TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 47:1–12. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The respect which Joseph, as a subject, showed to his prince. Though he was his favourite, and prime-minister of state, and had had particular orders from him to send for his father down to Egypt, yet he would not suffer him to settle till he had given notice of it to Pharaoh, Gen 47:1. Christ, our Joseph, disposes of his followers in his kingdom as it is prepared of his Father, saying, It is not mine to give, Mat 20:23.
II.The respect which Joseph, as a brother, showed to his brethren, notwithstanding all the unkindness he had formerly received from them.
1.Though he was a great man, and they were comparatively mean and despicable, especially in Egypt, yet he owned them. Let those that are rich and great in the world learn hence not to overlook nor despise their poor relations. Every branch of the tree is not a top branch; but, because it is a lower branch, is it therefore not of the tree? Our Lord Jesus, like Joseph here, is not ashamed to call us brethren.
2.They being strangers and no courtiers, he introduced some of them to Pharaoh, to kiss his hand, as we say, intending thereby to put an honour upon them among the Egyptians. Thus Christ presents his brethren in the court of heaven, and improves his interest for them, though in themselves unworthy and an abomination to the Egyptians. Being presented to Pharaoh, according to the instructions which Joseph had given them, they tell him,
(1.)What was their business - that they were shepherds, Gen 47:3. Pharaoh asked them (and Joseph knew it would be one of his first questions, Gen 46:33), What is your occupation? He takes it for granted they had something to do, else Egypt should be no place for them, no harbour for idle vagrants. If they would not work, they should not eat of his bread in this time of scarcity. Note, All that have a place in the world should have an employment in it according to their capacity, some occupation or other, mental or manual. Those that need not work for their bread must yet have something to do, to keep them from idleness. Again, Magistrates should enquire into the occupation of their subjects, as those that have the care of the public welfare; for idle people are as drones in the hive, unprofitable burdens of the commonwealth.
(2.)What was their business in Egypt - to sojourn in the land (Gen 47:4), not to settle there for ever, only to sojourn there for a time, while the famine so prevailed in Canaan, which lay high, that it was not habitable for shepherds, the grass being burnt up much more than in Egypt, which lay low, and where the corn chiefly failed, while there was tolerably good pasture.
3.He obtained for them a grant of a settlement in the land of Goshen, Gen 47:5, Gen 47:6. This was an instance of Pharaoh's gratitude to Joseph; because he had been such a blessing to him and his kingdom, he would be kind to his relations, purely for his sake. He offered them preferment as shepherds over his cattle, provided they were men of activity; for it is the man who is diligent in his business that shall stand before kings. And, whatever our profession or employment is, we should aim to be excellent in it, and to prove ourselves ingenious and industrious.
III.The respect Joseph, as a son, showed to his father.
1.He presented him to Pharaoh, Gen 47:7. And here,
(1.)Pharaoh asks Jacob a common question: How old art thou? Gen 47:8. A question usually put to old men, for it is natural to us to admire old age and to reverence it (Lev 19:32), as it is very unnatural and unbecoming to despise it, Isa 3:5. Jacob's countenance, no doubt, showed him to be very old, for he had been a man of labour and sorrow; in Egypt people were not so long-lived as in Canaan, and therefore Pharaoh looks upon Jacob with wonder; he was as a show in his court. When we are reflecting upon ourselves, this should come into the account, "How old are we?"
(2.)Jacob gives Pharaoh an uncommon answer, Isa 3:9. He speaks as becomes a patriarch, with an air of seriousness, for the instruction of Pharaoh. Though our speech be not always of grace, yet it must thus be always with grace. Observe here,
[1.]He calls his life a pilgrimage, looking upon himself as a stranger in this world, and a traveller towards another world: this earth his inn, not his home. To this the apostle refers (Heb 11:13), They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims. He not only reckoned himself a pilgrim now that he was in Egypt, a strange country in which he never was before; but his life, even in the land of his nativity, was a pilgrimage, and those who so reckon it can the better bear the inconvenience of banishment from their native soil; they are but pilgrims still, and so they were always.
[2.]He reckons his life by days; for, even so, it is soon reckoned, and we are not sure of the continuance of it for a day to an end, but may be turned out of this tabernacle at less than an hour's warning. Let us therefore number our days (Psa 90:12), and measure them, Psa 39:4.
[3.]The character he gives of them is, First, That they were few. Though he had now lived 130 years, they seemed to him but a few days, in comparison with the days of eternity, the eternal God, and the eternal state, in which a thousand years (longer than ever any man lived) are but as one day. Secondly, That they were evil. This is true concerning man in general, he is of few days, and full of trouble (Job 14:1); and, since his days are evil, it is well they are few. Jacob's life, particularly, had been made up of evil days; and the pleasantest days of his life were yet before him. Thirdly, That they were short of the days of his fathers, not so many, not so pleasant, as their days. Old age came sooner upon him than it had done upon some of his ancestors. As the young man should not be proud of his strength or beauty, so the old man should not be proud of his age, and the crown of his hoary hairs, though others justly reverence it; for those who are accounted very old attain not to the years of the patriarchs. The hoary head is a crown of glory only when it is found in the way of righteousness.
(3.)Jacob both addresses himself to Pharaoh and takes leave of him with a blessing (Gen 47:7): Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and again, Gen 47:10, which was not only an act of civility (he paid him respect and returned him thanks for his kindness), but an act of piety - he prayed for him, as one having the authority of a prophet and a patriarch. Though in worldly wealth Pharaoh was the greater, yet, in interest with God, Jacob was the greater; he was God's anointed, Psa 105:15. And a patriarch's blessing was not a thing to be despised, no, not by a potent prince. Darius valued the prayers of the church for himself and for his sons, Ezr 6:10. Pharaoh kindly received Jacob, and, whether in the name of a prophet or no, thus he had a prophet's reward, which sufficiently recompensed him, not only for his courteous converse with him, but for all the other kindnesses he showed to him and his.
2.He provided well for him and his, placed him in Goshen (Gen 47:11), nourished him and all his with food convenient for them, Gen 47:12. This bespeaks, not only Joseph a good man, who took this tender care of his poor relations, but God a good God, who raised him up for this purpose, and put him into a capacity of doing it, as Esther came to the kingdom for such a time as this. What God here did for Jacob he has, in effect, promised to do for all his, that serve him and trust in him. Psa 37:19, In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Continue studying Genesis 47:7 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Genesis 47:7 captures a profoundly significant moment in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant people: Joseph, now the esteemed viceroy of Egypt, formally presents his aged father, Jacob, to Pharaoh. This pivotal encounter culminates not in Pharaoh bestowing favor, but in Jacob, the patriarch of Israel and inheritor of divine promises, solemnly blessing the most powerful earthly ruler of his time. This act subtly yet powerfully asserts the spiritual supremacy of God's chosen lineage and the ultimate source of true authority, even amidst the grandeur of a pagan empire.
Context
Literary Context
The immediate literary context of Genesis 47:7 is the culmination of Joseph's remarkable journey from slavery to sovereignty, and the subsequent migration of Jacob's entire household to Egypt. Following Joseph's God-given wisdom in preparing Egypt for a severe seven-year famine, as detailed in Genesis 41, his family, including his aged father Jacob, has recently arrived in the land of Goshen. This formal introduction to Pharaoh is a crucial step in securing their permanent settlement and protection in a foreign land, solidifying Joseph's high standing and demonstrating his profound filial piety towards his father, whom he honors by bringing him before the highest authority in the realm. This scene sets the stage for the Israelites' long sojourn in Egypt, a period of both protection and eventual oppression, fulfilling aspects of God's earlier prophecy to Abraham in Genesis 15:13.
Historical & Cultural Context
Historically and culturally, an audience with Pharaoh was an immense privilege, reserved for the highest officials and foreign dignitaries. Pharaoh was considered a divine king, a living god, and the embodiment of Egypt's power and prosperity. For an elderly, nomadic shepherd like Jacob to be presented before such a figure was extraordinary, made possible only by Joseph's unprecedented influence and the dire circumstances of the famine. In the ancient Near East, blessings were not mere greetings; they were potent pronouncements, often invoking divine favor and carrying significant spiritual weight. The act of blessing was typically performed by a superior upon an inferior, or by a spiritual authority. Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh, therefore, carries a profound counter-cultural significance, subtly subverting the expected hierarchy and asserting a higher, divine authority.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Genesis. It highlights God's divine providence and faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating how He orchestrates seemingly disparate events – Joseph's enslavement, his rise to power, and the global famine – to preserve His chosen lineage and bring them to a place of safety and provision, as promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the theme of spiritual authority transcending earthly power, as the patriarch, though outwardly humble, possesses a divine mandate to bless the most powerful monarch. This encounter also underscores the theme of filial piety and the importance of family, as Joseph meticulously cares for his father and secures his family's future, echoing the broader theme of God's care for His chosen family, Israel, which is central to the entire narrative of Genesis.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This name, meaning 'heel-catcher' or 'supplanter,' encapsulates the patriarch's early life marked by struggle and cunning. Yet, by this point in his life, Jacob has been transformed by God, wrestling with Him and receiving the name Israel, signifying his perseverance and God's faithfulness. His act of blessing here is a testament to his matured faith and his role as the bearer of God's covenant promises, a man whose life now reflects divine favor rather than human manipulation.
The verb 'âmad' means 'to stand' or 'to place.' In this context, Joseph 'set' or 'placed' Jacob before Pharaoh, indicating a formal, respectful presentation. It suggests Joseph's deliberate action to honor his father and ensure his proper introduction, establishing Jacob's presence with dignity and significance in the royal court. This act of 'setting' also implies a position of honor and direct access, underscoring Joseph's unique standing.
This primitive root signifies 'to kneel' and, by implication, 'to bless' or 'to invoke divine favor.' It is a solemn, spiritual act, not a mere social courtesy. For Jacob to 'bless' Pharaoh means he pronounced a benediction, invoking God's favor and prosperity upon the ruler of Egypt. This action carries immense spiritual weight, asserting the spiritual authority of the one who blesses over the one who is blessed, as Jacob acts as a conduit of God's power.
Verse Breakdown
"And Joseph brought in Jacob his father"
This clause highlights Joseph's deep filial piety and his powerful position within Egypt. As the second-in-command, Joseph had the unique privilege and authority to arrange an audience between his aged, nomadic father and the supreme ruler of the land. This act is a public demonstration of Joseph's respect and love for his father, showcasing his commitment to his family even amidst his immense worldly success. It signifies the formal introduction and acceptance of Jacob's household into the highest echelons of Egyptian society.
"and set him before Pharaoh"
This phrase emphasizes the solemnity and formality of the encounter. Joseph did not merely present Jacob; he "set him" or "placed him" with dignity and purpose before the most powerful monarch of the ancient world. This arrangement underscores the weight of the moment, elevating Jacob from a simple shepherd to a respected patriarch in the presence of royalty, a testament to God's elevation of His chosen people.
"and Jacob blessed Pharaoh"
This is the most striking and theologically significant action in the verse. Rather than Pharaoh, the mighty ruler, bestowing a blessing or favor upon the humble patriarch, it is Jacob, the inheritor of God's covenant, who pronounces a blessing upon Pharaoh. This act is not a polite greeting but a spiritual pronouncement, an invocation of divine favor from the true Sovereign of the universe, through His chosen servant. It powerfully illustrates the spiritual principle, later articulated in Hebrews 7:7, that "without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater." Jacob, though outwardly less powerful, was spiritually superior as the bearer of God's promises and a conduit of divine blessing.
Literary Devices
The narrative employs several potent literary devices. Contrast is evident in the juxtaposition of Jacob, an aged, nomadic shepherd, with Pharaoh, the supreme and deified ruler of the most powerful empire of the ancient world. This stark difference highlights the surprising spiritual dynamic at play. The act of Jacob blessing Pharaoh also functions as a powerful symbolism of spiritual authority triumphing over earthly power, asserting that true blessing originates from God through His covenant people. Furthermore, there is a subtle irony in the scene: the one who appears to be "lesser" in worldly status is actually "greater" in spiritual authority, capable of bestowing divine favor upon the one who holds all temporal power. This encounter also serves as a form of foreshadowing, hinting at the future role of Israel as a source of blessing for all nations, a theme central to the Abrahamic covenant.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 47:7 provides a profound theological statement about the nature of true authority and the source of ultimate blessing. It unequivocally demonstrates that spiritual authority, derived from a relationship with the Almighty God, transcends and ultimately surpasses all earthly power and prestige. Jacob, as the patriarch of God's covenant people, acts as a conduit of divine favor, illustrating that God's chosen ones, even in apparent humility, carry a profound spiritual weight that can impact the most powerful rulers. This scene underscores God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His promises, and His ability to elevate His servants to positions of influence for His redemptive purposes, even within a pagan context.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 47:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our true authority and ultimate source of blessing come from God, not from worldly power, status, or wealth. Like Jacob, we are called to be channels of God's blessing to those around us, including leaders and authorities, praying for their well-being and wise governance, recognizing that even the most powerful earthly figures are ultimately under God's sovereign hand. Joseph's example teaches us the importance of honoring our elders and respecting those in positions of authority, demonstrating proper protocol and respect for leadership. Moreover, this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan to work through all circumstances—even famine, displacement, and political maneuvering—for His purposes, preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, reminding us that His divine hand is at work even in the most challenging and unexpected seasons of life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Jacob blessing Pharaoh rather than Pharaoh blessing Jacob?
The profound significance lies in the spiritual hierarchy and the ultimate source of true blessing. While Pharaoh was the most powerful earthly ruler, considered divine by his subjects and holding absolute temporal authority, Jacob was the patriarch of God's chosen people, the inheritor of the divine covenant, and a man who walked intimately with the one true God. His blessing was not a mere social courtesy or a wish; it was a solemn, spiritual pronouncement, an invocation of divine favor from the true Sovereign over all creation. This act subtly but profoundly asserts the spiritual superiority of God's covenant people and the ultimate authority of God over all earthly powers. It illustrates the principle later articulated in Hebrews 7:7, where "without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater." Jacob, as a representative of God, was spiritually "greater" than Pharaoh, the earthly king, making his blessing a powerful theological statement.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Jacob's role as a patriarch who blesses, acting as a channel of divine favor and a conduit of God's promises, points forward to the ultimate and eternal blessing found in Jesus Christ. While Jacob could impart a temporal blessing upon Pharaoh, Christ is the very embodiment and source of all spiritual and eternal blessings, the fulfillment of every covenant promise, and the one through whom all nations are truly blessed. He is the ultimate "greater" who blesses the "lesser" (humanity), offering salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life through His atoning work on the cross (Ephesians 1:3). Just as Jacob's presence brought a measure of blessing and provision to Egypt, Christ's presence and redemptive work bring the ultimate spiritual and eternal blessings to all who believe, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant that "in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 22:18). Jesus, the Lamb of God, is worthy to receive "blessing and honor and glory and power" (Revelation 5:12), and it is through Him that God has "raised up his servant to bless you" (Acts 3:26).