And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

GENESIS 46:28KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 46:28 (KJV)

What does Genesis 46:28 mean?

Genesis 46:28 describes how Jacob sent his son Judah ahead to Joseph in order to guide the family into Goshen, the region in Egypt where they would settle. This verse shows the careful planning as Jacob’s family arrives in Egypt, highlighting Judah’s role in leading the way.

In this scene, Jacob (also called Israel) is traveling with his whole family to Egypt because of the famine, after learning that his son Joseph is alive and holds a high position there. Jacob sends Judah ahead to get directions from Joseph, making sure the family reaches the right place—Goshen, a fertile area set aside for them. This detail shows both the trust Jacob has in Judah and Joseph’s importance in Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 46:28

  • "Direct" (יָרָה, yarah) means to point out, instruct, or show the way. Here, it shows that Judah’s job was not just to travel, but to actively seek guidance from Joseph so the family would arrive exactly where they were supposed to go.
  • "Face" (פָּנִים, panim) is often used in Hebrew to mean presence or direction. The phrase “to direct his face unto Goshen” means guiding the whole group’s journey and focus toward their new home, not just physically but also in purpose.

Why Genesis 46:28 matters

  • This verse highlights Judah’s growing leadership role among his brothers, which is significant for the story of Jacob’s family and the later tribes of Israel.
  • The careful mention of Goshen shows that Joseph had arranged a specific, safe place for his family, connecting to God’s provision and the unfolding plan for Israel in Egypt.
  • The verse sets up the reunion between Jacob and Joseph and the beginning of Israel’s time in Egypt, a key turning point in the larger story of Genesis and Exodus.

Where else these words appear

“Goshen” Hebrew H1657 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 45:10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
  • Genesis 47:4 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.
  • Exodus 8:22 And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.

“direct” Hebrew H3384 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
  • 1 Kings 8:36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.