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 47:4KJVWhat 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.