They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is the purposeful inclusion of "their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan." This isn't just a throwaway detail; it highlights that Jacob and his family weren't arriving in Egypt destitute. They were bringing their hard-won substance, a testament to God's provision even amidst hardship, refusing to be seen as utterly dependent or impoverished.
They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After years of separation, Jacob and his entire family are finally journeying to Egypt to reunite with Joseph. God has just reassured Jacob not to fear this move, promising to make him a great nation there and bring them back. This verse marks the physical act of Jacob and all his descendants, along with their possessions and livestock acquired in Canaan, making the actual transition into Egypt.
The family of Jacob is relocating to Egypt, a land of both promise and uncertainty. What do they decide to bring with them on this monumental journey, and why?
Bringing Everything That Matters
As Jacob and his entire household move to Egypt, they don't just pack up their belongings; they deliberately bring their cattle and goods acquired in Canaan. This wasn't about clinging to worldly possessions out of greed. Instead, it was a practical demonstration of faith and self-reliance.
Securing Their Future
Jacob is leaving the land God promised to his ancestors. What does this move signify for his faith and his family's identity?
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More Than Just Moving House
This wasn't merely a family migration; it was a pivotal moment in God's covenant history. Jacob's journey into Egypt, though driven by famine, was also guided by God's promise.
God's Hand in the Journey:
Understand the original words
Kena'an · Hebrew Proper Noun
The promised land given by God to Abraham and his descendants as an everlasting possession, serving as the setting for covenant history.
Ya'aqov · Hebrew Proper Noun
A patriarch of Israel, formerly known as Jacob, who received the covenant promises from God and became the father of the twelve tribes.
This migration into Egypt marks a pivotal moment, transitioning the covenant family from a nomadic, land-owning group in Canaan to a settled, albeit enslaved, population in Egypt, setting the stage for the Exodus narrative.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham settles in Canaan
God promises Abraham numerous descendants and the land of Canaan, establishing a covenant.
c. 1750 BC
Isaac inherits the promise
Isaac continues the covenant line, facing famine and relying on God's promises.
c. 1720 BC
Jacob flees to Padan-Aram
Jacob, seeking a wife and escaping Esau's anger, leaves Canaan for his uncle Laban's home.
c. 1700 BC - 1670 BC
Jacob's family grows in Padan-Aram
Jacob works and prospers, fathering 11 sons and Dinah before returning to Canaan.
c. 1670 BC - 1660 BC
Jacob's return and prosperity in Canaan
Jacob returns to Canaan, reunites with Esau, and establishes his household, acquiring significant wealth and livestock.
c. 1660 BC
Joseph is sold into slavery
Jacob's favorite son, Joseph, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt.
c. 1660 BC - 1650 BC
Joseph rises to power in Egypt
Despite hardship, Joseph rises to prominence in Egypt through God's favor, eventually becoming second-in-command.
This verse echoes the journey of Jacob's family, highlighting how God led their ancestors from Mesopotamia and brought them to Canaan, setting the stage for their eventual move to Egypt.
Deuteronomy 10:22This passage directly references the small number of Jacob's descendants who first went down to Egypt, emphasizing the miracle of their subsequent growth into a vast nation, mirroring the context of Genesis 46.
Acts 7:14-15Stephen recounts the descent into Egypt in his speech, including the number of Jacob's descendants, providing a New Testament perspective on this pivotal migration and its significance.
Genesis 15:13-14This prophecy given to Abraham directly foretells that his descendants would be strangers in a foreign land for 400 years, then come out with great possessions, a promise that is being fulfilled as Jacob's family moves to Egypt with their accumulated goods.
gillGenesis 46:6: "And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:"
And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan,.... Some interpreters add, by way of explanation, and in Mesopotamia; much of Jacob's substance being yet there, though the greatest part was got in Canaan, and so that is put for the whole; and Jarchi supposes that Jacob gave all that he got in Pa…
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…
What's easy to miss here is the purposeful inclusion of "their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan." This isn't just a throwaway detail; it highlights that Jacob and his family weren't arriving in Egypt destitute. They were bringing their hard-won substance, a testament to God's provision even amidst hardship, refusing to be seen as utterly dependent or impoverished.
After years of separation, Jacob and his entire family are finally journeying to Egypt to reunite with Joseph. God has just reassured Jacob not to fear this move, promising to make him a great nation there and bring them back. This verse marks the physical act of Jacob and all his descendants, along with their possessions and livestock acquired in Canaan, making the actual transition into Egypt.
After years of separation, Jacob and his entire family are finally journeying to Egypt to reunite with Joseph. God has just reassured Jacob not to fear this move, promising to make him a great nation there and bring them back. This verse marks the physical act of Jacob and all his descendants, along with their possessions and livestock acquired in Canaan, making the actual transition into Egypt.
"They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him," — What's easy to miss here is the purposeful inclusion of "their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan." This isn't just a throwaway detail; it highlights that Jacob and his family weren't…
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Last reviewed October 2026