Meaning

This verse states that Joseph established his father and brothers with permanent land in Egypt, specifically the most fertile region known as the land of Rameses (later Goshen), in precise accordance with Pharaoh's prior decree. It signifies the security and provision granted to Jacob's family during the severe famine.

Genesis 47 11 Context

Genesis chapter 47 follows the intense reunion of Joseph with his brothers and father after many years. A severe famine has gripped the land, making Egypt, under Joseph's wise administration, the sole source of grain. Pharaoh, recognizing Joseph's immense value and the divine favor upon him, generously invited Joseph's family to settle in Egypt. Joseph had strategically instructed his family to identify themselves as shepherds so Pharaoh would allocate them the choice pastoral lands of Goshen, separating them from the Egyptian populace who abhorred shepherds (Gen 46:34). Immediately preceding verse 11, Joseph has presented his aged father Jacob to Pharaoh, and Jacob has blessed Pharaoh, demonstrating a reversal of typical hierarchical interaction and subtle prophetic authority. This verse then confirms Joseph's immediate and dutiful execution of Pharaoh's command, providing for his family's sustenance and distinct dwelling place. Historically, the designation "land of Rameses" is considered an anachronism as the city of Pi-Ramesses was founded much later by Ramesses II (around 13th century BC), long after the patriarchal period (circa 18-17th century BC). This suggests either a later update by Moses for his audience who would recognize the area by that contemporary name, or it refers to a region later associated with that name. This setting the family apart, yet thriving in Egypt, lays the groundwork for their rapid demographic growth, preparing them for future nationhood and ultimately, the Exodus.

Genesis 47 11 Word analysis

• So Joseph settled (וַיּוֹשֶׁב - wayyōšeb): The Hebrew verb is yashav (יָשַׁב) in the Hifil stem, indicating a causative action. Joseph "caused them to dwell" or "established them." It implies active, purposeful arrangement and secure placement, not merely a temporary stay.
• his father and his brothers: Emphasizes the care extended to the entire patriarchal family unit, the foundational family of Israel.
• and gave them a possession (וַיִּתֵּן לָהֶם אֲחֻזָּה - wayyittēn lāhem 'ăḥuzzâ): Natann (נָתַן) "gave," and ’ăḥuzzâ (אֲחֻזָּה) refers to a holding, property, or permanent possession. While Israel was to sojourn, this denotes more than just renting; it was a secure, allotted right to land for their use during their stay. It reflects Pharaoh's magnanimity and Joseph's thorough provision.
• in the land of Egypt: Highlights their temporary relocation from Canaan, a fulfillment of part of God's promise to Abraham concerning his descendants being sojourners in a foreign land (Gen 15:13).
• in the best of the land (בְּמֵיטַב הָאָרֶץ - bĕmêṭaḇ hā’āreṣ): Mêṭaḇ (מֵיטַב) means the choicest, finest, or best part. This signifies fertile ground, ideal for pasturing flocks, confirming Pharaoh's generous promise in Gen 47:6. It contrasts with the famine-stricken lands and speaks to divine provision through human instruments.
• in the land of Rameses (אֶרֶץ רַעְמְסֵס - ’ereṣ raʿməses): This specifies the region, generally identified with Goshen. As mentioned in the context, this is an anachronistic term. The mention of Rameses likely refers to the larger delta region (Avaris/Tanis), a later, well-known name for the area by the time the Pentateuch was compiled. It grounds the narrative geographically for the later audience of the book of Genesis. It highlights how the text uses contemporary place names known to the readers.
• as Pharaoh had commanded (כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה פַרְעֹה - ka’ăšer ṣiwwâ parʿōh): Emphasizes Joseph's immediate obedience to the higher authority, underscoring his integrity and adherence to his administrative role. It also subtly shows God working through a foreign ruler to care for His chosen people.

Genesis 47 11 Bonus section

The mention of "the land of Rameses" provides crucial chronological anchoring for biblical scholarship regarding the Israelite sojourn in Egypt. While the name itself points to a later Pharaoh (Ramesses II), its presence in Genesis often leads scholars to infer a Mosaic authorship, where the inspired author used a contemporary place name recognizable to his audience to identify a historical location. This anachronism doesn't negate the historicity of the event but rather suggests an update to ensure clarity for later readers. The location of Goshen (the land of Rameses) in the eastern Delta was ideal for several reasons: it was fertile for agriculture and livestock, allowed the Israelites to maintain their distinct cultural identity as pastoralists, and was strategically located near the route out of Egypt, preparing them for the Exodus. The family of Israel entered Egypt not as conquered slaves, but as honored guests, thanks to Joseph's status, receiving the most favored land; a significant irony given their later enslavement.

Genesis 47 11 Commentary

Genesis 47:11 is a pivotal verse, marking the successful establishment of the nascent Israelite family within Egypt under divinely orchestrated circumstances. Joseph, demonstrating unwavering fidelity to his appointed role, provides his family with not just sustenance, but a secure, choice dwelling, validating God's prior providential work through Joseph's elevation. The granting of "the best of the land," namely Goshen (the "land of Rameses"), illustrates God's abundant provision, even for His people residing outside the promised land. This segregation, driven partly by Egyptian disdain for shepherds, paradoxically ensures the family's distinct identity and provides the space necessary for their phenomenal numerical growth, setting the stage for their transformation into a nation before the eventual Exodus. The obedience to Pharaoh's command highlights that earthly authorities can also serve as instruments in God's grand plan for His people. This secure settlement, far from being a deviation, was essential for the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant promises regarding population growth, ensuring the family's survival and preparation for future nationhood.