Genesis 46:33-34
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Pharaoh's question isn't just a casual inquiry; it's a direct test of their identity and purpose within Egypt. Joseph instructs his brothers to identify themselves as "men of cattle" to secure their residence in Goshen, highlighting that their ancient, pastoral occupation, though despised by Egyptians, is precisely what grants them a distinct place. This reveals that our skills and heritage, even those considered lowly by the world, can be the very things that lead us to God's provision and protection.
When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph has just revealed himself to his brothers, setting the stage for their entire family to move to Egypt. As Jacob and his household prepare for this monumental journey, Joseph coaches his brothers on how to present themselves to Pharaoh, emphasizing their identity as shepherds to secure a place for them in the fertile region of Goshen, away from the Egyptians.
Imagine settling in a brand new country. What's the first thing you'll be asked? And how do you answer?
When Pharaoh asks, 'What is your occupation?', Joseph doesn't suggest his brothers lie or try to present themselves as something they're not. Instead, he instructs them to state their honest truth: 'Your servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now.'
Why would Joseph want his family to live separately from the Egyptians, when he himself was living amongst them?
Joseph's counsel for his family to dwell in the land of Goshen isn't just about finding pasture for their flocks. It's a strategic move rooted in understanding the cultural divide:
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Understand the original words
ʿebed · Hebrew Noun
A person who provides service or labor to another, often implying submission and obligation. In a biblical context, it frequently describes the posture of believers before God, but here it denotes the social status of Joseph's family in relation to Pharaoh.
tōʿēbāh · Hebrew Noun
A term used in the Old Testament to describe something that is morally detestable, repugnant, or religiously unclean to God or, as in this context, to a specific culture. It suggests a strong social barrier or cultural taboo that separates the Israelites from the Egyptians.
gōšen · Hebrew Noun
A region in the eastern Nile Delta granted to the Israelites by Pharaoh. It represents a place of divine provision and temporary refuge where God protected His people during the famine, distinct from the main centers of Egyptian life.
Joseph advises his family on how to answer Pharaoh's question about their occupation, emphasizing that they are shepherds. This advice is strategic: it ensures they remain settled in Goshen, a region suitable for their livestock and separate from most Egyptians who despised shepherds, thus preserving their distinct identity and preparing for their eventual return to Canaan.
c. 1800-1700 BC
Hyksos Rule in Egypt
A period when foreign rulers, known as the Hyksos, likely of Semitic origin, controlled Lower Egypt. This era may have created a more receptive environment for Joseph and his family.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph's Rise to Power
Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rises through the ranks in Egypt due to his ability to interpret dreams and manage resources, eventually becoming second-in-command to the Pharaoh.
c. 1700-1650 BC— this verse
Jacob's Family Migrates to Egypt
Driven by a severe famine in Canaan, Jacob and his entire household of about seventy people migrate to Egypt, settling in the fertile region of Goshen.
c. 1650 BC
Expulsion of the Hyksos
Native Egyptian rulers eventually drove out the Hyksos. This event marks a significant political shift and likely led to a period of increased Egyptian nationalism, potentially changing attitudes towards foreigners.
c. 1550-1200 BC
The New Kingdom Period
Following the expulsion of the Hyksos, Egypt entered a period of powerful dynasties. During this era, the Israelites' burgeoning population and distinct identity may have become a source of concern for Egyptian rulers.
This passage immediately follows the events in Genesis 46 and details the incredible multiplication of Joseph's family in Egypt, directly contrasting the small number that entered with the great nation God promised.
Leviticus 26:40-42This passage speaks of God remembering his covenant with Israel even when they are in the land of their enemies, a theme echoed in God's promise to Jacob that He would not forget them in Egypt and would bring them back.
Deuteronomy 6:20-25This passage describes how parents are to explain God's laws and commands to their children, a principle that would become crucial for Israel to maintain their identity as a distinct people in Egypt, as instructed by Joseph.
Psalm 105:23-24This Psalm recounts Israel's settlement and flourishing in Egypt, highlighting how God 'made his people exceedingly fruitful' and 'made them stronger than their enemies,' underscoring the divine blessing on their sojourn.
calvinGenesis 46:1-34: "And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac."
- Et dixit Deus ad Israel in visi onibus noctis, dixit inquam, Jahacob Jahacob. Ille respondit, Ecce, adsum.
3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
- Et dixit, Ego sum Deus, Deus patris tui: ne timeas descendere in Aegyptum: quia in gentem magnam ponam to ibi…
pooleGenesis 46:33: "And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?"
No text from Poole on this verse.
Pharaoh's question isn't just a casual inquiry; it's a direct test of their identity and purpose within Egypt. Joseph instructs his brothers to identify themselves as "men of cattle" to secure their residence in Goshen, highlighting that their ancient, pastoral occupation, though despised by Egyptians, is precisely what grants them a distinct place. This reveals that our skills and heritage, even those considered lowly by the world, can be the very things that lead us to God's provision and protection.
Joseph has just revealed himself to his brothers, setting the stage for their entire family to move to Egypt. As Jacob and his household prepare for this monumental journey, Joseph coaches his brothers on how to present themselves to Pharaoh, emphasizing their identity as shepherds to secure a place for them in the fertile region of Goshen, away from the Egyptians.
Joseph has just revealed himself to his brothers, setting the stage for their entire family to move to Egypt. As Jacob and his household prepare for this monumental journey, Joseph coaches his brothers on how to present themselves to Pharaoh, emphasizing their identity as shepherds to secure a place for them in the fertile region of Goshen, away from the Egyptians.
"When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every…" — Pharaoh's question isn't just a casual inquiry; it's a direct test of their identity and purpose within Egypt. Joseph instructs his brothers to identify themselves as "men of cattle" to secure their…
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Last reviewed October 2026
