Genesis 47:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took {H3947} some {H7097} of his brethren {H251}, even five {H2568} men {H582}, and presented {H3322} them unto {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He took five of his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh.

Berean Standard Bible

And he chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.

American Standard Version

And from among his brethren he took five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:2 describes a pivotal moment in Joseph's stewardship of his family, where he carefully selects and formally introduces five of his brothers to Pharaoh. This strategic presentation was essential for securing the royal sanction needed for Jacob's entire household to settle permanently in the fertile region of Goshen, ensuring their protection, provision, and distinct identity amidst the severe famine gripping the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Joseph's announcement to Pharaoh in [Genesis 47:1](/genesis/47-1 "Joseph informs Pharaoh of his family's arrival") that his father Jacob and the entire family had arrived from Canaan and were awaiting instructions in the land of Goshen. It is a direct continuation of Joseph's meticulous plan to settle his family, fulfilling the divine promise given to Jacob at Beersheba that God would go with him to Egypt and make him a great nation there ([Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's promise to Jacob at Beersheba")). The presentation of these specific brothers is a crucial step in formalizing their presence and securing the necessary royal decree for their long-term settlement and sustenance, setting the stage for Pharaoh's subsequent questions and Joseph's strategic responses in the verses that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt, particularly during the Second Intermediate Period (which aligns with the likely timeframe of Joseph's viziership), was a highly centralized and hierarchical society with strict court protocols. Audiences with Pharaoh, the divine king, were formal affairs. Joseph, as the vizier, understood these customs intimately. The land of Goshen, located in the eastern Nile Delta, was known for its rich pasturage, making it ideal for the Israelite's pastoral lifestyle. Egyptians, generally, held shepherds in low esteem ([Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Egyptians' disdain for shepherds")), which made Goshen a strategically wise choice for their settlement, allowing them to maintain their distinct identity and avoid cultural assimilation, while also being geographically separated from the main Egyptian population centers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand orchestrating events through Joseph's wisdom to preserve the covenant family during a devastating famine, just as Joseph himself later acknowledges God's ultimate purpose in his life ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's affirmation of God's redemptive purpose")). It also underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God continues to protect and multiply the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the continuation of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Furthermore, Joseph's actions exemplify **Strategic Leadership and Stewardship**, as he meticulously plans and executes the integration of his family into Egypt in a way that secures their welfare and preserves their distinct identity, fulfilling his role as a provident leader.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_ H3947):** This verb signifies a deliberate act of taking, receiving, or selecting, often implying purpose and initiative. Here, Joseph did not merely gather but "took" or "selected" specific individuals, indicating a thoughtful and strategic choice rather than a random collection of his brothers. This highlights Joseph's active role in orchestrating the presentation.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_ H582):** While broadly meaning "man" or "mortal," in this context, it simply refers to adult male individuals. The significance lies not in the definition of "men" itself, but in the specific number "five" associated with them. Joseph's choice of "five men" rather than a larger group suggests a calculated approach to a formal audience with Pharaoh, making the delegation manageable and impactful.
* **presented (Hebrew, _yâtsag'_ H3322):** This verb means "to place permanently," "to set," or "to cause to stand." It denotes a formal and intentional act of introduction, signifying that Joseph formally brought these men into Pharaoh's presence. This was not a casual encounter but a deliberate, official presentation designed to establish their presence and secure their status under royal authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took some of his brethren,"**: Joseph, acting as vizier and family head, exercises his authority and discernment by selecting a subset of his brothers. This implies a deliberate choice, not a random gathering, for a specific purpose related to the upcoming audience with Pharaoh. The phrase "some of his brethren" indicates that not all of Jacob's sons were presented at this initial, formal meeting.
* **"[even] five men,"**: This specifies the exact number Joseph chose. The number five is not explicitly explained in the text, but it suggests a strategic decision. It was likely a manageable number for a formal audience with the king, allowing for focused interaction without overwhelming the royal court, and perhaps aligning with Egyptian court protocol or simply being a practical, representative sample of his family.
* **"and presented them unto Pharaoh."**: This clause describes the culmination of Joseph's action: the formal introduction of these selected brothers to the highest authority in Egypt. The act of "presenting" (Hebrew _yâtsag_) implies causing them to stand before the king, signifying an official and respectful act of bringing them into his presence for recognition and approval. This was a crucial diplomatic step to secure the welfare and settlement of Jacob's entire family.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Genesis 47:2](/genesis/47-2 "Joseph presents his brethren to Pharaoh") employs several subtle but significant literary devices. **Narrative Economy** is evident in the precise mention of "five men" without naming them, focusing the reader's attention on the strategic action rather than individual identities. This choice also highlights Joseph's **Strategic Selection**, underscoring his wisdom and understanding of courtly protocol. The very act of "presenting" them, using the Hebrew verb _yâtsag_, emphasizes the **Formal Protocol** of the Egyptian court, where such introductions were not casual but highly structured and significant for establishing legal and social standing. This formal presentation also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as it sets the stage for the Israelites' long sojourn in Egypt, a period of both preservation and eventual oppression, which would ultimately lead to their exodus and the formation of a nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple act of Joseph presenting his brothers to Pharaoh is deeply embedded in God's overarching plan of redemption. It is a profound demonstration of **Divine Providence**, where God uses human wisdom and political maneuvering to secure the future of His chosen people. The preservation of Jacob's family in Egypt, facilitated by this presentation, was not merely a matter of survival during famine but a critical step in the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—promises of land, numerous descendants, and a blessing to all nations. God's faithfulness is evident in His meticulous care for the nascent nation of Israel, ensuring their growth and distinct identity even while residing in a foreign land, thereby preparing them for their eventual role in redemptive history.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's declaration of God's good purpose"): Joseph himself articulates this theme, stating, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
* [Deuteronomy 26:5](/deuteronomy/26-5 "A wandering Aramean was my father"): This verse, part of Israel's confession, reflects on their humble beginnings as a "wandering Aramean" who "went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous."
* [Psalm 105:16-23](/psalms/105-16-23 "God sends Joseph ahead to preserve His people"): This psalm recounts God's sovereign orchestration of Joseph's life and the subsequent move of Jacob's family to Egypt as part of His plan to preserve His people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 47:2](/genesis/47-2 "Joseph presents his brethren to Pharaoh") offers valuable lessons on leadership, strategic planning, and reliance on divine providence. Joseph's actions demonstrate the importance of combining practical wisdom with faith. He didn't passively wait for things to happen but actively engaged in the necessary diplomatic steps, carefully considering the context and choosing the most effective approach. For believers today, this narrative encourages us to exercise **prudence and foresight** in our own spheres of influence, whether in family, professional, or ministry contexts. We are called to be diligent, thoughtful, and strategic in our endeavors, understanding that God often works through our prepared and intentional actions. Furthermore, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness. Even in times of scarcity, uncertainty, or significant transition, God remains committed to His people, orchestrating events—even seemingly mundane administrative tasks—to fulfill His purposes and ensure our well-being. We are invited to trust in His sovereign care, knowing that He is always working for our good and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I apply Joseph's wisdom and strategic planning to my own responsibilities and challenges today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more deeply in God's provision and sovereign orchestration, even when circumstances seem uncertain?**
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness to His covenant people in Genesis encourage my faith in His promises for my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph choose "five men" to present to Pharaoh?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state Joseph's reasoning for choosing exactly five men, but it was almost certainly a strategic decision rooted in his understanding of Egyptian court protocol and practical considerations. Presenting a small, manageable, and representative group would have been appropriate for a formal audience with the king, avoiding overwhelming Pharaoh while still effectively demonstrating the presence of his family. Some scholars suggest that five was a number of significance in Egyptian legal or administrative contexts, or simply a practical number that allowed for a focused introduction and discussion without causing undue disruption to Pharaoh's schedule. Joseph's choice underscores his wisdom and diplomatic skill in navigating the complexities of the royal court to secure a favorable reception for his family.

**What was the significance of presenting his brethren to Pharaoh?**

Answer: This formal presentation was profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it secured Pharaoh's official recognition and explicit approval for Jacob's entire household to settle in Egypt, specifically in the fertile land of Goshen ([Genesis 47:6](/genesis/47-6 "Pharaoh grants Goshen to Jacob's family")). This royal decree was crucial for their legal and social standing. Secondly, it provided essential royal protection and ensured their sustenance during the severe famine, as Pharaoh subsequently instructed Joseph to provide the best of the land for them. Thirdly, by formalizing their status, it prevented them from being seen as mere transients or a threat, instead establishing them as a group under royal patronage. This was vital for their long-term preservation, growth, and the maintenance of their distinct cultural and religious identity, which was essential for their future development as God's chosen nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strategic presentation of Joseph's brothers to Pharaoh, securing their place in Egypt, is a vital link in the unfolding tapestry of redemptive history, ultimately pointing to Christ. Joseph, through his wisdom and provident care, acts as a type of Christ, bringing his family into a place of safety and provision amidst a world-threatening famine. Just as Joseph provided physical sustenance and a secure dwelling for his people, Christ provides ultimate spiritual salvation and eternal rest for His own, drawing them out of the famine of sin and into the abundance of His grace ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The preservation of this lineage—the very family of Jacob—was absolutely crucial, for from this line would eventually come the Messiah, Jesus Christ ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). God's meticulous care in ensuring the survival and growth of Israel in Egypt, even through seemingly mundane administrative acts like this presentation, demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, culminating in the sending of His Son to be the Savior of the world, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Acts 7:13

And at the second [time] Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

2 Corinthians 4:14

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.