Genesis 46:34

KJV

That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, [and] also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

KJV (with Strong's)

That ye shall say {H559}, Thy servants {H5650}' trade {H582} hath been about cattle {H4735} from our youth {H5271} even until now, both we, and also our fathers {H1}: that ye may dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657}; for every shepherd {H7462}{H6629} is an abomination {H8441} unto the Egyptians {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

tell him, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth until now, both we and our ancestors.'This will ensure that you will live in the land of Goshen - for any shepherd is abhorrent to the Egyptians."

Berean Standard Bible

you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”

American Standard Version

that ye shall say, Thy servants have been keepers of cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:34 records Joseph's strategic instruction to his brothers: to declare their lifelong occupation as shepherds to Pharaoh. This calculated move was designed to secure their settlement in the fertile land of Goshen, leveraging the Egyptians' cultural aversion to shepherds. Joseph's plan masterfully ensures the distinct and isolated preservation of Jacob's family, safeguarding them from assimilation and the pervasive famine, thereby laying the groundwork for their growth into the future nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative, immediately following Joseph's emotional reunion with his father, Jacob, and the arrival of Jacob's entire household in Egypt. Joseph, now the second-in-command of Egypt, has orchestrated this migration due to the severe famine gripping the land. Chapters 45 and 46 detail the preparations for the family's journey and their arrival. Joseph's instructions in [Genesis 46:31-34](/genesis/46-31-34 "Joseph's Instructions to His Brothers") are a crucial final step before Jacob and his sons are formally presented to Pharaoh. This strategic counsel highlights Joseph's wisdom and foresight, demonstrating his active role in ensuring the well-being and distinct identity of his family within a foreign land. The preceding verses emphasize the divine orchestration of these events, with God assuring Jacob of His presence and blessing in Egypt (e.g., [Genesis 46:3-4](/genesis/46-3-4 "God's Promise to Jacob")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly organized, agrarian society that placed great value on settled agriculture, monumental architecture, and a rigid social hierarchy. The Nile River was the lifeblood of their civilization, dictating their agricultural cycles and fostering a sedentary lifestyle. Nomadic peoples, particularly shepherds, were often viewed with suspicion, disdain, or even contempt. This aversion stemmed from several factors: their mobile lifestyle was disruptive to Egyptian settled life, their practices might involve the sacrifice of animals (like cattle) that Egyptians considered sacred or symbolic of deities, and they were often associated with foreign invaders or marginalized groups. The Hyksos, a Semitic people who had previously ruled parts of Egypt, were also associated with shepherding, which may have contributed to this prejudice. The land of Goshen, located in the eastern Nile Delta, was known for its rich pasturage, making it ideal for the Hebrews' large flocks and herds, while also providing a natural geographic buffer from the main Egyptian population centers.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, as God sovereignly guides events and even human prejudices to fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the preservation and growth of the nascent nation of Israel (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")). The verse also highlights the importance of **Cultural Distinction** and separation for God's chosen people, a theme that will become paramount during the Exodus and the giving of the Law, where Israel is called to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Israel, a Holy Nation")). Furthermore, Joseph's wisdom exemplifies **Strategic Leadership** and discernment, demonstrating how human agency, guided by divine wisdom, can navigate complex socio-political landscapes to achieve God's purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shepherd (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** This primitive root means "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or generally "to rule." In this context, it refers to the occupation of tending livestock, a central aspect of the Hebrew patriarchal lifestyle. The term highlights the fundamental difference in livelihood and cultural values between Jacob's family and the Egyptians, which Joseph strategically exploits.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This feminine active participle signifies "something disgusting (morally)," "an abhorrence," or "especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol." Here, it powerfully conveys the intense cultural, social, and potentially religious detestation Egyptians held for shepherds. It's not merely a dislike but a deep-seated revulsion, making the declaration of their trade a highly effective diplomatic maneuver.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sit down," "to remain," or "to settle." Joseph's ultimate goal in this instruction is to secure a permanent and distinct place for his family to "dwell" in Egypt, specifically in Goshen, ensuring their stability and growth away from the main Egyptian populace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers:"** Joseph instructs his brothers to explicitly state their ancestral occupation as herdsmen. This declaration emphasizes their deep-rooted connection to livestock, signifying a lifelong, generational commitment to this trade. It establishes their identity as distinct from the Egyptians and provides a clear reason for their need for vast grazing lands.
* **"that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen;"** This clause reveals the immediate purpose of Joseph's strategy: to secure settlement in Goshen. Joseph knows Goshen is ideal due to its fertile pastures and its geographical isolation from the main centers of Egyptian population and culture. This placement is crucial for the family's physical sustenance and future growth.
* **"for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians."** This final clause provides the critical rationale behind Joseph's instruction. It reveals his astute understanding of Egyptian cultural prejudices. By declaring themselves shepherds, Joseph ensures that Pharaoh will readily agree to settle them in a separate, isolated region, thereby avoiding cultural assimilation and potential conflict, and preserving the distinct identity of the nascent nation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Strategic Diplomacy**, as Joseph masterfully leverages existing cultural prejudices to achieve a desired outcome for his family. This isn't merely a factual statement but a calculated maneuver designed to manipulate Pharaoh's biases for the benefit of God's people. There is also an element of **Irony** at play: what is considered an "abomination" by the Egyptians becomes the very means by which God's chosen people are protected and allowed to flourish. Furthermore, the verse contains **Foreshadowing**, as the forced separation of the Hebrews in Goshen due to Egyptian aversion anticipates their later distinct identity as God's people, set apart from the nations, and also hints at the eventual oppression they will face in Egypt, which further solidifies their unique national identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:34 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous providence, demonstrating how He orchestrates even the cultural biases of a foreign nation to fulfill His divine plan for His covenant people. Joseph's wisdom, guided by divine insight, ensures the preservation and growth of Jacob's family, safeguarding them from assimilation into Egyptian polytheism and culture. This strategic separation in Goshen is crucial for maintaining the distinct identity of the lineage through whom the Messiah would come, preparing them to become a great nation as promised to Abraham. It underscores that God's faithfulness extends to providing practical means for His people's survival and spiritual integrity in a hostile world.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Exodus 8:22-23](/exodus/8-22-23 "Distinction Between Israel and Egypt")
* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel, a Holy People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:34 offers profound insights for believers navigating a complex world. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the prejudices and cultural norms of societies, and can use them for His redemptive purposes. Like Joseph, we are called to exercise wisdom and discernment in our interactions with the world, understanding its nuances and making strategic choices that protect our spiritual integrity and advance God's kingdom. This passage also powerfully underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct identity as God's people. While we are called to be "in the world," we are not to be "of the world" ([John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "Jesus Prays for His Disciples")), and sometimes, a degree of separation or distinctness is necessary for our spiritual health, protection from corrupting influences, and preparation for God's greater plans for us. This distinction is not about isolation for isolation's sake, but about preserving our unique identity as those set apart for Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might God be using seemingly negative or challenging circumstances in your life to position you for His greater purposes?**
* **In what ways does your Christian identity call you to be distinct from the surrounding culture, and how can you maintain that distinction wisely?**
* **How can you cultivate discernment and wisdom, like Joseph, to navigate complex situations in a way that honors God and benefits others?**

### FAQ
**Why was shepherding considered an "abomination" to the Egyptians?**

Answer: The term "abomination" (Hebrew: _tôwʻêbah'_) signifies something deeply detestable or morally offensive. For the Egyptians, a settled, agrarian society with a complex religious system, nomadic shepherds were viewed with strong disdain for several reasons. Firstly, their nomadic lifestyle was perceived as uncivilized and disruptive to the Egyptians' highly organized agricultural practices. Secondly, shepherds might sacrifice animals, including cattle, which were revered or considered sacred by Egyptians, making their practices religiously offensive. Thirdly, the occupation was likely associated with lower social strata or even foreign invaders, such as the Hyksos, who had a pastoral background and had previously ruled parts of Egypt. This strong cultural and religious aversion provided a convenient and readily accepted reason for Pharaoh to keep the Hebrews separate in the land of Goshen, a strategic outcome desired by Joseph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 46:34 directly concerns the preservation of Israel's lineage, it profoundly points forward to Christ in its demonstration of divine providence and the establishment of a distinct people through whom salvation would come. Just as Joseph, a type of Christ, strategically preserved his family in Goshen, ensuring the lineage from which the Messiah would descend, Christ, the ultimate [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), gathers and preserves His flock, the Church. He sets His people apart from the world, calling them out of darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")). Through His atoning work, Christ leads His people into a spiritual "Goshen"—a place of refuge, distinct identity, and spiritual nourishment, where they are nurtured and prepared for His eternal purposes. This divine segregation, not based on cultural prejudice but on spiritual redemption, ensures that His Church remains distinct and holy, ultimately fulfilling all the promises made to Abraham through His perfect sacrifice and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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

Exodus 8:26

And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?

Genesis 43:32

And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Genesis 37:12

¶ And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

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 30:35

And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, [and] every one that had [some] white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave [them] into the hand of his sons.

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 34:5

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.