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.

GENESIS 47:1KJV
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Genesis 47:1 (KJV)

What does Genesis 47:1 mean?

Genesis 47:1 describes Joseph going to Pharaoh and informing him that his father, his brothers, and all their livestock and possessions have arrived from Canaan and are now settled in the land of Goshen. Joseph is making Pharaoh aware that his family has come to Egypt and is now staying in a specific region.

Joseph is speaking directly to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, after his family has traveled from Canaan because of famine. Joseph’s report is both respectful and thorough, mentioning not just his immediate family but also their animals and belongings. The mention of Goshen is important because it was a fertile area suitable for their flocks, and Joseph is making sure Pharaoh knows exactly where his family is located.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 47:1

  • "Goshen" (גֹּשֶׁן, Goshen): This name refers to a region in Egypt that was well-suited for grazing animals. By specifying Goshen, the verse highlights Joseph’s care in choosing a place that fits his family's needs and in keeping them somewhat separate from the main Egyptian population.
  • "Came" (בּוֹא, bo): This word is used both for Joseph coming to Pharaoh and for his family coming out of Canaan. The repetition emphasizes the movement and transition—Joseph’s approach to Pharaoh mirrors his family’s journey into Egypt.
  • "Told" (נָגַד, nagad): This word carries the sense of making something known or reporting officially. Joseph is not just chatting with Pharaoh; he is formally informing him of his family’s arrival, which shows respect for Pharaoh’s authority.

Why Genesis 47:1 matters

  • This verse shows Joseph’s ongoing loyalty and respect toward Pharaoh, keeping him informed about significant developments involving foreigners settling in Egypt.
  • The mention of Goshen sets up later events, as this region becomes the home of the Israelites during their time in Egypt, shaping their identity and experiences.
  • The careful listing of Joseph’s family, their flocks, and herds underscores the scale of the migration and the seriousness of the famine that drove them to seek refuge in Egypt.

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.

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
  • Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.