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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph {H3130} placed {H3427} his father {H1} and his brethren {H251}, and gave {H5414} them a possession {H272} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, in the best {H4315} of the land {H776}, in the land {H776} of Rameses {H7486}, as Pharaoh {H6547} had commanded {H6680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef found a place for his father and brothers and gave them property in the land of Egypt, in the best region of the country, in the land of Ra'amses, as Pharaoh had ordered.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:11 meticulously details Joseph's faithful and comprehensive execution of Pharaoh's directive, securing a permanent and prosperous settlement for his father Jacob and his brothers in the most fertile region of Egypt. This strategic placement, identified as the land of Rameses (Goshen), not only provided immediate sustenance and security for the burgeoning Israelite family and their extensive livestock during a severe famine but also served as a crucial step in the divine plan for the preservation and future growth of God's chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic narrative of Joseph's reconciliation with his family and the subsequent relocation of Jacob's entire household to Egypt. Following Joseph's miraculous rise to power and his astute management of Egypt's resources during the seven years of plenty and the ensuing famine, the stage was set for the fulfillment of God's promises. Jacob's desperate journey to Egypt in search of food, the emotional reunion with Joseph, and Pharaoh's generous invitation for the family to settle in "the best of the land" ([Genesis 45:18](/genesis/45-18 "Pharaoh's invitation to Jacob's family")) directly precede this act of settlement. Joseph's actions in this verse represent the practical implementation of Pharaoh's decree and Joseph's own commitment to his family's welfare, ensuring their immediate and long-term security. The narrative flow highlights Joseph's administrative skill and his profound familial devotion, culminating in the establishment of Israel in a foreign land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly centralized and agriculturally dependent society, with the Nile River serving as its lifeblood. The eastern Nile Delta, particularly the region known as Goshen (often identified with the "land of Rameses" in this text), was renowned for its exceptional fertility, abundant pastures, and proximity to the eastern frontier, making it an ideal location for a pastoral people like Jacob's family. Pharaoh's authority was absolute, and his granting of land was a significant act of royal favor, reflecting the immense respect he held for Joseph. While the city of Ra'amses (Pi-Ramesses) was famously built much later during the New Kingdom period by Israelite slave labor ([Exodus 1:11](/exodus/1-11 "Israelites build Pithom and Raamses")), the use of "Rameses" here is generally understood as an anachronism. It likely refers to a region that would later become associated with the city, or it is a later editorial update for the benefit of readers familiar with the later name of the area, signifying a well-known, fertile district suitable for livestock.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It is a profound demonstration of **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's meticulous orchestration of human events—even through a global famine and the actions of a foreign ruler—to preserve His chosen people. The theme of **Covenant Faithfulness** is evident, as God continues to honor His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring their descendants' survival and growth despite dire circumstances, setting the stage for their multiplication into a great nation as promised in [Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's promise to Jacob in Genesis 46:3"). Furthermore, Joseph exemplifies **Stewardship and Responsibility**, faithfully executing his duties to Pharaoh while simultaneously demonstrating deep familial loyalty and care. The provision of a "possession" highlights the theme of **Inheritance and Land**, foreshadowing Israel's eventual inheritance of the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Joseph's actions in settling his family are presented as a meticulous and faithful fulfillment of Pharaoh's benevolent command, ensuring their immediate and long-term well-being in Egypt.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **placed (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From the primitive root H3427, meaning "to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry." Here, it signifies Joseph's deliberate act of establishing his family in a permanent dwelling, not merely a temporary encampment. This "placing" indicates a secure, settled existence, foundational for their future growth.
* **possession (Hebrew, _ʼăchuzzâh'_):** From H272, a feminine passive participle meaning "something seized, i.e. a possession (especially of land)." This term is crucial, as it denotes a secure, legally recognized holding of land, not just a temporary right of use. It implies a long-term stake and ownership, providing stability and resources for their pastoral lifestyle and future expansion.
* **best (Hebrew, _mêyṭâb'_):** From H4315, meaning "the best part." This word emphasizes the superior quality of the land allotted to Jacob's family. It was not merely adequate but the prime, most fertile, and desirable section of Egypt, perfectly suited for their large flocks and herds, ensuring their prosperity and flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joseph placed his father and his brethren,"**: This opening clause highlights Joseph's direct and personal involvement in settling his family. It underscores his filial piety and fraternal care, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being after years of separation. The act of "placing" implies a deliberate, careful arrangement for their comfort and security.
* **"and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt,"**: This signifies the formal and legal establishment of Jacob's family in Egypt. The term "possession" (אֲחֻזָּה, _’aḥuzzâ_) is significant, indicating a permanent holding of land rather than a temporary refuge. This was a substantial grant, providing the necessary space and resources for their large family and extensive livestock.
* **"in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses,"**: This specifies the quality and location of the granted land. "The best of the land" emphasizes its superior fertility and suitability for pastoral life. The identification as "the land of Rameses" (or Goshen) pinpoints a specific, highly productive region in the eastern Nile Delta, known for its rich pastures and agricultural potential, ideal for the Israelite's livelihood.
* **"as Pharaoh had commanded."**: This concluding phrase underscores Joseph's integrity and obedience to Pharaoh's instructions. It highlights the royal sanction behind the settlement, reinforcing the security and legitimacy of the Israelites' presence in Egypt. It also subtly emphasizes God's work through Pharaoh to achieve His purposes for Jacob's family.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Narrative Fulfillment** is prominent, as it describes the concrete realization of Pharaoh's generous offer and Joseph's promise to his family. The phrase "the best of the land" functions as **Hyperbole** and **Symbolism**, emphasizing the extraordinary quality of the provision and symbolizing divine favor and abundant blessing. The mention of "the land of Rameses" serves as a form of **Anachronism**, as the city of Ra'amses was built later, but it functions as a **Geographical Marker** for the original audience, identifying a well-known fertile region. The entire verse functions as a **Culmination** of the preceding narrative, bringing Jacob's family to a place of security and setting the stage for their future growth in Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Despite the dire circumstances of a global famine and the initial separation of Joseph from his family, God sovereignly orchestrates events through Joseph's rise to power and Pharaoh's generosity to ensure the preservation and flourishing of Jacob's lineage. This act of settlement in the "best of the land" is a testament to God's meticulous provision and faithfulness to His promises, laying the groundwork for Israel's growth into a great nation, even in a foreign land, before their eventual inheritance of the Promised Land.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abram: Sojourn in a Foreign Land")
* [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Israelites Multiply in Egypt")
* [Deuteronomy 32:8](/deuteronomy/32-8 "God Apportions Nations According to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:11 offers a powerful reminder of God's sovereign care and provision in the midst of life's most challenging circumstances. Like Jacob's family, we often find ourselves in unfamiliar or difficult "lands," facing uncertainties and hardships. Yet, this passage assures us that God is actively working behind the scenes, often through unexpected people and means—even through secular authorities or global crises—to secure our well-being and fulfill His purposes for us. Joseph's example calls us to faithful stewardship, integrity in our responsibilities, and compassionate care for our families and communities, especially those entrusted to our charge. It encourages us to trust that God will provide for our needs, not just adequately, but often in the "best of the land," ensuring our spiritual and physical flourishing as we journey through life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's obedience to Pharaoh's command, alongside his care for his family, model faithful stewardship in our own lives?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's "best of the land" provision in unexpected or challenging circumstances?**
* **How does the concept of a "possession" in Egypt foreshadow the spiritual inheritance God offers His people today?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem dire?**

### FAQ

**What was the "land of Rameses" and why was it suitable for Jacob's family?**

Answer: The "land of Rameses" refers to the fertile region of Goshen, located in the eastern Nile Delta. It was exceptionally suitable for Jacob's family because it was known for its rich pastures and agricultural potential, making it prime land for their pastoral lifestyle with large flocks and herds. While the city of Ra'amses (Pi-Ramesses) was built much later, the region itself was historically recognized for its abundance, providing the ideal environment for the Israelites to thrive and multiply, as intended by Pharaoh's generous grant and God's overarching plan for His people, as seen in [Genesis 47:6](/genesis/47-6 "Pharaoh's command to Joseph regarding his family's settlement").

**How does this verse demonstrate God's providence?**

Answer: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's providence by illustrating how He meticulously orchestrated a series of seemingly disparate events—Joseph's elevation to power in Egypt, the severe seven-year famine, and Pharaoh's gracious command—all to ensure the survival and flourishing of Jacob's family. Despite the dire circumstances that threatened their very existence, God used these elements to bring His chosen people to a place of security and abundance, preserving His covenant line and laying the groundwork for them to grow into a great nation, as promised in [Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's promise to Jacob in Genesis 46:3").

**Why was it important for Jacob's family to receive a "possession" rather than just temporary refuge?**

Answer: Receiving a "possession" (אֲḫֻזָּה, _’aḥuzzâ_) was critically important because it signified a secure, permanent, and legally recognized settlement, rather than merely a temporary shelter from the famine. This long-term establishment allowed Jacob's family to root themselves, multiply significantly, and grow into a numerous people, fulfilling God's covenant promises. It provided the essential stability, resources, and freedom necessary for their demographic expansion during their time in Egypt, preparing them for their eventual exodus and the inheritance of the Promised Land, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abram: Sojourn in a Foreign Land").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine provision and secure settlement of Israel in the "best of the land" in Egypt, meticulously orchestrated by God through Joseph, profoundly prefigures the ultimate provision and spiritual inheritance found exclusively in Jesus Christ. Just as God preserved His physical lineage in a foreign land to ensure the fulfillment of His promises, Christ, the true and greater Joseph, through His suffering, death, and glorious exaltation, provides salvation and a permanent spiritual "possession" for all who believe. He offers His people a secure dwelling in the Kingdom of God, a place of ultimate rest and spiritual abundance that infinitely surpasses any earthly Goshen. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and grants believers an eternal inheritance, a "possession" that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them ([1_peter/1-4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). He is the one who prepares a place for us ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")), ensuring our spiritual flourishing and eternal security in Him, the true "best of the land" for our souls.

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 1:11

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Genesis 47:6

The land of Egypt [is] before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest [any] men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.

Exodus 12:37

¶ And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men, beside children.

John 17:2

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

John 17:24

¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

John 14:2

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.