Genesis 46:6 - They took their livestock, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt—Jacob, and all his offspring with him,
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What does "Genesis 46:6" mean?
Genesis 46:6 describes the migration of Jacob (later known as Israel) and his entire family from the land of Canaan to Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"They took their livestock..." This refers to all the animals they owned: cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, etc. Livestock was a crucial part of their wealth and livelihood as nomadic pastoralists.
"...and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan..." This encompasses all the possessions they had accumulated in Canaan. This could include tools, tents, furniture, clothing, any trade goods, and any other items of value they owned. The phrase "which they had gotten" suggests they acquired these goods through their labor, trade, or perhaps even gifts.
"...and came into Egypt—Jacob, and all his offspring with him..." This clarifies who is migrating. It is Jacob (the patriarch) and all of his descendants (sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, etc.) who are moving to Egypt. This emphasizes that the entire family, the entire "house of Israel," is making this journey.
In essence, the verse means that Jacob and his entire family left the land of Canaan and moved to Egypt, bringing all of their possessions and livestock with them.
Why this verse is important in the broader narrative:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: God had previously told Abraham (Jacob's grandfather) that his descendants would sojourn in a foreign land (Egypt) and be enslaved for a time, before eventually returning to Canaan with great possessions (Genesis 15:13-16). This migration to Egypt sets the stage for that prophecy to begin unfolding.
Escape from Famine: A severe famine was plaguing Canaan, making it impossible for Jacob and his family to sustain themselves. Joseph, Jacob's son who had been sold into slavery years earlier, had risen to a position of power in Egypt. He invited his family to come and live in Egypt, where there was plenty of food. This verse marks the beginning of their escape from starvation.
Foundation of the Nation of Israel: This move to Egypt will eventually lead to the Israelites becoming a large and distinct nation. While in Egypt, they will multiply significantly, setting the stage for the Exodus and their return to Canaan as a powerful people.
In short, Genesis 46:6 is a pivotal verse marking a significant shift in the story of Jacob's family, laying the groundwork for the future development of the Israelite nation. It emphasizes the completeness of the migration and highlights the tangible wealth they brought with them, a wealth that would be amplified during their time in Egypt, according to God's promise.
Genesis 46:6 - They took their livestock, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt—Jacob, and all his offspring with him,
What does "Genesis 46:6" mean?
Genesis 46:6 describes the migration of Jacob (later known as Israel) and his entire family from the land of Canaan to Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"They took their livestock..." This refers to all the animals they owned: cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, etc. Livestock was a crucial part of their wealth and livelihood as nomadic pastoralists.
"...and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan..." This encompasses all the possessions they had accumulated in Canaan. This could include tools, tents, furniture, clothing, any trade goods, and any other items of value they owned. The phrase "which they had gotten" suggests they acquired these goods through their labor, trade, or perhaps even gifts.
"...and came into Egypt—Jacob, and all his offspring with him..." This clarifies who is migrating. It is Jacob (the patriarch) and all of his descendants (sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, etc.) who are moving to Egypt. This emphasizes that the entire family, the entire "house of Israel," is making this journey.
In essence, the verse means that Jacob and his entire family left the land of Canaan and moved to Egypt, bringing all of their possessions and livestock with them.
Why this verse is important in the broader narrative:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: God had previously told Abraham (Jacob's grandfather) that his descendants would sojourn in a foreign land (Egypt) and be enslaved for a time, before eventually returning to Canaan with great possessions (Genesis 15:13-16). This migration to Egypt sets the stage for that prophecy to begin unfolding.
Escape from Famine: A severe famine was plaguing Canaan, making it impossible for Jacob and his family to sustain themselves. Joseph, Jacob's son who had been sold into slavery years earlier, had risen to a position of power in Egypt. He invited his family to come and live in Egypt, where there was plenty of food. This verse marks the beginning of their escape from starvation.
Foundation of the Nation of Israel: This move to Egypt will eventually lead to the Israelites becoming a large and distinct nation. While in Egypt, they will multiply significantly, setting the stage for the Exodus and their return to Canaan as a powerful people.
In short, Genesis 46:6 is a pivotal verse marking a significant shift in the story of Jacob's family, laying the groundwork for the future development of the Israelite nation. It emphasizes the completeness of the migration and highlights the tangible wealth they brought with them, a wealth that would be amplified during their time in Egypt, according to God's promise.