Genesis 46:32 - These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’

Generated Verse: Genesis 46:32

What does "Genesis 46:32" mean?


This verse, Genesis 46:32, is part of Joseph's instructions to his brothers before they meet Pharaoh in Egypt. It's important to understand the context to fully grasp its meaning.

Here's a breakdown:

"These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock..." This is a straightforward description of the brothers' profession. They are primarily shepherds, meaning they tend to sheep. The phrase "keepers of livestock" is broader, indicating they also manage other animals, such as goats or cattle.

"...and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’" This highlights that the brothers have brought their entire livelihood with them to Egypt. This includes their sheep ("flocks"), their cattle ("herds"), and all other possessions, indicating a significant migration.

Meaning and Purpose:

Joseph is coaching his brothers on what to say to Pharaoh. The key is in the next verse (Genesis 46:34) where Joseph says: "you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

Here's why Joseph is giving these instructions:

1. To Secure Land in Goshen: Goshen was a fertile area of Egypt. Joseph wants his family to settle there, away from the main Egyptian population. By presenting themselves as shepherds, they are less likely to be integrated into Egyptian society and more likely to be given land specifically for their livestock.

2. Shepherding as an "Abomination": The crucial piece is that "every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians." While the exact reason for this is debated (possible reasons include religious differences, association with lower social classes, or land usage conflicts), it's clear that shepherding was seen negatively by the Egyptians.

3. Strategic Deception: By highlighting their occupation as shepherds, Joseph is essentially manipulating the situation. He knows that the Egyptians will want to keep the shepherds separate, and this will allow his family to maintain their distinct identity and culture in Goshen. He's using the Egyptians' prejudice to his family's advantage.

In summary, Genesis 46:32 is not just a description of the brothers' occupation. It's a key part of Joseph's carefully planned strategy to secure a safe and separate homeland for his family in Egypt by emphasizing their profession as shepherds, knowing that this profession was considered undesirable by the Egyptians, thus ensuring their segregation in the Goshen region.

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