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.

GENESIS 47:4KJV
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Genesis 47:4 (KJV)

What does Genesis 47:4 mean?

Genesis 47:4 records Joseph’s brothers explaining to Pharaoh why they have come to Egypt, asking permission to stay in the land of Goshen because the famine in Canaan has left them with no pasture for their flocks. They humbly refer to themselves as Pharaoh’s servants and request to dwell temporarily in Egypt due to their desperate situation.

In this verse, Joseph’s brothers are speaking directly to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. They are representing their family, who have traveled from Canaan because a severe famine has made it impossible to feed their animals. The brothers present themselves respectfully and honestly, making it clear that their stay is meant to be temporary (“to sojourn”) and that they are seeking Pharaoh’s favor to settle in Goshen, a region suitable for livestock.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 47:4

  • "Sojourn" (גּוּר, gur): This word means to live as a temporary resident or foreigner, not as a permanent settler. The brothers are emphasizing that they do not intend to take over land but are asking for temporary refuge.
  • "Famine" (רָעָב, ra’av): This term describes a severe shortage of food, highlighting the seriousness of the crisis in Canaan and the urgency of their request.
  • "Dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav): While often meaning "to live" or "to settle," here it is used in the sense of taking up residence, but the earlier use of "sojourn" clarifies that their intent is not permanent settlement.
  • "Goshen" (גֹּשֶׁן, Goshen): This is the specific region in Egypt known for its good pastureland, making it an ideal place for shepherds and their flocks.

Why Genesis 47:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Joseph’s family came to Egypt out of necessity, not ambition, and that they approached Pharaoh with humility and respect.
  • The request to stay in Goshen sets up the later narrative, where the Israelites live separately from the Egyptians, which has long-term significance for their identity and history.
  • The use of both "sojourn" and "dwell" shows the brothers’ careful approach, balancing their need for help with respect for Egyptian authority, which helps explain why Pharaoh responds favorably in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“pasture” Hebrew H4829 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:39 And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.
  • Job 39:8 The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing.
  • Ezekiel 34:14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

“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 47:1 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.
  • 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.

“sore” Hebrew H3515 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • Exodus 9:24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
  • 2 Kings 6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

“famine” Hebrew H7458 · used in 88 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
  • Jeremiah 32:24 Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it.