Genesis 46:32

KJV

And the men [are] shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} are shepherds {H7462}{H6629}, for their trade hath been to feed cattle {H4735}; and they have brought {H935} their flocks {H6629}, and their herds {H1241}, and all that they have.

Complete Jewish Bible

The men are shepherds and keepers of livestock; they have brought their flocks, their herds and all their possessions.'

Berean Standard Bible

The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’

American Standard Version

and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:32 succinctly reveals the long-standing occupation of Jacob's family as shepherds, a detail Joseph strategically emphasizes to Pharaoh. This declaration was a calculated move designed to secure the fertile region of Goshen for his family, ensuring their separation from the broader Egyptian populace and enabling the preservation of their distinct cultural and religious identity, crucial for their growth into a numerous nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the Genesis narrative, immediately following Jacob and his entire household's arrival in Egypt, fulfilling God's overarching plan for Joseph. Joseph, having been reunited with his family, is now preparing to present five of his brothers to Pharaoh. He shrewdly instructs them to highlight their long-standing profession as shepherds, understanding that this would elicit a specific reaction from the Egyptian ruler. The immediate context of this instruction is Joseph's desire to secure a specific, separate dwelling place for his family, distinct from the main Egyptian population centers, which is explicitly detailed in the verses that follow, particularly [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "The Egyptian View of Shepherds").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was primarily an agricultural society, valuing settled life, monumental architecture, and the cultivation of crops along the Nile. Nomadic or semi-nomadic pastoralists, like the Hebrews, were often viewed with disdain, suspicion, or even as an "abomination," as later stated in [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Egyptian Aversion to Shepherds"). This cultural bias likely stemmed from a combination of factors: differing lifestyles, potential conflicts over land use, and possibly historical grievances related to foreign pastoral rulers like the Hyksos. Joseph's strategy leveraged this cultural prejudice to ensure his family would be granted the fertile, but geographically distinct, land of Goshen, which was ideal for grazing livestock and would naturally keep them separate from the Egyptians.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46:32 contributes to several major themes within the broader narrative. It underscores **Divine Providence**, as Joseph's human wisdom and strategic planning are clearly guided by God's overarching covenantal plan to preserve Abraham's descendants and grow them into a great nation, as first promised in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham"). The verse also highlights the theme of **Preservation of Identity**, showing how the Israelites' distinct occupation served as a means to maintain their unique cultural and religious practices, preventing assimilation into Egyptian society. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Joseph's Wisdom and Foresight**, demonstrating his remarkable administrative skills and his deep understanding of both Egyptian culture and the needs of his family, orchestrating a plan that served God's ultimate redemptive purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:32 succinctly states, "And the men [are] shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have." This declaration, to be made by Joseph's brothers, is central to Joseph's plan for their settlement in Egypt.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** H582. This term, derived from a root meaning "to be frail" or "mortal," refers to a human being in general, often emphasizing their mortality or common humanity. In this context, it simply denotes the male members of Jacob's family, emphasizing their collective identity and occupation.
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** H7462. A primitive root meaning "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or "to graze." It encompasses the full scope of caring for livestock, including feeding, guiding, and protecting. This word is foundational to the concept of a shepherd, signifying not just an occupation but a way of life deeply intertwined with the care of animals.
* **cattle (Hebrew, _miqneh'_):** H4735. This word refers to "something bought," specifically "livestock" or "property" in the form of animals. It is a collective term for all kinds of domestic animals, including sheep, goats, and oxen, representing the primary source of wealth and livelihood for the patriarchal families.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men [are] shepherds":** This opening clause immediately identifies the primary occupation of Jacob's sons. It establishes their professional identity, which was deeply ingrained in their patriarchal heritage and lifestyle. The declaration is direct and unambiguous, setting the stage for Joseph's strategic presentation to Pharaoh.
* **"for their trade hath been to feed cattle;":** This explanatory clause elaborates on the nature of their shepherding. The phrase "their trade hath been" emphasizes the long-standing, hereditary, and established nature of their profession. It was not a temporary pursuit but a deeply ingrained economic and cultural practice passed down through generations, indicating their expertise and commitment to this way of life. "To feed cattle" (combining H7462 _râʻâh_ and H4735 _miqneh_) highlights the practical aspect of their work—nurturing and sustaining their livestock.
* **"and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.":** This final clause underscores the totality of their migration and the extent of their wealth. The mention of "flocks" (sheep and goats, H6629 _tsôʼn_) and "herds" (cattle, H1241 _bâqâr_) specifies the types of livestock they possessed, which were their most valuable assets. "All that they have" further emphasizes that their entire livelihood and possessions were tied to their pastoral enterprise, reinforcing their identity as people of the land and animals, not settled agriculturalists. This also serves as tangible evidence of their stated profession to Pharaoh.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is evident in the repetition and specificity regarding their occupation ("shepherds," "trade hath been to feed cattle," "flocks," "herds"). This repetition underscores the central role of pastoralism in their identity and Joseph's strategic use of it. **Irony** is subtly present, as what was considered an "abomination" by the Egyptians (shepherding) became the very means of the Israelites' preservation and flourishing. The detailed enumeration of "flocks, and their herds, and all that they have" serves as **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent a whole, signifying the entirety of their possessions and the comprehensive nature of their migration. This also functions as **Metonymy**, where "flocks" and "herds" stand in for their entire wealth and way of life. Finally, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this strategic separation in Goshen, facilitated by their occupation, sets the stage for their growth into a mighty nation, distinct from Egypt, before their eventual enslavement and miraculous exodus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:32, though seemingly a simple statement of occupation, is profoundly theological. It reveals how God's meticulous providence orchestrates human decisions and cultural biases to fulfill His divine purposes. Joseph's strategic use of his family's shepherding identity, leveraging Egyptian disdain, was not merely human ingenuity but a divinely guided maneuver to secure a distinct space for Israel. This intentional separation in Goshen was crucial for the preservation of their unique covenantal identity, allowing them to multiply and mature into the nation God promised Abraham, unadulterated by pagan influences. Their humble, "abominable" trade became the very vehicle for their protection and growth, illustrating God's ability to use ordinary circumstances to achieve extraordinary ends.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Egyptian Sojourn")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalms/78-70-72 "God Chooses David, the Shepherd, to Lead Israel")
* [Isaiah 49:20](/isaiah/49-20 "Israel's Future Growth and Expansion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:32 offers profound insights for believers today, illustrating how God can use our vocations and circumstances, no matter how humble or seemingly ordinary, to fulfill His greater purposes. Just as Jacob's family's occupation set them apart, our faith may sometimes lead us to live distinctly from mainstream culture. Joseph's wisdom in navigating a foreign culture while preserving his family's integrity reminds us to live with discernment, seeking God's guidance in how we engage with the world while maintaining our distinct identity as followers of Christ. This intentional separation, akin to the Israelites in Goshen, echoes the call for believers to be "in the world, but not of the world" ([John 17:16](/john/17-16 "Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples' Separation")). This distinctiveness is often essential for preserving our spiritual heritage and fulfilling God's unique call on our lives, reminding us that our identity in Christ may require us to stand apart for the sake of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does your current vocation or life circumstance, no matter how ordinary, contribute to God's larger purposes for your life or community?**
* **In what ways might your faith call you to be distinct from the surrounding culture, and how can you navigate that distinction wisely?**
* **What "Goshen" might God be calling you to, a place or sphere where you can flourish spiritually while remaining distinct?**
* **How can you apply Joseph's discernment and strategic thinking to your own life in navigating cultural pressures while maintaining your spiritual integrity?**

### FAQ

**Why was shepherding considered an abomination to the Egyptians?**

Answer: The exact reasons are debated among scholars, but it likely stemmed from a combination of factors. Egyptians were primarily agriculturalists who valued settled life, monumental architecture, and the cultivation of crops along the Nile. They often viewed nomadic or semi-nomadic shepherds as uncivilized, unclean, or even a threat to their settled way of life. Some theories suggest it was due to the Egyptians' reverence for certain animals (like cattle) which shepherds might slaughter, or perhaps a lingering negative memory of the Hyksos, a foreign people who had ruled Egypt and were associated with pastoralism, leaving a lasting impression of foreign invaders. [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "The Egyptian View of Shepherds") explicitly states this aversion.

**How did Joseph's strategy of highlighting their shepherding occupation benefit the Israelites?**

Answer: By emphasizing their occupation as shepherds, Joseph shrewdly leveraged Egyptian cultural prejudice to secure the land of Goshen for his family. This region was ideal for grazing livestock but was also geographically distinct and somewhat isolated from major Egyptian population centers. This strategic separation prevented the Israelites from assimilating into Egyptian culture, allowing them to maintain their unique identity, customs, and religious practices. It provided a protected environment for them to grow into a numerous nation, as God had promised to Abraham, without the immediate pressures of Egyptian society and its pagan influences.

**Does the Bible use the term "shepherd" with deeper theological significance beyond animal husbandry?**

Answer: Yes, the term "shepherd" (Hebrew: _ro'eh_) carries profound theological weight throughout Scripture, extending far beyond literal animal husbandry. It is frequently used metaphorically to describe leaders, kings, and most significantly, God Himself as the ultimate Shepherd of His people, providing guidance, protection, sustenance, and care. Examples include [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "The Lord as My Shepherd") where the Lord is depicted as a personal shepherd, and numerous prophetic passages where God is shown as the Shepherd of Israel ([Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "God as Shepherd of His Flock")). This imagery culminates in the New Testament with Jesus Christ identifying Himself as the Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus as the Good Shepherd")), who lays down His life for His sheep and knows them intimately.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 46:32, revealing the Israelite family's identity as shepherds and their strategic separation in Goshen, prefigures the greater spiritual reality found in Christ. Just as Joseph wisely guided his family into a distinct existence to preserve their lineage and identity, Christ, the ultimate Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus as the Good Shepherd")), leads His flock—the church—into a distinct spiritual identity, set apart from the world. He gathers His people from every nation ([Matthew 25:32](/matthew/25-32 "The Son of Man Separates the Nations")), provides for their every need ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Supplies All Needs")), and protects them from spiritual dangers ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")), ensuring their spiritual growth and preservation. The physical separation of Israel in Goshen foreshadows the spiritual separation of believers, called to be "holy" and distinct in a fallen world ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "Be Holy, for I Am Holy")), guided by their Shepherd towards their eternal inheritance ([1 Peter 2:25](/1_peter/2-25 "You Have Now Returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of Your Souls")), fulfilling God's redemptive plan for a chosen people, the church, purchased by His own blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "The Church of God, Which He Purchased with His Own Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 47:3

And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What [is] your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants [are] shepherds, both we, [and] also our fathers.

Psalms 78:70

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

Psalms 78:72

So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Zechariah 13:5

But he shall say, I [am] no prophet, I [am] an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.

Genesis 45:10

And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:

Genesis 9:20

And Noah began [to be] an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: