Genesis 46:32 · Bible study
Genesis 46:32 Commentary: Shepherds, Separation, and Providence
Hebrew · 6 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Joseph emphasize his brothers' shepherding identity despite Egyptian contempt?
Research Summary
- Meaning: Joseph strategically instructs his brothers to present themselves as shepherds, knowing Egyptian contempt will secure their separation in Goshen.
- Key words: “Shepherds” (H7462 רֹעֵי), “men of livestock” (H4735 מִקְנֶה), “they have brought” (H0935 הֵבִיאוּ).
- Main debate: Whether Egyptian contempt specifically stems from Hyksos trauma or from a general agrarian disdain for nomads.
- Theological theme: Providence, God uses human prejudice and cultural barriers to preserve His covenant people and fulfill His promises.
- Best use: Teaching on vocational identity, trusting God’s guidance in relocation, and finding purpose in everyday work.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’
WEB World English Bible 2000
These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’
KJV King James Version 1769
And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and the men are feeders of a flock, for they have been men of cattle; and their flock, and their herd, and all that they have, they have brought.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
and the men are shepherds, for they have been occupied with cattle; and they have brought their sheep, and their cattle, and all that they have.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And the men are shepherds, and their occupation is to feed cattle; their flocks, and herds, and all they have, they have brought with them.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y los hombres son pastores de ovejas, porque son hombres ganaderos: y han traído sus ovejas y sus vacas, y todo lo que tenían.
E os homens são pastores de ovelhas, porque são homens criadores de gado: e trouxeram suas ovelhas e suas vacas, e tudo o que tinham.
Ces hommes sont bergers, car ils élèvent des troupeaux; ils ont amené leurs brebis et leurs bœufs, et tout ce qui leur appartient.
und sind Viehhirten, denn es sind Leute, die mit Vieh umgehen; Ihr kleines und großes Vieh und alles, was sie haben, haben sie mitgebracht.
En die mannen zijn schaapherders; want het zijn mannen, die met vee omgaan; en zij hebben hun schapen, en hun runderen, en al wat zij hebben, medegebracht.
Questi uomini sono pastori, poiché son sempre stati allevatori di bestiame; e hanno menato seco i loro greggi, i loro armenti, e tutto quello che posseggono.
A ci mężowie są pasterze trzód, bo się bawili chowaniem bydła; przeto owce swoje, i woły swoje, i wszystko, co mieli, przywiedli.
эти люди пастухи овец, ибо скотоводы они; и мелкий и крупный скот свой, и все, что у них, привели они.
他們本是牧 羊 的人， 以養 牲畜 為業；他們把羊群 牛群 和一切 所 有的 都帶來了。』
And these men are keepers of sheep and owners of cattle, and have with them their flocks and their herds and all they have.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Genesis 46:32
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that Joseph’s instruction to present his brothers as shepherds was a calculated strategic choice, not a naive confession. Gill observes that Joseph wanted to keep his family out of court and military positions, where they would face corruption and risk being scattered. Keil and Delitzsch note that Egyptians associated shepherds with barbarism, making Goshen, a border region suited for flocks, the natural and safe settlement. Matthew Henry praises Joseph’s prudence in securing his family’s national and religious independence. The point is not to hide their identity but to lean into it, trusting God to use Egyptian prejudice as a shield. The Cambridge Bible adds that “shepherds” here likely includes herdsmen, broadening the category to cover all livestock keepers. Across traditions, the consensus is that Joseph’s words reflect divine providence working through cultural barriers to set Israel apart.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Hyksos trauma view: Points to ancient records of shepherd-kings invading Egypt, creating lasting hatred (Poole, background).
- Agrarian snobbery view: Egyptian society was built on farming; shepherds were seen as rough and uncivilized, as shown by monuments depicting them as emaciated (Keil, citing monuments).
What is clear: Joseph instructed his brothers to state their shepherding identity to secure settlement in Goshen, using Egyptian prejudice to keep Israel separate and protected.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation for Joseph’s instruction | Joseph acted with wisdom to secure his family’s settlement in Goshen and protect them from assimilation. | Some emphasize prudent strategy (Gill, Matthew Henry); others stress obedience to God’s providential design (Keil). Both agree it was not deceit but honest emphasis. |
| Cause of Egyptian contempt for shepherds | Egyptians had a strong aversion to shepherds, viewing them as uncivilized. | One view ties the contempt to the Hyksos invasion and its atrocities (Poole in background). Another attributes it to Egypt’s agricultural foundation, which prized settled farming over pastoral nomadism (Keil cites monuments). |
| Scope of “shepherds” in this verse | The term includes those who care for both sheep and cattle. | The Cambridge Bible suggests that “for they have been keepers of livestock” may be a gloss drawn from verse 34. If so, the original text simply said “shepherds.” But most traditions read the verse as a whole unit. |
| Application for Christian distinctiveness | Believers are called to be in the world but not of it, valuing separation for holy purposes. | Some apply this as a model for geographic or institutional separation (e.g., monastic traditions). Others see it as an analogy for maintaining distinct values while engaging culture, without physical isolation. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Egyptians’ contempt for shepherds runs deep in this story. Ancient historians record a period when Asiatic shepherd-kings, the Hyksos, invaded Egypt, sacked cities, and burned temples, leaving a legacy of fear and hatred. By Joseph’s era, shepherding had become a despised occupation, associated with rudeness and nomadism rather than settled civilization. Keil and Delitzsch cite monuments that depict shepherds as withered, ghostlike figures. Even the word “shepherd” triggered disdain, though Egyptians themselves kept cattle for milk and plowing (Genesis 47:6).
Goshen, in the northeastern Nile Delta, was a fertile border region perfect for grazing. It offered separation from the Egyptian heartland, reducing cultural assimilation. The patriarchs’ lineage was built on shepherding, Abel (Genesis 4:2), Isaac, Jacob himself (Genesis 37:2). Joseph knew this identity well. By instructing his brothers to state their occupation plainly, he ensured they would be assigned to Goshen, not to urban or military life. The strategy preserved their distinct faith and kept them together as a family unit. Later, Pharaoh would even ask for “men of activity” among them to oversee his own cattle (Genesis 47:6), showing that their skills were recognized even in a culture that looked down on their trade.
Textual Notes
The Cambridge Bible flags that the phrase “for they have been keepers of livestock” may be a gloss, likely drawn from Genesis 46:34. If so, the original text would simply have read “shepherds.” However, the meaning is unaffected: whether the gloss is original or not, Joseph identifies his brothers as pastoralists. No other significant textual variants appear in the consulted sources. The standard Hebrew manuscripts and ancient versions agree on the substance of the verse.
Reception History
This verse has been read across Christian tradition as a demonstration of God’s providence and the wisdom of embracing humble vocations. Early church writers saw in the shepherds a type of the Christian calling to be separate from worldly values. Monastic communities cited Goshen as a model for intentional separation while still serving the surrounding society. Reformation-era commentators like Matthew Henry emphasized Joseph’s prudence and the preservation of family faith. In modern readings, the passage often serves as a case study in vocational identity and God’s leading through cultural barriers. The shepherds’ honesty about their trade, despite its low status, remains a challenge to pursue integrity over prestige.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God uses human prejudice for His purposes. Egyptian contempt for shepherds became the means of Israel’s protection and separation. What seems like a disadvantage can be part of God’s plan.
- Joseph’s wisdom preserves family identity. He did not hide their background or push them toward upward mobility. He directed them to be honest about their calling, trusting that obedience to their identity would secure God’s blessing.
- Shepherding as a metaphor for God’s leading. Israel’s shepherds foreshadow the Good Shepherd who gathers, protects, and leads His flock. The humble occupation points to a greater truth.
Five-point outline
- Context: Joseph’s reunion with his family. The emotional meeting (Genesis 46:28, 30) gives way to practical planning.
- The instruction: Tell Pharaoh you are shepherds. Not deceitful, but a deliberate choice to embrace what they are.
- The reason: Egyptians despise shepherds. This cultural reality becomes a divinely appointed barrier.
- The result: Settlement in Goshen. Separation allowed Israel to grow and maintain their faith.
- The lesson: Providence in placement. God orders even the world’s biases to accomplish His covenant promises.
Illustration hooks
- A family business that seems mundane but has been passed down through generations. The work is looked down on by others, yet it provides identity and stability.
- A job transfer to a location that feels like the “wrong” part of town, but that place turns out to be exactly where children can be raised well and faith can grow.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does God care about where I live and what work I do? Can my ordinary occupation be part of His plan?
- How can I maintain my Christian identity when the culture around me is hostile or dismissive of my faith?
- Should I be honest about my background even when it might hold me back? When is wisdom vs. foolish vulnerability?
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows God working through a negative cultural attitude to protect His people. As you discuss, consider how circumstances that seem limiting or degrading can become God’s provision.
Discussion questions
- Read Genesis 46:31, 34. Why do you think Joseph gave these specific instructions? What was he trying to accomplish?
- What does the brothers’ willingness to identify as shepherds tell you about their humility and trust in Joseph?
- How does the Egyptians’ contempt for shepherds compare to attitudes toward certain occupations in our own society? Are there “shepherd” roles today that believers fill?
- In what ways can God use something despised or looked down on to bless His people? Share an example from your own life or church history.
- This passage emphasizes separation (Goshen). How do we balance being “in the world but not of it” without becoming isolated?
- Joseph had risen to power, yet he did not hide his family’s background. What does this teach about integrity and identity as followers of Christ?
- How does this story encourage you to trust God with your location, your work, and even the world’s opinions of you?
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 4:2 | Again she gave birth, to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. |
| Genesis 9:20 | Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard. |
| Genesis 31:18 | and he took away all his livestock, and all his possessions which he had gathered, including the livestock which he had gained in Paddan Aram, to go to Isaac his father, to the land of Canaan. |
| Genesis 37:2 | This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father. |
| Genesis 45:10 | You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you will be near to me, you, your children, your children’s children, your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. |
| Genesis 46:34 | that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” |
| 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.” |
| Exodus 3:1 | Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to God’s mountain, to Horeb. |
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
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator notes that the phrase "the men are shepherds" may be a later gloss, and if it is original, "shepherds" must include herdsmen since they also tend cattle. This usage differs from Genesis 47:3, where the brothers simply say they are shepherds, and 47:6, where Pharaoh sets them over his cattle.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Note draws a link between the brothers' identity as shepherds and their bringing all their livestock and possessions. Their occupation explains why they arrived with their entire livelihood: shepherds by trade, they naturally brought their flocks and everything they owned.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill observes that Joseph openly states his family are shepherds, not out of shame but as a deliberate strategy. Knowing shepherds were despised in Egypt, Joseph used this honesty to keep his brothers from being placed in court or army roles that would expose them to envy, corrupt their faith, or separate them.
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.