Genesis 47:5 - Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you.

Generated Verse: Genesis 47:5

What does "Genesis 47:5" mean?


Genesis 47:5, "Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you," is a simple statement of fact, but it carries several layers of significance within the larger narrative:

Acknowledgment and Acceptance: It shows that Pharaoh is aware of Jacob (Joseph's father) and his brothers' arrival in Egypt. More importantly, it implies Pharaoh's acceptance of them. Joseph, who is effectively running Egypt at this point, had told Pharaoh they were coming due to the famine. Pharaoh is acknowledging that they are here as Joseph's family.

Legitimizing Joseph's Actions: Joseph had already made arrangements for his family to settle in Goshen (a fertile area of Egypt). By speaking this verse, Pharaoh is backing Joseph's decisions and lending his authority to them. It reinforces Joseph's position as a person with Pharaoh's full trust and power.

Setting the Stage for Future Events: This verse is the prelude to Pharaoh giving Joseph permission to settle his family in the best part of the land and to offer them employment in tending to Pharaoh's livestock (Genesis 47:6). It sets the stage for the Israelites' long stay in Egypt, which eventually leads to their enslavement centuries later.

Demonstrating Pharaoh's Respect (or Usefulness): Pharaoh is treating Joseph with great respect. This could be genuine respect for Joseph's wisdom and service, or it could be a calculated move to ensure Joseph's continued loyalty and dedication to Egypt. Pharaoh recognized the value of Joseph and was willing to accommodate his family to maintain their relationship.

In short, the verse is a brief but crucial moment highlighting Pharaoh's acknowledgment and acceptance of Joseph's family, thus solidifying Joseph's position and initiating the settlement of the Israelites in Egypt. It's a key point that sets the rest of the narrative in motion.