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;
GENESIS 46:31KJVWhat does Genesis 46:31 mean?
Genesis 46:31 shows Joseph telling his brothers and his father’s household that he will go to Pharaoh and announce their arrival from Canaan. Joseph is preparing to formally introduce his family to the Egyptian ruler, making sure Pharaoh knows that his relatives have come to join him.
Joseph is speaking to his brothers and the rest of his father Jacob’s family after they have arrived in Egypt to escape famine. Joseph, who holds a high position in Egypt, is acting as a mediator between his family and Pharaoh. This verse highlights Joseph’s careful planning and his role in ensuring his family’s safe reception in a foreign land.
The Hebrew behind Genesis 46:31
- The word "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) is used twice, showing Joseph’s active communication both with his family and in his intended speech to Pharaoh.
- The word "up" (עָלָה, 'alah) is often used for going to a place of importance or elevation, which fits Joseph’s approach to Pharaoh, the highest authority in Egypt.
- The word "shew" (נָגַד, nagad) means to make something known or to declare, emphasizing Joseph’s intent to formally present his family’s situation to Pharaoh.
- The word "come" (בּוֹא, bo) means to arrive or enter, underlining the family’s movement from Canaan into Egypt, which is a key moment in the larger story.
Why Genesis 46:31 matters
- This verse clarifies Joseph’s leadership and responsibility in managing his family’s transition into Egypt, showing his wisdom and care.
- It sets up the important meeting between Joseph’s family and Pharaoh, which will have lasting effects on the Israelites’ future in Egypt.
- The verse helps readers see the importance of proper introduction and respect for authority in ancient cultures, especially when entering a new land.