Genesis 47:1 - Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan; and behold, they are in the land of Goshen.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 47:1

What does "Genesis 47:1" mean?


This verse describes Joseph informing Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, that his father Jacob (also known as Israel) and his brothers have arrived from Canaan and are now settled in the land of Goshen. Let's break it down:

"Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh...": Joseph, who held a high position in Egypt (essentially the vizier or prime minister), went to inform the Pharaoh about the arrival of his family. This shows Joseph's respect for Pharaoh and his adherence to protocol, despite his power.
"...My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan...": Joseph is providing context to Pharaoh. He is explaining who has arrived - his family. He emphasizes that they come with their livestock (flocks and herds) and all their possessions. This highlights the potential impact of their arrival on the Egyptian economy and resources. The fact that they are coming from Canaan implies a displacement, likely due to famine, which he will explain later.
"...and behold, they are in the land of Goshen.”: This indicates that Joseph has already settled his family in the land of Goshen. Goshen was a fertile region in the eastern Nile Delta, considered suitable for grazing livestock. By placing them in Goshen, Joseph is both fulfilling Pharaoh's earlier offer of land (Genesis 45:16-20) and strategically positioning them in a region that is beneficial for their way of life as shepherds and herdsmen.

In Summary:

The verse is a straightforward report by Joseph to Pharaoh about the arrival of his family from Canaan and their settlement in Goshen. It serves to inform Pharaoh of their presence, their means of livelihood (flocks and herds), and their location, paving the way for further interactions and decisions regarding their stay in Egypt. It sets the stage for Pharaoh's meeting with Jacob and the subsequent arrangements for their future in Egypt.

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