Genesis 47:2-6 · Bible study
Genesis 47:2-6 Commentary: Joseph's Presentation of His Brothers
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why did Joseph choose only five brothers to meet Pharaoh? This study examines the strategy, the brothers' honesty, and God's provision in the land of Goshen.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Joseph presents five brothers to Pharaoh; after the honest confession that they are shepherds, Pharaoh grants them the best land and offers leadership roles to the able among them.
- Key words: katz (end, extremity) for “some” of the brothers; ro’eh tzon (herder of sheep); anshei chayil (able men, men of activity).
- Main debate: Why exactly five brothers and which ones? Various proposals range from random selection to a strategic choice of the eldest, youngest, or strongest.
- Theological theme: God's providential care for His people through the favor of a foreign ruler, even when they occupy a despised trade.
- Best use: A case study in honest representation, wise diplomacy, and trusting God to open doors in a hostile environment.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
2And he chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.”
4Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”
5Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have come to you,
6the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
2From among his brothers he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh.
3Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.”
4They also said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”
5Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you.
6The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.”
KJV King James Version 1769
2And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.
3And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.
4They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.
5And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:
6The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
2And from among his brethren he took five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.
3And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.
4And they said unto Pharaoh, To sojourn in the land are we come; for there is no pasture for thy servants’ flocks; for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.
5And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:
6the land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and thy brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any able men among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
2And out of his brethren he hath taken five men, and setteth them before Pharaoh;
3and Pharaoh saith unto his brethren, `What are your works?' and they say unto Pharaoh, `Thy servants are feeders of a flock, both we and our fathers;'
4and they say unto Pharaoh, `To sojourn in the land we have come, for there is no pasture for the flock which thy servants have, for grievous is the famine in the land of Canaan; and now, let thy servants, we pray thee, dwell in the land of Goshen.'
5And Pharaoh speaketh unto Joseph, saying, `Thy father and thy brethren have come unto thee:
6the land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land cause thy father and thy brethren to dwell--they dwell in the land of Goshen, and if thou hast known, and there are among them men of ability, then thou hast set them heads over the cattle I have.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
2And he took from the whole number of his brethren, five men, and set them before Pharaoh.
3And Pharaoh said to his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said to Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers.
4And they said to Pharaoh, To sojourn in the land are we come; for there is no pasture for the sheep that thy servants have, for the famine is grievous in the land of Canaan; and now, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.
5And Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come to thee.
6The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land settle thy father and thy brethren: let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if thou knowest men of activity among them, then set them as overseers of cattle over what I have.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
2Five men also, the last of his brethren, he presented before the king:
3And he asked them: What is your occupation? They answered: We, thy servants, are shepherds, both we and our fathers.
4We are come to sojourn in thy land, because there is no grass for the flocks of thy servants, the famine being very grievous in the land of Chanaan: and we pray thee to give orders that we thy servants may be in the land of Gessen.
5The king therefore said to Joseph: Thy father and thy brethren are come to thee.
6The land of Egypt is before thee: and make them dwell in the best place, and give them the land of Gessen. And if thou knowest that there are industrious men among them, make them rulers over my cattle.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Genesis 47:2
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 presentation of five brothers follows the plan he gave them in Genesis 46:33-34. The brothers answer Pharaoh's question about their occupation truthfully: they are shepherds. Despite the Egyptian dislike for shepherds, Pharaoh offers them the best land, Goshen, and even invites Joseph to put the most able among them in charge of the royal livestock. The selection of exactly five brothers has no single explanation in the sources. Clarke lists six possibilities: random chance, the meanest-looking, the finest-looking, the youngest, the eldest, or a mix of both ends. Calvin focuses on the brothers' honest confession, which was humiliating but necessary for God's plan. All agree that Pharaoh's favorable response shows that God's favor rests on Joseph and his family.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Strategic selection of the most capable: Gill and some rabbinic sources suggest Joseph chose the strongest or most presentable brothers to make a good impression.
- Selection of the least imposing: Jarchi (cited by Gill) suggests Joseph chose the meanest so Pharaoh would not conscript them as soldiers.
- Random or impartial selection: Clarke lists the possibility of taking five who came to hand without design, implying no special purpose.
What is clear: It is clear that Joseph presented five brothers to Pharaoh, they honestly declared themselves shepherds, and Pharaoh responded with generous provision in Goshen.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Selection of five brothers | Commentators agree Joseph chose five brothers intentionally, following his earlier instructions to the family. | Why five and which ones? Clarke lists six possibilities, random, meanest, finest, youngest, eldest, or a mix of both ends. The text does not resolve this. |
| Shepherds as abomination | Genesis 46:34 states shepherds were detestable to Egyptians. The brothers honestly identify as shepherds. | The degree of this abomination: some commentators (e.g., Poole) connect it to Hyksos invasions; others (Cambridge) note that Egyptians kept herds themselves, so the abomination may apply mainly to foreign nomadic shepherds. |
| Pharaoh's offer of rulership | Pharaoh offers positions over his livestock to able brothers, showing unexpected favor. | Whether this means actual authority or merely oversight. Clarke argues it likely included domestic management, not just cattle; the Hebrew <em>mikneh</em> can mean property in general. |
| Purpose of the stipulation 'to sojourn' | The brothers emphasize they come as temporary residents, not permanent settlers, due to the famine. | Calvin notes this may have been a modesty strategy to avoid servitude; Gill says they kept the promise of Canaan in mind. Both agree it showed faith in God's eventual return. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This scene takes place during the severe famine described in Genesis 41-47. Joseph, now second only to Pharaoh, has just settled his family in Goshen (Genesis 46:28-34). The Nile Delta region known as Goshen was fertile and well-watered, probably the eastern Delta near the biblical land of Ramesses. It was excellent for grazing, which suited the family's flocks.
Egyptians typically looked down on shepherds. The scholarly background notes that nomadic Semitic herders had sometimes invaded Egypt (the Hyksos) and were associated with rough, transient ways. But Pharaoh does not act on this prejudice. Instead, he gives Joseph complete freedom to choose where to settle his family and even offers positions of authority over the royal herds. This is striking: in the same breath that respects the Egyptians' abomination, Pharaoh elevates the brothers. The word translated "able men" (anshei chayil) means men of strength, ability, or courage. It is the same term used for capable soldiers or leaders (Judges 18:2). Pharaoh is not just tolerating the brothers; he is trusting them with his own livestock.
The number five may echo the Egyptian fondness for the number five (Cambridge Bible notes its frequency in this part of Genesis). But the most likely reason Joseph chose only five is strategic: presenting all twelve brothers might have overwhelmed Pharaoh, or the other seven were needed to help move the family. The commentary sources are divided, but all note that Joseph acted with wisdom, protecting his family while also being honest with the king.
Textual Notes
No significant textual variants are noted in the supplied sources. The narrative flows consistently across the Hebrew manuscripts and the Septuagint, though the Cambridge Bible observes that verses 5-6 may have a slightly different structure in the LXX (where 5a is followed by 6b). The consulted commentaries do not raise any textual difficulties that affect the interpretation.
Reception History
This passage has been read throughout church history as an example of God's providential care for His covenant people living among foreigners. Church fathers saw in Joseph a type of Christ who prepares a place for his brothers. Calvin emphasized the humility of the brothers' confession and the grace of Pharaoh's response, while Wesley noted that Pharaoh's first question assumes every person should have a useful occupation. In the Wesleyan tradition, the honesty of the brothers became a model for plain speaking about one's calling. More recently, the passage has been used in sermons on workplace witness: the brothers did not hide their lowly trade, and God honored their truthfulness. The offer of positions over the royal livestock has been seen as a sign that God can elevate the lowly even in systems that disfavor them.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Honesty in a vulnerable position. The brothers tell Pharaoh exactly who they are: shepherds. They do not exaggerate or hide their lowly trade. In a foreign court where their occupation is despised, they speak the truth. God honors their honesty with favor.
- Strategic wisdom without deceit. Joseph orchestrates the meeting but never lies. He selects five brothers, a deliberate choice, and prepares them for Pharaoh's question. Wisdom plans ahead; deception cuts corners.
- God's provision through a pagan ruler. Pharaoh gives the best land and offers high-ranking jobs to the most able brothers. This is not human generosity alone; it is the Lord working through a king who does not even know Him.
Five-point outline
- Presentation selected (v. 2): Joseph's choice of five brothers.
- Pharaoh's question (v. 3): "What is your occupation?" The brothers answer truthfully.
- The request (v. 4): They explain that they come as temporary residents, not settlers.
- Pharaoh's decision (vv. 5-6a): He grants Goshen, the best part of Egypt.
- An unexpected offer (v. 6b): The most capable brothers may oversee the king's own cattle.
Illustration hooks
- A pastor applying for a job at a secular company: should he hide his ministry background from the interview panel? This passage shows that honesty about your calling can open doors you didn't expect.
- A family moving to a new city where their profession (e.g., farming, manual labor) is looked down on. Like the brothers, they can state their work plainly and trust God to provide.
- A boss promoting an outsider to a key role despite internal prejudices. Pharaoh's offer to put shepherds in charge of livestock parallels situations where merit overcomes bias.
Questions your congregation is asking
- If shepherds were an abomination to Egyptians, why does Pharaoh treat them so kindly? (Answer: God can change hearts; also Pharaoh sees Joseph's value and extends it to his family.)
- Why didn't Joseph bring all his brothers? (The text does not say, but likely wisdom: a small delegation is less threatening and shows respect for Pharaoh's time.)
- Is it ever okay to hide our background to fit in? (The brothers were honest; Joseph did not ask them to lie. Honesty, even when costly, is the biblical pattern.)
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows how God works through the ordinary details of a job interview. Joseph prepares his brothers, they answer honestly, and Pharaoh responds with unexpected generosity. As you discuss, notice the balance of wisdom and transparency, qualities we need in our own daily lives.
Discussion questions
- Read Genesis 47:2-6 aloud. What stands out to you about the way Joseph handles the introduction?
- Why do you think Joseph chose only five brothers? What might that tell you about his strategy?
- The brothers call themselves "your servants" and shepherds. How does their humble self-description affect the tone of the conversation?
- Pharaoh offers the best land and suggests that capable brothers become overseers of his livestock. What does that reveal about how God was blessing the family at that moment?
- In your own life, have you ever faced a situation where honesty about your background or faith opened an unexpected door? Share briefly.
- How does this story challenge the idea that Christians must always be the most powerful or impressive people in the room?
- If you had to choose five people to represent your family or church to a powerful leader, who would you pick? Why would that choice be important?
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)
| Acts 7:13 | On the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was revealed to Pharaoh. |
| II Corinthians 4:14 | knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also through Jesus, and will present us with you. |
| Colossians 1:28 | We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; |
| Jude 1:24 | Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, |
| 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 46:33 | It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’ |
| 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.” |
| Amos 7:14 | Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman, and a farmer of sycamore figs; |
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
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights the Hebrew word miktseh to show that "from the end" likely means Joseph selected five men representing both the eldest and youngest branches of the family. He argues this balanced choice honored Pharaoh while protecting the group’s integrity. Clarke also interprets "best of the land" as Goshen, noting that Pharaoh granted these skilled overseers authority over his own cattle rather than assigning them to menial labor.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin sees Joseph's decision to present his brothers as shepherds as a deliberate strategy, not a failure. Knowing Egyptians despised shepherds, Joseph chose this humble identity to create a barrier and preserve the purity of God's people from assimilation. The brothers' request for a separate dwelling likewise guarded against being bound to Pharaoh's service.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary notes that verses 5-6 interrupt the narrative flow, and the Septuagint preserves a different arrangement suggesting an earlier combination of two source documents. It also observes that the brothers call themselves shepherds to Pharaoh, slightly diverging from the reply Joseph coached them to give.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The notes highlight Joseph’s strategic selection of only five brothers to present to Pharaoh, likely aiming to manage the audience size and maintain control over the narrative. The commentary emphasizes the family’s honest disclosure of their occupation as shepherds, a profession Egyptians typically despised, which explains their request for Goshen. This separation allowed them to preserve their livelihood while securing land during the famine.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes that Joseph did not leave his brothers' reception to chance; he carefully prepared them to answer Pharaoh's question about their occupation. By honestly declaring themselves shepherds, they prompted Pharaoh to offer them the best land, Goshen. Gill also observes that Pharaoh's willingness to employ them as cattle overseers shows Egyptians distinguished foreign shepherds from Hebrew shepherds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown suggest Joseph chose the five eldest brothers, because seniority was the least likely to cause jealousy. They also note that the brothers' insistence they had come only to sojourn, intending to return to Canaan, reveals genuine faith and piety, a hopeful sign most had become religious men.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch note that Pharaoh not only gave Joseph's family the best pastureland in Goshen but also invited Joseph to appoint any capable brothers as overseers of the royal herds kept there. This placement, they infer, established Israel in Goshen as the most fertile region, under Pharaoh’s trust.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange sees God’s providence in Pharaoh’s welcome: Egyptian contempt for shepherds becomes the very protection that keeps Israel separate in Goshen. This transplantation is divinely sanctioned, with the reservation of a return to Canaan, fulfilling the covenant promises.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry observes that Pharaoh did not merely tolerate Joseph's family but gave them the best land and invited them to oversee his own cattle, a surprising generosity toward shepherds Egyptians despised
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley stresses Pharaoh's assumption that everyone should have an occupation, even those who need not work for bread, calling idleness unacceptable. On the patriarchs' reply, he notes they came only as temporary sojourners, not settlers, because the highlands of Canaan lacked pasture while lowland Egypt still had grazing land.