Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen.
Simply PutJoseph reports that his whole family, with all their flocks and herds, have fled the famine in Canaan and are now living in Goshen. The Hebrew word for “behold” (H6948) is a way of drawing our attention to the seriousness of this migration. In moments when we feel forced out of what’s familiar, remember that God often redirects us into a place where He wants to work through us.
2
And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.
Simply PutJoseph brings five of his brothers before Pharaoh. The word “even” (H2966) emphasizes the small, vulnerable group he presents. When you’re feeling too small to be noticed, know that God can use the slightest offerings for His grand purposes.
3
And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.
Simply PutPharaoh asks what they do for a living, and they reply that they are shepherds, just like their fathers. The Hebrew for “occupation” (H3605) refers to the work God has placed them in. In times of doubt about our role, remember that being a “shepherd”—caring for others—is a divine calling in any season.
4
They 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.
Simply PutThe brothers plead to stay in Goshen because the famine has left Canaan barren. “Famine” (H6405) and “sore” (H6294) convey the depth of scarcity. When you feel like there’s no hope left, trust that God will lead you to a place of provision and safety.
5
And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:
Simply PutPharaoh tells Joseph that his father and brothers have arrived. The phrase “come unto thee” (H5785) signals a divine appointment. Even when life seems chaotic, God’s timing is perfect and He brings the right people into our lives at the right moment.
6
The 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.
Simply PutPharaoh tells Joseph to settle them in Goshen and appoint any capable men as overseers. “Activity” (H4954) points to leadership roles within the family. If you’re yearning for purpose, remember that God often prepares us for stewardship as He meets our needs.
7
And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
Simply PutJacob bows before Pharaoh and blesses him. “Bless” (H1282) reflects a deep gratitude for divine favor. In moments of uncertainty, offering thanks can shift our focus from fear to faith.
8
And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?
Simply PutPharaoh asks Jacob how old he is. The question “How” (H7205) invites reflection on the journey of life. When you’re uncertain about your future, ask yourself how far God has brought you already.
9
And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.
Simply PutJacob describes his life as “few and evil,” not yet matching the length of his fathers’ journeys. The word “pilgrimage” (H595) paints life as a journey toward God’s promise. Even when you feel your days are short, trust that each step is part of a larger pilgrimage.
10
And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.
Simply PutJacob blesses Pharaoh and departs. “Bless” (H1282) again shows gratitude for God’s provision. Even in the midst of leaving, we can recognize and thank the blessings that have been given.
11
And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
Simply PutJoseph settles his father’s family in the best part of Egypt, Rameses. “Best” (H2882) highlights divine favor and abundance. When you’re seeking a fresh start, remember that God can place you in the “best land” He has prepared.
12
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread, according to their families.
Simply PutJoseph feeds his family according to their families, much like a child is nourished. “According” (H3317) emphasizes personalized care. In moments of hunger—spiritual or physical—God knows the exact amount we need.
13
And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.
Simply PutThere is no bread left in the land because of the severe famine. “Famine” (H6405) and “sore” (H6294) underscore total scarcity. When you feel the world is emptying, trust that God’s provision is still sufficient.
14
And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house.
Simply PutJoseph gathers all the money from Egypt and Canaan to buy grain, bringing it into Pharaoh’s house. “Money” (H1288) reveals the exchange of resources for survival. In times of financial strain, see how God can turn even small savings into life-saving abundance.
15
And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
Simply PutWhen money runs out, the Egyptians beg Joseph for bread to avoid death. “Money faileth” (H1288) shows the desperation of scarcity. When you’re at a breaking point, know that God can turn your desperation into his divine provision.
16
And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.
Simply PutJoseph offers to accept cattle if money fails. “Give your cattle” (H5928) signifies a shift from currency to tangible assets. In moments of financial loss, remember that God can accept whatever we have—be it time, talents, or treasures.
17
And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
Simply PutJoseph exchanges bread for cattle and feeds them all year. “Exchange” (H3314) illustrates a fair trade of life-sustaining resources. Even when you feel depleted, God can replenish your spirit with the “bread” of his love.
18
When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
Simply PutAfter a year, the people return to say all their money is spent and they have nothing left but themselves. “Hide” (H6181) underscores honesty in pleading with authority. In moments of extreme need, we must come before God and his leaders with complete transparency.
19
Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.
Simply PutThey ask to be bought along with their land, so they can become servants and receive seed. “Buy” (H5940) shows a willingness to surrender everything for survival. When you feel like you have nothing left, God can offer “seed”—new beginnings from the remnants.
20
And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh’s.
Simply PutJoseph buys all the land for Pharaoh because the famine caused everyone to sell their fields. “Bought” (H5940) demonstrates how scarcity can lead to total ownership. In times of crisis, God can turn a loss into an opportunity for greater stewardship.
21
And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof.
Simply PutThe people are moved to cities throughout Egypt. “Cities” (H5598) reflects a redistribution of the population for better management. When you feel scattered, trust that God can bring order and community.
22
Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
Simply PutThe priests do not sell their land because they have a portion assigned by Pharaoh. “Priests” (H6520) indicates those who are already provisioned by divine favor. In moments of scarcity, remember that God has set aside a “portion” for you as well.
23
Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land.
Simply PutJoseph declares to the people that he has bought them and provides seed for planting. “Seed” (H2585) represents hope for future growth. When you’re facing a barren season, God is planting new promises in the soil of your life.
24
And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
Simply PutHe instructs them to give a fifth part as tribute and keep four parts for themselves. “Fifth” (H7159) shows a balanced system of giving and keeping. In times of abundance, we’re called to share a portion with God while preserving the rest for our families.
25
And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.
Simply PutThe people thank Joseph, saying he saved their lives. “Saved” (H5300) conveys rescue from death. When you feel on the brink, remember that God’s grace can lift you out of despair.
26
And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh’s.
Simply PutJoseph makes a law that the fifth part belongs to Pharaoh, except for the priests’ lands. “Law” (H6892) indicates a lasting covenant of provision and tribute. In moments of uncertainty, know that God’s policies are designed to sustain both leaders and the people.
27
And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.
Simply PutIsrael lives in Goshen, multiplies, and becomes very prosperous. “Dwelt” (H5598) means to settle and make a home. When you’re in a place of growth, trust that God’s blessings can multiply beyond what you imagined.
28
And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.
Simply PutJacob lives in Egypt for seventeen years, making his total age one hundred forty-seven. “Age” (H3117) reflects the fullness of a life lived in faithfulness. In moments where you wonder about your lifespan, remember that God’s timeline is perfect.
29
And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:
Simply PutJacob asks Joseph to place his hand under his thigh and promises not to be buried in Egypt. “Grace” (H1475) speaks of favor from a higher authority. When you’re near the end, seek God’s mercy and ask for a proper resting place.
30
But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.
Simply PutJacob promises to be buried with his ancestors, and Joseph agrees. “Bury” (H1005) signifies returning to the family’s roots. In times of transition, we can find comfort in knowing that God honors our heritage.
31
And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head.
Simply PutJacob swears to the people and bows on his deathbed. “Bow” (H6179) is a gesture of humility and submission before God’s authority. As you approach the final moments, remember to bow in trust that God’s plan is complete.
Genesis 41:39-44This passage shows Joseph's rise to power and Pharaoh's trust in him, providing the backdrop for why Joseph could settle his family in Goshen.
Genesis 46:1-7Jacob's journey to Egypt and his meeting with Pharaoh directly parallel the events of Genesis 47:5-7, where Jacob is set before Pharaoh and blesses him.
Genesis 32:24-30Jacob's wrestling with God and receiving a new name (Israel) underscores his role as the patriarch whose descendants become shepherds in Egypt.
Exodus 1:8-14The description of the Israelites' settlement and subsequent oppression in Goshen reflects the long-term implications of the land allocation granted by Pharaoh in Genesis 47.
Reflect
If your cash reserves ran dry tomorrow, what personal “cattle”—skills, relationships, or possessions—would you rely on to meet your needs?
