Genesis 47:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They said {H559} moreover unto Pharaoh {H6547}, For to sojourn {H1481} in the land {H776} are we come {H935}; for thy servants {H5650} have no pasture {H4829} for their flocks {H6629}; for the famine {H7458} is sore {H3515} in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants {H5650} dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and added, "We have come to live in the land, because in the land of Kena'an there is no place to pasture your servant's flocks, the famine is so severe there. Therefore, please, let your servants live in the land of Goshen."

Berean Standard Bible

Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”

American Standard Version

And they said unto Pharaoh, To sojourn in the land are we come; for there is no pasture for thy servants’ 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:4 records the direct appeal of Jacob's sons to Pharaoh, articulating their purpose in coming to Egypt: to temporarily reside in the land due to the severe famine in Canaan, which has left their extensive flocks without pasture. Their humble request for permission to settle in Goshen underscores their immediate need for sustenance, their reliance on Pharaoh's benevolence, and the overarching divine providence guiding the preservation of God's chosen family amidst widespread adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Joseph's reconciliation with his family and their subsequent migration to Egypt. Following Joseph's revelation of his identity to his brothers in [Genesis 45](/genesis/45 "Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers") and Jacob's joyous journey to Egypt in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Migrates to Egypt"), the family is now formally presented before Pharaoh. Joseph has already strategically advised his brothers to emphasize their pastoral occupation to Pharaoh ([Genesis 46:31-34](/genesis/46-31-34 "Joseph's Instructions to His Brothers")), knowing that Egyptians disdained shepherds, thus ensuring their isolation in Goshen. Genesis 47:4 is the direct fulfillment of this strategy, as the brothers articulate their need and request the specific land of Goshen, confirming their temporary status and their dependence on Pharaoh's decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The famine described in Genesis 47 was a widespread, multi-year event, affecting not only Canaan but also Egypt and surrounding regions, as evidenced by Joseph's preparations and the global impact mentioned in [Genesis 41:56-57](/genesis/41-56-57 "The Famine Spreads"). Egypt, with its reliance on the Nile's predictable inundation and Joseph's foresight in grain storage, was uniquely positioned to survive and even thrive during such a crisis. The request to "sojourn" (Hebrew: *gûwr*) highlights the ancient Near Eastern practice of allowing foreign groups temporary residence, often for pastoral purposes, especially during times of environmental hardship. The land of Goshen, located in the eastern Nile Delta (often identified with the Wadi Tumilat region), was renowned for its fertile pastures, making it an ideal, and perhaps pre-arranged, location for a large pastoral family like Jacob's. Egyptians generally held shepherds in low esteem, a cultural detail Joseph leveraged to secure a distinct, separate dwelling place for his family, protecting their unique identity and avoiding cultural assimilation.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events (the famine, Joseph's rise, the family's relocation) to preserve His covenant people and fulfill His promises. The verse also underscores the theme of **Sojourning and Pilgrimage**, setting a precedent for Israel's identity as temporary residents in various lands, a concept that echoes throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament understanding of believers as "strangers and pilgrims" on earth ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "Live as Sojourners and Exiles")). Furthermore, it highlights **God's Faithfulness in Provision**, showing how even in the direst circumstances (a severe famine), God provides refuge and sustenance for His chosen lineage, ensuring their survival and growth into a nation, as promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This primitive root means "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest)." It strongly implies a temporary stay, not a permanent relocation or acquisition of land. In the context of Genesis 47:4, it emphasizes the transient nature of Jacob's family's presence in Egypt, reinforcing their identity as foreigners and setting the stage for their eventual departure. This word carries theological weight, often describing God's people as temporary residents on earth, looking forward to a permanent dwelling.
* **Sore (Hebrew, _kâbêd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "heavy," this word describes the famine as "grievous" or "severe." It conveys the immense burden and difficulty imposed by the famine, highlighting its widespread and devastating impact. The use of "sore" emphasizes the dire necessity that compelled Jacob's family to leave their ancestral land, underscoring the severity of the crisis that God used to bring them to Egypt for their preservation.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This root means "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell, to remain." While "sojourn" implies temporary residence, "dwell" here refers to the act of settling and inhabiting a place. The request "let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen" is a plea for permission to establish a stable, albeit temporary, residence. It signifies their desire for a secure place to live and tend their flocks, contrasting with their previous nomadic existence in famine-stricken Canaan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They said moreover unto Pharaoh,"**: This phrase sets the scene, indicating a direct address from Jacob's sons to the highest authority in Egypt. It signifies the formal nature of their appeal and their humble posture before the powerful ruler.
* **"For to sojourn in the land are we come;"**: This is their explicit declaration of purpose. They are not seeking to conquer or permanently settle, but rather to reside temporarily as guests. This statement aligns with Joseph's prior instructions and establishes their non-threatening intent to Pharaoh.
* **"for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks;"**: This provides the immediate, practical reason for their migration. As a pastoral family, their survival and livelihood depended entirely on grazing land. The lack of pasture directly threatened their extensive flocks, which were their primary source of wealth and sustenance.
* **"for the famine [is] sore in the land of Canaan:"**: This clarifies the underlying cause of the pasture scarcity. The famine's severity in Canaan was the ultimate catalyst for their displacement, forcing them to seek refuge elsewhere. This highlights the dire circumstances that compelled them to leave their homeland.
* **"now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen."**: This is their specific, humble request. Likely pre-arranged by Joseph, Goshen was known for its fertile lands, ideal for grazing, and its strategic location allowed for separation from the main Egyptian populace. This plea demonstrates their dependence on Pharaoh's grace and their practical wisdom in seeking a suitable place for their large family and their livestock.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Speech**, presenting the exact words of Jacob's sons to Pharaoh, which lends immediacy and authenticity to their plea. There is a clear use of **Cause and Effect**, where the severe famine in Canaan (cause) leads to a lack of pasture for their flocks (intermediate effect), necessitating their arrival to sojourn and dwell in Goshen (ultimate effect). The phrase "thy servants" is an example of **Repetition** (used twice), emphasizing their humble posture and subservient status before Pharaoh, while also subtly reminding him of Joseph's elevated position. The contrast between the "land of Canaan" (afflicted by famine) and the "land of Goshen" (sought for its pasture) creates a **Juxtaposition** that highlights the urgency of their situation and the hope for provision. The phrase "we pray thee" is a clear example of **Supplication**, underscoring their dependence and the respectful, yet desperate, nature of their request.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 47:4 beautifully illustrates God's meticulous providence and His faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. The family's sojourn, driven by a devastating famine, is not a random event but a divinely orchestrated move to protect and grow the nascent nation of Israel. This narrative foreshadows the larger biblical theme of God's people as sojourners, dependent on His leading and provision in a world that is not their ultimate home. It demonstrates that even in times of extreme hardship and displacement, God remains actively involved in the lives of His elect, guiding them to places of safety and sustenance to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "The Land Belongs to God; Israel Are Sojourners")
* [Psalm 39:12](/psalms/39-12 "Hear My Prayer, O Lord, for I Am a Sojourner")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "These All Died in Faith, Not Having Received the Promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:4 offers a powerful reminder that life often involves periods of sojourning, displacement, and dependence, not just on human authorities but ultimately on divine providence. Just as Jacob's family, facing a devastating famine, found refuge and sustenance in a foreign land through God's orchestrated plan, believers today are called to exercise humility in presenting their needs and to trust in God's sovereign wisdom. This narrative encourages us to recognize God's hand guiding circumstances for our ultimate good and His purposes, even when our immediate situation seems desperate. It reminds us that He consistently provides for His people, often leading them to unexpected places of safety and growth, and that our true security lies not in earthly stability but in His unfailing faithfulness. It challenges us to embrace our identity as spiritual sojourners, trusting that God will lead us through every "famine" to His chosen "Goshen."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "sojourning" in this verse relate to our identity as believers in the world today?**
* **In what "famines" or difficult circumstances in your life have you seen God's unexpected provision or guidance to a "Goshen"?**
* **How can we cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God, even when we feel capable or self-sufficient?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the term "sojourn" in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *gûwr* (H1481), translated "sojourn," signifies a temporary residence as a guest or stranger, rather than a permanent settlement or land ownership. This is crucial because it highlights that Jacob's family's time in Egypt was part of God's larger, temporary plan for their preservation and growth, not their ultimate homeland. It reinforces their identity as foreigners dependent on God's and Pharaoh's grace, a theme that recurs throughout biblical history for God's people as pilgrims on earth, always looking toward a greater, eternal dwelling, which for Israel would be the promised land of Canaan, and for believers, the heavenly city ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "They Desire a Better, That Is, a Heavenly Country")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jacob's family seeking refuge and sustenance in a foreign land, guided by God's providence through Joseph, profoundly foreshadows Christ's ultimate provision and the spiritual sojourning of His people. Just as Joseph provided a physical dwelling place and sustenance in Goshen, Christ is the ultimate refuge and provider for His people, offering spiritual sustenance and a secure dwelling in Him. Believers, like Jacob's family, are called to see themselves as sojourners and exiles on earth ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "Live as Sojourners and Exiles")), awaiting their true, eternal homeland in Christ. He has gone to prepare a place for them in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place for His Disciples")), ensuring their ultimate preservation and inheritance despite earthly trials and displacements. This temporary dwelling in Goshen points to the temporary nature of our earthly lives as we journey towards our heavenly Canaan, secured by Christ's redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection, which provides the true "pasture" for our souls ([John 10:9-10](/john/10-9-10 "Jesus, the Gate and the Good Shepherd")). Even Jesus Himself experienced sojourning, as His family fled to Egypt to escape Herod ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13-15 "Flight to Egypt")), mirroring the very path of His ancestors.

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 46:34

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.

Genesis 15:13

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Deuteronomy 26:5

And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish [was] my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:

Genesis 43:1

¶ And the famine [was] sore in the land.

Acts 7:11

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Psalms 105:23

Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

Acts 7:6

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil four hundred years.