Genesis 46:31 · Bible study
Genesis 46:31 Commentary: Joseph's Wise Strategy
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why Joseph tells his family to report their shepherding and how this secures Goshen. A study on divine providence and human prudence.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Joseph prepares to inform Pharaoh of his family's arrival and instructs them to highlight their shepherding to secure the land of Goshen.
- Key words: 'go up' (עלה - ascent to authority), 'tell' (נגד - make known), 'shepherd' (not in verse but assumed from context and v.32).
- Main debate: Whether Joseph's strategy was a wise use of cultural knowledge or a form of manipulation; most commentators affirm its prudence and honesty.
- Theological theme: Providence works through human wisdom. God's plan to preserve Israel included Joseph's careful preparation.
- Best use: Teaching on providence and cultural engagement; modeling how to live faithfully under foreign authorities while making strategic choices.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me.
WEB World English Bible 2000
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.
KJV King James Version 1769
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;
ASV American Standard Version 1901
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;
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
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;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
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;
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And Joseph said to his brethren, and to all his father's house: I will go up, and will tell Pharao, and will say to him: My brethren, and my father's house, that were in the land of Chanaan, are come to me:
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y José dijo á sus hermanos, y á la casa de su padre: Subiré y haré saber á Faraón, y diréle: Mis hermanos y la casa de mi padre, que estaban en la tierra de Canaán, han venido á mí;
E José disse a seus irmãos, e à casa de seu pai: Subirei e farei saber a Faraó, e lhe direi: Meus irmãos e a casa de meu pai, que estavam na terra de Canaã, vieram a mim;
Joseph dit à ses frères et à la famille de son père: Je vais avertir Pharaon, et je lui dirai: Mes frères et la famille de mon père, qui étaient au pays de Canaan, sont arrivés auprès de moi.
Joseph sprach zu seinen Brüdern und seines Vaters Hause: Ich will hinaufziehen und Pharao ansagen und zu ihm sprechen: Meine Brüder und meines Vaters Haus sind zu mir gekommen aus dem Lande Kanaan,
Daarna zeide Jozef tot zijn broederen, en tot zijns vaders huis: Ik zal optrekken en Farao boodschappen, en tot hem zeggen: Mijn broeders en het huis mijns vaders, die in het land Kanaan waren, zijn tot mij gekomen.
E Giuseppe disse ai suoi fratelli e alla famiglia di suo padre: “Io salirò a informare Faraone, e gli dirò: I miei fratelli e la famiglia di mio padre che erano nel paese di Canaan, sono venuti da me.
Zatem rzekł Józef do braci swej i do domu ojca swego: Pojadę, a opowiem Faraonowi, i rzekę mu: Bracia moi i dom ojca mego, którzy byli w ziemi Chananejskiej, przyjechali do mnie;
И сказал Иосиф братьям своим и дому отца своего: я пойду, извещу фараона и скажу ему: братья мои и дом отца моего, которые были в земле Ханаанской, пришли ко мне;
約瑟 對 他的弟兄 和 他父 的全家 說：「我要上去 告訴 法老，對他 說：『我的弟兄 和我父 的全家 從前在迦南 地，現今都到我這裡 來了。
And Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's people, I will go and give the news to Pharaoh, and say to him, My brothers and my father's people, from the land of Canaan, have come to me;
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Genesis 46:31
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Joseph's instruction to his brothers to report their shepherding to Pharaoh was not deceptive but prudential. Calvin notes that Joseph "usurps no authority to himself" but humbly awaits the king's response. Keil and Delitzsch explain that the Egyptians considered shepherds an abomination because their society rested on agriculture, so Joseph's advice was meant to secure the separate, fertile land of Goshen for his family. Matthew Henry adds that Joseph showed proper respect to the government. The consensus is that Joseph's wisdom, combined with Pharaoh's prior generosity, ensured Israel would dwell in a place that allowed them to remain distinct. What looks like manipulation is actually a careful plan born of trust in God's providence.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: It is clear that Joseph acted to secure a good dwelling place for his family in Goshen, and that his strategy, while culturally savvy, was effective and providentially guided.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph's motive in instructing his brothers | All consulted commentators agree that Joseph acted with wisdom and respect for Pharaoh. | Calvin raises the question of whether Joseph circumvented the king, but concludes that Pharaoh freely offered Goshen, so no deceit was involved. |
| Meaning of 'go up' | The phrase refers to approaching Pharaoh, likely at his court. | Gill suggests a practical ascent to a chariot, while the Cambridge Bible sees it as a social ascent to royalty. Both reflect the same action. |
| Why shepherds were an abomination | Egyptians held shepherds in contempt due to their agricultural society. | Keil and Delitzsch emphasize cultural and economic reasons; other traditions see religious overtones. Both agree on the practical effect. |
| Role of Pharaoh's generosity | Pharaoh had already offered the best land (Gen 45:20). | Some emphasize Pharaoh's freedom and generosity, others note Joseph's humble petition as a proper response. No disagreement on the outcome. |
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Egypt, shepherds were viewed with contempt. Keil and Delitzsch note that Egyptian society was built on agriculture with "perfect organization," and shepherds represented a nomadic, less civilized lifestyle. According to Herodotus, shepherds were associated with rudeness. Even Egyptian monuments, Keil says, depict shepherds as "lanky, withered, distorted" figures. This cultural disdain is the backdrop for Joseph's plan.
Goshen, in the eastern Nile Delta, was fertile pastureland ideal for flocks. By having his family present themselves as shepherds, Joseph knew Pharaoh would place them there, a region separate from Egypt's main population centers, preserving Israel's distinct identity. Already Pharaoh had told Joseph to "settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land" (Genesis 47:6). The famine that brought the family to Egypt also pointed to God's larger plan: preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come.
Joseph's use of the phrase "go up" (Hebrew עלה) reflects more than geography. The Cambridge Bible notes it is "probably taken from the idea of ascent to the residence of royalty." It carries a sense of honor paid to the king, a polite form of address. Joseph shows that even in a position of power, he respects authority, modeling proper conduct for God's people living under foreign rule.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for this verse.
Reception History
Throughout church history, this moment has been read as a demonstration of God's providence working through Joseph's careful planning. It highlights the theme of separation from the world while being in it. Jewish interpreters focus on Joseph's filial piety and the preservation of the patriarchs' line. Christian tradition sometimes sees a typology: as Joseph prepared a place for his family, so Christ prepares a place for his church (John 14:2-3). The emphasis on shepherding also resonates with the later shepherd imagery for leaders and for Christ himself.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Honor authority. Joseph says, "I will go up and speak with Pharaoh." He recognizes the king's position and seeks permission rather than acting independently. Christians are called to respect governing authorities even when they hold influence themselves.
- Use wisdom. Joseph instructs his family to emphasize their shepherding, knowing the Egyptians' bias. This is not deception but strategic truth-telling. Believers can navigate hostile cultures by understanding their values while remaining faithful to their own identity.
- Trust providence. The land of Goshen was part of God's plan long before Joseph's strategy. Human prudence does not override divine sovereignty; it works within it. Our careful plans become channels for God's provision.
Five-point outline
- Preparation: Joseph goes up to Pharaoh, a sign of respect and protocol.
- Presentation: He will tell Pharaoh that his family has arrived, honoring the king's right to know.
- Profession: The brothers are shepherds, a lowly occupation in Egypt, but one that will secure their desired settlement.
- Provision: Pharaoh grants Goshen, fulfilling Joseph's goal and God's promise to give Israel a place to grow.
- Preservation: The separate dwelling protects Israel from assimilation, keeping them distinct as God's people.
Illustration hooks
- Job interview: You emphasize skills the employer values, even if they seem humble, because you know it will get you the position you need. Joseph did the same for his family.
- Moving to a foreign country: A family relocates and chooses a neighborhood where their children can keep their cultural and religious practices. Like Goshen, it may not be the most glamorous place, but it supports their identity and growth.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How can we be both wise as serpents and innocent as doves when dealing with authorities who hold different values?
- Is it ever right to downplay our strengths or background to gain an advantage, or is that dishonest?
- What does it mean to trust God's providence when we still have to make careful plans?
Leading a Discussion
In this passage, Joseph models how to live wisely in a foreign land. He does not simply trust God blindly and wait; he takes deliberate steps to secure a good outcome for his family. Yet his planning is not selfish, it serves the preservation of God's people. As you discuss, consider how human initiative and divine sovereignty work together.
Discussion questions
- What does this verse tell you about Joseph's character and his relationship with Pharaoh?
- Why does Joseph emphasize that his family are shepherds when he knows the Egyptians despise shepherds?
- How does Pharaoh's earlier offer (Genesis 45:20) influence your reading of Joseph's strategy?
- In what ways does God's providence come through human actions in this story?
- What dangers would Joseph's family face if they tried to live among the Egyptians rather than in Goshen?
- How can Christians today apply Joseph's example of cultural awareness and strategic communication?
- Share a time when you saw God work through careful planning rather than through spontaneous events. What did you learn?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 45:16 | The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. |
| Genesis 45:20 | Also, don’t concern yourselves about your belongings, for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.” |
| 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.” |
| Genesis 47:3 | Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.” |
| Acts 18:3 | and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers. |
| Hebrews 2:11 | For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin addresses the apparent deception in Joseph's advice that Jacob's family claim to be shepherds. He argues this was not crafty because Pharaoh already knew Goshen's fertility and had freely offered the best land. Joseph's request was a modest approach, not a manipulative stratagem.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator argues that Joseph’s phrase "go up" refers to ascending to royal presence rather than describing physical geography. This interpretation suggests the expression denotes social elevation or high station, not a literal climb up the Nile River. The focus is on the honor of approaching Pharaoh, not on topographical direction.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Bible highlights Joseph’s deliberate preparation of his family for Pharaoh by instructing them to describe themselves as shepherds. This strategy anticipates Egyptian prejudice against pastoral workers, ensuring that the brothers will be granted land in Goshen rather than being forced into labor among the Egyptians.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill focuses on Joseph's puzzling use of the phrase "I will go up" both when he came to his father and when he returns to Pharaoh. He favors the explanation that Joseph means he will mount his chariot and ride back to inform Pharaoh that his family has arrived to stay, not just to visit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB sees Joseph's decision to personally inform Pharaoh of his family's arrival as both a necessary courtesy to the king and a reflection of his own godly character. The instructions he gives his brothers reveal a man who is at once a loving sibling and a devout believer, careful to honor both earthly authority and his own faith.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch observe that the word for "showed himself" is usually reserved for divine appearances, chosen here to stress the glory in which Joseph came to meet his father. They also note Joseph's instruction to describe themselves as lifelong shepherds, because Egyptians held shepherds in abhorrence as associated with rudeness and barbarism, a view confirmed by ancient writers and monuments.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange stresses that Jacob's halt at Beersheba to seek divine sanction reveals the crucial distinction between human confidence and God's assurance. The migration into Egypt was a bold undertaking that required the promise of a return to Canaan. The number 70 marks the family as the holy seed of God's people.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights Jacob's prudence in sending Judah ahead to pay respect to the Egyptian authorities, and Joseph's filial reverence in riding out to meet his father. Despite Joseph's high rank, he honors and loves his aged father, showing that children should always respect their parents, even when advanced above them.