And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

GENESIS 46:5KJV
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Genesis 46:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 46:5 mean?

Genesis 46:5 describes how Jacob left Beersheba, and his sons transported him, their children, and their wives in wagons that Pharaoh had provided for their journey. This verse shows the family’s move from Canaan toward Egypt, using the resources given by Egypt’s ruler.

In this scene, Jacob and his extended family are responding to Joseph’s invitation to settle in Egypt during a severe famine. The wagons, sent by Pharaoh, highlight the special favor Joseph’s family received because of Joseph’s high position. The verse marks the beginning of a significant journey that shapes the rest of Israel’s story in Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 46:5

  • בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (benei Yisrael) — “sons of Israel”: This phrase refers to Jacob’s sons, but in context, it also includes their families, showing the movement of the entire clan.
  • עֲגָלוֹת (agalot) — “wagons”: These are not ordinary carts but special wagons provided by Pharaoh, underlining the honor and provision given to Jacob’s family.
  • נָשָׂא (nasa) — “carried”: This verb is used twice in the verse, emphasizing the act of transporting not just possessions, but people—Jacob, the children, and the wives—making the journey possible for the whole family.

Why Genesis 46:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the move to Egypt was not just Jacob and his sons, but included the entire extended family, showing the scale of the migration.
  • The mention of Pharaoh’s wagons highlights Joseph’s influence and the special treatment given to his family, setting the stage for their unique status in Egypt.
  • This verse connects to the larger story of Israel’s time in Egypt, beginning with favor and provision, which contrasts with the later experience of oppression described in Exodus.

Where else these words appear

“wagons” Hebrew H5699 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 45:19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.
  • Numbers 7:8 And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
  • 2 Samuel 6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

“Beersheba” Hebrew H884 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 21:14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
  • Joshua 19:2 And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,
  • 2 Kings 12:1 In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.

“ones” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 31:9 And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
  • Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;