Genesis 47:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} said {H559} unto his brethren {H251}, What is your occupation {H4639}? And they said {H559} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, Thy servants {H5650} are shepherds {H7462}{H6629}, both we, and also our fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh said to his brothers, "What is your occupation?" They answered Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, both we and our ancestors,"

Berean Standard Bible

“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:3 captures a pivotal exchange where Pharaoh directly inquires about the occupation of Joseph's brothers, to which they candidly respond that they are shepherds, a profession shared by their forefathers. This strategic declaration, orchestrated by Joseph, was instrumental in securing the family's distinct settlement in the fertile land of Goshen, thereby preserving their unique cultural identity and pastoral lifestyle, separate from the predominantly agricultural and urban Egyptian populace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Joseph's family relocating to Egypt to survive a severe famine. Having revealed himself to his brothers and reconciled with them, Joseph orchestrates the grand reunion with his father, Jacob, and the entire household. Prior to this specific audience with Pharaoh, Joseph had strategically prepared his brothers for this encounter, specifically instructing them on what to say regarding their occupation. This immediate context, detailed in [Genesis 46:28-34](/genesis/46-28-34 "Joseph Prepares His Family for Pharaoh"), highlights Joseph's foresight and his role as a divine instrument in ensuring his family's preservation and distinctiveness within Egypt. The exchange with Pharaoh in [Genesis 47](/genesis/47 "Joseph Presents His Family to Pharaoh") is the culmination of Joseph's plan to secure a specific, separate territory for his family.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly structured society, primarily agricultural, centered around the Nile River, and known for its monumental architecture and sophisticated administration. Egyptians generally held pastoralists, particularly those who tended sheep and goats, in low regard. This disdain likely stemmed from several factors: the nomadic lifestyle of shepherds contrasted sharply with the settled, agrarian Egyptian society; potential conflicts over land use between farmers and herders; and possibly negative historical experiences with foreign pastoral groups, such as the Hyksos, who had previously invaded and ruled parts of Egypt. The land of Goshen, located in the eastern Nile Delta, was geographically distinct and well-suited for grazing, making it an ideal location for a pastoral people to reside without significant interaction or conflict with the native Egyptian population.

* **Key Themes:** The exchange in [Genesis 47:3](/genesis/47-3 "Pharaoh's Inquiry") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis. **Divine Providence and Preservation** is paramount, as God meticulously guides Joseph's actions to preserve the chosen lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring their survival and growth into a great nation, as promised in passages like [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham"). The theme of **Cultural Distinction and Separation** is also prominent; by declaring their occupation as shepherds, the family leverages Egyptian cultural aversion to secure a separate territory, preventing assimilation into pagan society and preserving their unique identity as the covenant people. This separation is crucial for their future development as a nation. Furthermore, the narrative underscores **God's Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating how He provides for His people even in the direst circumstances, using human agents like Joseph and even cultural biases to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **occupation (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** From the root meaning "to do" or "to make," this word (H4639) refers to an action, business, deed, or product. Here, it specifically denotes their professional activity or livelihood, Pharaoh's direct inquiry into their means of sustenance and societal role.
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** This primitive root (H7462) means "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or "to graze." It can also extend to generally "to rule" or "to associate with." In this context, it refers to those who care for sheep or goats, guiding them to pasture, highlighting their nomadic, pastoral lifestyle.
* **fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** A primitive word (H1) meaning "father" in both a literal and figurative sense, referring to a progenitor, ancestor, or even a chief. Here, it emphasizes the hereditary nature of their profession, establishing it as a long-standing family tradition and part of their ancestral identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh said unto his brethren":** This opening clause establishes the direct interaction between the most powerful ruler of the land and Joseph's family. Pharaoh's engagement with them signifies their importance, likely due to Joseph's high standing. The term "his brethren" here refers to Joseph's brothers, who are now in Pharaoh's presence.
* **"What [is] your occupation?":** This is a direct and practical inquiry from Pharaoh, aimed at understanding the societal role and purpose of these newcomers. In ancient societies, one's occupation often defined their social status and contribution, making this a standard and crucial question for assessing new inhabitants or immigrants.
* **"And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants [are] shepherds":** This is the candid and straightforward response from Joseph's brothers. By identifying themselves as "servants" (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_ H5650), they acknowledge Pharaoh's authority, and by stating "shepherds," they declare their primary livelihood as tending flocks of sheep and goats. This declaration was not accidental but was strategically advised by Joseph.
* **"both we, [and] also our fathers.":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the hereditary nature of their profession. It communicates that being shepherds is not merely a temporary job but a long-standing family tradition, deeply ingrained in their identity and passed down through generations. This reinforces their distinct lifestyle and heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Dialogue**, presenting a direct question-and-answer exchange between Pharaoh and Joseph's brothers, which efficiently conveys crucial information about their identity and purpose. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the declaration of their occupation, seemingly mundane, is strategically designed by Joseph to secure their separation from the Egyptians, thereby foreshadowing their future distinct national identity and the preservation of the covenant line. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: what might have been perceived as a lowly or undesirable occupation by Egyptians becomes the very means by which God's chosen people are set apart and protected, ensuring their survival and growth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The exchange in Genesis 47:3 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous providence, working through human circumstances and even cultural biases to fulfill His covenant promises. Joseph's strategic counsel to his brothers, leading them to declare their occupation as shepherds, was not manipulative but a divinely guided wisdom that leveraged the prevailing Egyptian cultural disdain for pastoralists. This ensured the family's segregation into Goshen, a fertile land ideal for their flocks, which was crucial for preserving their distinct identity and preventing assimilation into pagan Egyptian society. This separation was vital for the growth of Jacob's descendants into a numerous people, preparing them to become the nation of Israel, through whom the Messiah would ultimately come. God's faithfulness is evident in His provision for His people during a severe famine, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abraham and Covenant Promises") - God's initial promise to Abraham to make him a great nation, which is preserved through the events in Genesis.
* [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Joseph's Advice to His Brothers") - Joseph explicitly instructs his brothers to declare themselves as shepherds, highlighting the strategic nature of their response.
* [Psalm 23:1-2](/psalm/23-1-2 "The Lord is My Shepherd") - Connects the theme of shepherding to divine care and provision, foreshadowing God's role as the ultimate Shepherd of His people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:3 offers profound lessons on identity, divine providence, and the wisdom of living distinctly for God's purposes. Just as Joseph's family embraced their identity as shepherds, which providentially led to their preservation and separation, believers today are called to embrace their identity in Christ—an identity that often sets them apart from the world's values and norms. This distinction is not about isolation for its own sake, but about maintaining spiritual integrity and purity, allowing God to work through our unique callings and circumstances. The narrative reminds us that God is sovereign over all details, even cultural biases, using them to achieve His greater redemptive plan. We are encouraged to trust in His meticulous care, knowing that He provides for His people, guiding their steps and making a way even in times of scarcity or adversity, all while preserving our distinct witness in a world that often seeks conformity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does embracing your identity in Christ, even if it makes you distinct from prevailing cultural norms, align with God's purposes for your life?**
* **In what ways can you see God's providence at work in seemingly ordinary or even challenging circumstances in your own life, guiding you towards His greater plan?**
* **What "occupations" or roles has God given you that might be considered counter-cultural, and how can you faithfully steward them for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh ask about their occupation, and why was their answer significant?**

Answer: Pharaoh's question about their occupation was a standard administrative inquiry to understand their societal role and how they might contribute to Egypt. Their answer, that they were shepherds, was highly significant because Egyptians generally disdained shepherds due to lifestyle differences, potential land conflicts, and historical negative associations (e.g., the Hyksos). This cultural aversion, strategically leveraged by Joseph ([Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Joseph's Advice to His Brothers")), ensured that Pharaoh would willingly grant them a separate land (Goshen), thereby preserving their distinct identity and preventing their assimilation into Egyptian society, which was crucial for God's long-term plan for Israel.

**Did Joseph manipulate Pharaoh by instructing his brothers to declare themselves as shepherds?**

Answer: Joseph's instruction to his brothers ([Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Joseph's Advice to His Brothers")) was not an act of manipulation but a strategic and truthful declaration designed to achieve a specific, God-ordained outcome. He knew Pharaoh's likely reaction to shepherds and used this knowledge to secure the best possible living situation for his family—a separate, fertile region where they could thrive and maintain their distinct identity, rather than being absorbed into Egyptian culture. It was a wise and providentially guided plan to protect God's chosen lineage and ensure the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of [Genesis 47:3](/genesis/47-3 "Pharaoh's Inquiry") and the subsequent settlement in Goshen finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ through several profound lenses. First, the miraculous preservation of Jacob's family, the very lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come, underscores God's meticulous, sovereign plan leading directly to the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Christ himself is the quintessential "shepherd" – not merely one who tends flocks, but the Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus as the Good Shepherd")) who lays down His life for His sheep, providing for, protecting, and leading His flock with perfect love and wisdom, far surpassing any earthly shepherd. Just as the Hebrews were set apart in Goshen to preserve their distinct identity and prepare them for nationhood, believers in Christ are called to be a distinct people, "not of the world" ([John 17:16](/john/17-16 "Believers Not of the World")), living according to heavenly principles and a new covenant identity in Him. Furthermore, Christ embodies God's ultimate provision and faithfulness, leading His people through the "valley of the shadow of death" ([Psalm 23:4](/psalm/23-4 "The Lord is My Shepherd - Through the Valley")) and into His eternal pastures, fulfilling the divine promise of sustenance, security, and spiritual abundance first foreshadowed in God's care for Jacob's family during the famine. He is the true bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), providing spiritual nourishment and eternal life.

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 46:33

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

Genesis 46:34

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.

Amos 7:14

Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I [was] no prophet, neither [was] I a prophet's son; but I [was] an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

Amos 7:15

And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

Genesis 4:2

And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

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?