Genesis 46:31 Meaning: Why Joseph Led with the Shepherds' Story
Joseph said to his brothers, and to his father’s house, “I will go up, and speak with Pharaoh, and will tell him, ‘My brothers, and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me.
And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and tell Pharaoh, and will say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
And Joseph saith unto his brethren, and unto the house of his father, `I go up, and declare to Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and the house of my father who are in the land of Canaan have come in unto me;
And Joseph said to his brethren and to his father's house, I will go up, and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, My brethren and my father's house, who were in the land of Canaan, are come to me;
Meaning in one sentence
Joseph prepares to present his family to Pharaoh. Discover why he highlights their shepherd identity and what it reveals about God's care.
Context
The moment Jacob and Joseph meet is raw with tears and relief. Jacob holds the son he thought was dead, and he says he can die in peace. But Joseph does not linger in the embrace. He must now present his family to the ruler of Egypt. So he says to his brothers and to his father's household, “I will go up and speak with Pharaoh.” The phrase “go up” is the same word used for approaching a king, it suggests respect for authority. Joseph is about to announce that his entire family has arrived from Canaan. This sets the stage for the instructions he gives in the next verses: they are to tell Pharaoh they are shepherds. At first glance, that seems like a bad idea, shepherds were despised in Egypt. But Joseph knows exactly what he is doing.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words carry weight here. First, alah (go up) is used when Joseph goes to meet his father (verse 29) and now when he plans to approach Pharaoh. The word suggests ascent, up to a higher place, up to a throne. It is the language of court, of one who must speak to a king. Second, nagad (show, tell) means to make something known plainly, even to declare it formally. This is not a casual mention; it is an official announcement. And third, bo (have come) carries the sense of arrival with purpose. The family has not just wandered into Egypt; they have come to Joseph, and he wants Pharaoh to hear it from him directly. Each word shows Joseph acting with deliberate honor toward both his family and his king.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen wisdom in Joseph’s strategy. John Calvin (Reformed) noted that Joseph’s moderation deserves praise, for he usurps no authority but waits on the king, though Calvin also acknowledges that it may appear crafty. He concludes that Pharaoh’s own offer of the best land clears Joseph of any deception. Matthew Henry (Presbyterian) saw Joseph’s plan as prudent, carefully directing his family to say they are shepherds so they would be placed in Goshen, a land suitable for them. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) simply notes that “go up” is the language of approaching royalty, not geography. These readings converge on one point: Joseph acts with both faith and practical wisdom, trusting God to work through the king’s welcome.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that Joseph is being deceptive or manipulative, that he tells his family to emphasize an occupation the Egyptians despise just so he can trick Pharaoh into giving them Goshen. In fact, Joseph is not tricking anyone. Pharaoh had already offered them the best of the land (Genesis 45:18-20). By being honest about their shepherd identity, Joseph ensures his family will settle apart from the Egyptians, which protects their distinct identity and allows them to thrive. It is not craftiness; it is wisdom guided by trust in God’s providence.
Living This Out
You might have a part of your story that feels like a liability, your background, your job, your struggles. Joseph could have tried to make his family sound more impressive. Instead, he told the truth and trusted that God could use even what others looked down on. This week, consider one area where you’re tempted to hide or spin the truth. What would it look like to bring it before God and speak of it plainly, trusting Him to place you where you need to be? Joseph’s honesty opened the door to Goshen, the good land. Your honesty might open a door you cannot yet see.
Main takeaway: Joseph did not hide his family’s lowly occupation but spoke it plainly, trusting God to use their difference for their good.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Joseph had a big job in Egypt, but his family were shepherds. He told Pharaoh the truth about them. God used that to give them a special place to live. You can always tell the truth, and God will take care of you.
For ages 9, 12
Joseph could have tried to make his family sound more impressive to Pharaoh. Instead, he told Pharaoh they were shepherds, even though Egyptians didn’t like shepherds. God knew what He was doing: the land of Goshen was perfect for them because it had good pastures. Joseph trusted God with his family’s story instead of trying to make them look better. That honesty helped them get the best land in Egypt. When you trust God with your whole story, He can turn what seems like a disadvantage into something good.
Questions People Ask
Why does Joseph say he will 'go up' to Pharaoh?
The Hebrew word for 'go up' (alah) was often used for approaching a king or a court. It shows respect and acknowledges the authority of Pharaoh. Joseph is not climbing a hill; he is entering the royal presence.
Was Joseph being dishonest by having his family say they were shepherds?
No, not at all. His family really were shepherds. By telling the truth, Joseph was being wise. He knew that shepherds were separated from Egyptians culturally, so Goshen was a natural place for them. God used that honesty to place them in a good land.
Why was the land of Goshen so important?
Goshen was a fertile region in Egypt’s Nile Delta, good for grazing livestock. It was also somewhat separate from the main Egyptian cities, so Jacob’s family could grow as a distinct people without being absorbed into Egyptian culture. It became the place where the Israelites multiplied before the Exodus.
Does this verse show God's providence?
Yes. Joseph’s plan to announce his family as shepherds led to them settling in Goshen. Reading the whole story, it is clear that God was orchestrating events so Jacob’s family would prosper in Egypt and later become a great nation. Joseph’s wisdom was part of God’s larger plan.
What does 'abomination' mean in verse 34?
The word describes something that is deeply disliked or repulsive. Shepherds were considered an abomination to the Egyptians, likely because they associated them with foreign nomads or unclean animals. Joseph used this prejudice to his family’s advantage, securing a place where they could live apart without constant friction.
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