Genesis 46:33

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh {H6547} shall call {H7121} you, and shall say {H559}, What is your occupation {H4639}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Now when Pharaoh summons you and asks, 'What is your occupation?'

Berean Standard Bible

When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:33 captures a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Jacob's family entering Egypt, as Joseph, with remarkable foresight, prepares his brothers for their imminent encounter with Pharaoh. This verse anticipates the king's crucial inquiry into their livelihood, a strategic question that Joseph leverages to secure a distinct and separate settlement for his family, thereby preserving their unique identity and positioning them for God's larger redemptive plan for the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes the actual meeting between Jacob's family and Pharaoh, serving as Joseph's final, critical instruction to his brothers. The preceding verses ([Genesis 46:28-32](/genesis/46-28-32 "Joseph's instructions for meeting Pharaoh")) detail Joseph's reunion with his father Jacob in Goshen and his subsequent plan to present five of his brothers to Pharaoh. Joseph's meticulous planning is evident, as he not only arranges for their settlement but also strategically prepares their response to Pharaoh's anticipated question about their occupation, setting the stage for the narrative in [Genesis 47](/genesis/47 "The Settlement in Goshen"). This foresight ensures the family's distinct identity and future preservation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly structured society with a sophisticated administrative system. Upon the arrival of foreign groups, it was customary for the Pharaoh or his officials to inquire about their background and skills to determine their place within Egyptian society and economy. Agriculture was the backbone of Egypt's economy, and farmers were highly esteemed. Shepherds, however, were generally viewed with disdain, possibly due to their nomadic lifestyle which contrasted sharply with settled Egyptian life, their perceived uncleanliness, or perhaps even their association with foreign invaders like the Hyksos (though the Hyksos period came later). Joseph's knowledge of this cultural aversion to shepherding, particularly in the fertile Nile Delta region, was key to his strategy to secure the land of Goshen for his family, a region well-suited for pasturage but geographically distinct from the main agricultural centers.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates human events, even seemingly mundane administrative inquiries, to fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham regarding a great nation ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")). Joseph's **God-given Wisdom** is a prominent theme throughout his story, and here it is applied strategically to ensure the **Preservation of Israel's Identity**. By securing a separate living space, Joseph prevents the assimilation of Jacob's family into Egyptian culture, which was crucial for their development as a distinct people and for the future lineage of the Messiah. This act underscores the theme of **Separation for Sanctification**, where God's people are set apart for His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:33 reveals Joseph's astute preparation of his family for their critical encounter with Pharaoh, focusing on the specific question the king would pose regarding their livelihood. This seemingly simple inquiry carries profound implications for the future of Jacob's descendants.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharaoh (Hebrew, _Parʻôh'_):** From Egyptian derivation, this term (H6547) refers to the general title of Egyptian kings. In this context, it signifies the supreme authority of Egypt, whose decision would determine the fate and settlement of Jacob's family. Joseph's anticipation of Pharaoh's direct involvement underscores the gravity and formality of the impending meeting.
* **Call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ_):** This primitive root (H7121) means "to call out to," "address by name," or "invite." When Pharaoh "calls" Joseph's family, it implies a formal summons, an official audience that requires a prepared and respectful response. It's not a casual invitation but a command from the highest authority, necessitating careful adherence to protocol.
* **Occupation (Hebrew, _maʻăseh_):** Derived from the verb "to do" or "to make," this noun (H4639) broadly means "an action," "activity," "business," or "work." Pharaoh's question "What is your occupation?" is a direct inquiry into their primary source of income and daily activity. The significance lies not just in the word itself, but in the specific answer Joseph intends them to give (as revealed in [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Joseph's instruction to declare themselves shepherds")), which will strategically set them apart from Egyptian society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you":** This clause sets the scene for an inevitable and formal summons. Joseph understands that Pharaoh, as the ruler, will naturally want to meet and assess these new arrivals, especially given Joseph's high position and the large size of his family. The "calling" signifies an official audience, demanding a prepared and respectful demeanor from Jacob's sons.
* **"and shall say":** This anticipates the direct verbal interaction. Joseph knows Pharaoh will not merely observe but will engage them in conversation, specifically seeking information about their identity and purpose in Egypt. This highlights Joseph's intimate knowledge of Egyptian court protocol and Pharaoh's administrative approach.
* **"What is your occupation?":** This is the core of Pharaoh's anticipated inquiry. It's a standard question for new immigrants, designed to ascertain their skills, their potential contribution to Egyptian society, and thus, their appropriate place within the land. For Joseph, this question is not merely administrative; it is the strategic opening he needs to secure a separate and protected dwelling for his family, leveraging Egyptian cultural biases to their advantage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:33 is **Anticipation**. Joseph's foreknowledge of Pharaoh's question demonstrates his strategic brilliance and deep understanding of Egyptian customs. This **Anticipation** builds narrative tension, as the reader is made aware of the critical nature of the upcoming interaction and the importance of the family's prepared response. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this strategic preparation directly leads to the settlement in Goshen, which in turn sets the stage for the growth of Israel and their eventual enslavement and exodus. Furthermore, one could argue for subtle **Irony**, as Joseph plans to use the Egyptians' disdain for shepherds as the very means to secure a privileged, separate existence for his family, turning a potential cultural barrier into a divine advantage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:33 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence, working through human wisdom and strategy to fulfill His divine purposes. Joseph's careful preparation of his family for Pharaoh's inquiry is not merely an act of human prudence but a divinely enabled foresight that ensures the preservation of the covenant people. This strategic move to secure a distinct settlement in Goshen was crucial for maintaining Israel's unique identity, preventing their assimilation into polytheistic Egyptian culture, and allowing them to grow into the numerous nation God promised Abraham. It underscores that God's plan unfolds even through the seemingly mundane details of administrative questions and cultural norms, guiding His people towards their ultimate destiny.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Prophecy of Israel's Sojourn in Egypt")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord directs human steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:33 offers timeless insights into the importance of wisdom, preparation, and discernment in navigating life's critical junctures. Just as Joseph meticulously prepared his family for a pivotal encounter, believers today are called to approach significant decisions and interactions with thoughtful foresight, seeking God's guidance through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel. Understanding the context and audience, as Joseph understood Pharaoh and Egyptian culture, is crucial for effective communication and for living out our faith in a complex world. This verse also powerfully reminds us that God's sovereign hand is at work in every detail of our lives, even in seemingly ordinary questions about our "occupation" or daily routines. He uses circumstances and individuals, often in ways we don't immediately perceive, to advance His grand redemptive purposes. Joseph's strategy to maintain his family's distinct identity in Egypt serves as a profound call for believers to live as a peculiar people, set apart by God's grace, while engaging with the world around them, ensuring our values and practices reflect our heavenly citizenship rather than conforming to worldly patterns.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's foresight in this verse encourage you to be more prepared and discerning in your own life's important decisions?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly ordinary questions or circumstances in your life to advance His greater purposes?**
* **How can believers today maintain a distinct spiritual identity in a world that often pressures conformity, drawing lessons from Joseph's actions?**
* **What "occupations" or roles has God given you, and how can you use them strategically for His glory and the good of His people?**

### FAQ
**Why was Pharaoh's question about occupation so important, and why did Joseph's answer matter so much?**

Answer: Pharaoh's question, "What is your occupation?" was a standard administrative inquiry for new arrivals in Egypt, designed to ascertain their skills and determine their place within society. For Joseph, this question was profoundly important because it presented a strategic opportunity to secure a distinct and separate existence for his family. Joseph knew that shepherding, while essential for the nomadic Hebrews, was generally considered an "abomination" or at least a low-status occupation by the Egyptians, who were primarily agriculturalists and settled city-dwellers. By having his family declare themselves shepherds, Joseph provided Pharaoh with a legitimate, culturally acceptable reason to grant them a separate dwelling place in Goshen, a fertile pastureland away from the main Egyptian populace. This strategic separation was vital for preserving the unique cultural and religious identity of Jacob's family, preventing their assimilation into polytheistic Egyptian society, and allowing them to grow into the numerous nation God had promised to Abraham, laying the groundwork for their future as the chosen people of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strategic preservation of Israel's distinct identity and lineage in Genesis 46:33, through Joseph's divinely inspired wisdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous care taken to set apart Jacob's family in Goshen ensured the continuity of the covenant line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Just as Joseph secured a physical "Goshen" for his family, protecting them from assimilation and ensuring their growth, Christ establishes His church as a distinct, set-apart people, called out of the world and into His kingdom. The Lord Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd, gathers His flock, providing spiritual refuge and a unique identity rooted in Him, distinct from the world's systems and values ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The physical preservation of Israel foreshadows the spiritual preservation and eternal inheritance secured for all who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Moreover, Christ's work on the cross ultimately makes us a "royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1_peter/2-9](/1-peter/2-9 "A Chosen People")), fulfilling the ancient promise of a distinct people set apart for God, a spiritual reality prefigured by Joseph's foresight in Genesis.

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 46:32

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.

Genesis 47:2

And he took some of his brethren, [even] five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.

Genesis 47:4

They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine [is] sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.

Jonah 1:8

Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil [is] upon us; What [is] thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what [is] thy country? and of what people [art] thou?