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.

The land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} is before thee {H6440}; in the best {H4315} of the land {H776} make {H3427} thy father {H1} and brethren {H251} to dwell {H3427}; in the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657} let them dwell {H3427}: and if thou knowest {H3045}{H3426} any men {H582} of activity {H2428} among them, then make them {H7760} rulers {H8269} over my cattle {H4735}.

and the land of Egypt lies before you. Have your father and brothers live on the best property in the country - let them live in the land of Goshen. Moreover, if you know that some of them are particularly competent, put them in charge of my livestock."

the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.โ€

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

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 47:6 (KJV)

Genesis 47:6 records Pharaoh's gracious and strategic offer to Joseph concerning his father, Jacob, and his brothers, ensuring their settlement in the most fertile part of Egypt. This verse highlights Pharaoh's profound respect for Joseph and his recognition of the family's potential contribution.

Context

Following Joseph's rise to power and his wise administration during the seven years of famine, his family, led by Jacob, had arrived in Egypt seeking sustenance. Joseph had just presented his father and five of his brothers to Pharaoh, who inquired about their occupation. Learning they were shepherds, Pharaoh, in an act of remarkable generosity and foresight, granted them the best land for their flocks and even offered them positions of responsibility within his own cattle management. Pharaoh's remarkable generosity stemmed from his high regard for Joseph, who had skillfully saved Egypt from the devastating famine. This favor allowed Joseph to bring his entire family to Egypt, a journey detailed in Genesis 46:6.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: God's hand is clearly at work, guiding Jacob's family to a safe and prosperous haven during a severe famine, ensuring their survival and growth into a nation. This settlement in Goshen was a crucial step in God's plan to develop Jacob's descendants into a great nation, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham.
  • Pharaoh's Wisdom and Generosity: Pharaoh demonstrates astute leadership by not only providing for Joseph's family but also seeking to utilize their skills ("men of activity") for the benefit of his own kingdom. This reflects a wise ruler who recognizes talent and values competence.
  • Joseph's Influence: The immense favor shown to Jacob's family is a direct result of Joseph's integrity, wisdom, and indispensable service to Egypt, showcasing the impact of a righteous individual in a position of authority.
  • Settlement of Goshen: This verse marks the official settlement of the Israelites in the land of Goshen, a fertile region ideal for their pastoral lifestyle, which would become their home for over 400 years before the Exodus.

Linguistic Insights

  • "best of the land": The Hebrew phrase refers to the choicest, most fertile, and productive land, confirming Goshen's suitability for livestock. This area was likely rich in pasture and water, essential for large flocks and herds.
  • "men of activity": The original Hebrew, anshei chayil (ืึฒื ึฐืฉึตืื™ ื—ึทื™ึดืœ), conveys men of strength, valor, capability, or skill. In this context, it refers to individuals competent and diligent in managing livestock, highlighting Pharaoh's desire for skilled and trustworthy workers.

Practical Application

Genesis 47:6 offers several practical insights for believers today:

  • God's Provision: Even in times of global crisis (like famine), God makes specific, abundant provision for His people, often through unexpected means or individuals.
  • Valuing Competence: Like Pharaoh, we should recognize and appreciate the skills and abilities of others, seeking to place people in roles where their gifts can be best utilized for collective benefit.
  • Stewardship: The offer to manage Pharaoh's cattle underscores the importance of good stewardship. We are called to be faithful and diligent with the resources and responsibilities God entrusts to us, whether in our personal lives, families, or communities.
  • Hospitality and Generosity: Pharaoh's actions serve as an example of extending generous hospitality, especially to those in need, which can lead to mutual benefit and strengthened relationships.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 18:21 (5 votes)

    Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

  • Genesis 47:11 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Proverbs 22:29 (3 votes)

    ยถ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].

  • 2 Chronicles 26:10 (3 votes)

    Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

  • Exodus 18:25 (3 votes)

    And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

  • Genesis 47:4 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Proverbs 21:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.