Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Israel settled in Goshen and "gained possessions," which might sound like outright ownership, but it actually signifies they secured a place to live and thrive. This was a pivotal moment, marking their establishment as a distinct people, not just refugees, but a community with a stake in the land, allowing them to flourish.
Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the end of a significant period where Joseph's family, fleeing famine, has been settled in Egypt by Pharaoh's decree. They've moved from being vulnerable refugees to establishing a life in Goshen, gaining property and experiencing God's blessing of fruitfulness and multiplication, which sets the stage for their future growth into a nation.
The descendants of Abraham are in Egypt, a land not their own. Yet, the verse states they 'gained possessions'. What does this mean when the land ultimately belonged to Pharaoh?
This verse highlights God's provision for His people, even in a foreign land and under foreign rule.
Rooted in Provision
While Pharaoh technically owned the land, the Israelites were granted the right to use and cultivate it in Goshen. This wasn't just about survival; it was about establishing a stable life.
Beyond Mere Tenancy
The 'possessions' likely included more than just temporary shelter. It implies they were able to farm, raise livestock, and build a life with a sense of permanence granted by Pharaoh's decree through Joseph. This allowed them to thrive.
A Foundation for Growth
Having these 'possessions' was crucial for the next stage: 'growing and multiplying exceedingly'. It provided the necessary resources and security for the nation to expand.
In a time of famine and displacement, the Israelites not only settled but also 'grew, and multiplied exceedingly.' How is this possible, and what does it reveal about God's plan?
This multiplication isn't just a biological increase; it's a divine blessing and a fulfillment of God's promises.
A Covenantal Promise
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From the very beginning, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Settling in Goshen, despite the challenging circumstances, provided the conditions for this promise to begin unfolding.
Distinct from the Host Nation
Being in Goshen, a distinct territory, allowed them to maintain their identity and kinship. This separation from the broader Egyptian culture, especially concerning marriage, was vital for their continued growth as a separate people chosen by God. Barnes commentary highlights this, noting the 'free from the contamination which arises from promiscuous intermarriage with an idolatrous race'.
God's Sovereign Hand
Their ability to multiply 'exceedingly' wasn't just due to favorable conditions, but God's active blessing. It demonstrated His power to bring life and increase even in a land where they were foreigners and, later, enslaved.
Understand the original words
Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun
A term used for the biological and covenantal descendants of the patriarch Jacob (Israel). It signifies the people chosen by God to bear His name and witness to the nations.
yashab · Hebrew Verb
To dwell, inhabit, or reside. In a theological sense, it often carries the weight of establishing one's place within a context provided by God, suggesting stability and belonging.
parah · Hebrew Verb
The divine blessing of productivity and growth, both physically and spiritually. It is the fulfillment of God’s mandate to His people to increase and expand under His providential care.
This verse marks the beginning of the Israelites' long sojourn in Egypt, a period initiated by famine but characterized by divine blessing, setting the stage for their future growth into a nation.
c. 1870-1850 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph's envious brothers sell him to traders, leading to his enslavement in Egypt where he eventually rises to power.
c. 1805-1795 BC
Great Famine grips Canaan and Egypt
A severe famine, interpreted by Joseph as divinely ordained, forces Jacob and his family to migrate from Canaan to Egypt in search of sustenance.
c. 1795 BC
Jacob's family settles in Goshen
Pharaoh grants Jacob and his family permission to settle in the fertile region of Goshen, a pastoral area in the northeastern Nile Delta.
c. 1795 BC— this verse
Israelites gain possessions in Goshen
The family of Israel settles in Goshen, acquiring property and experiencing significant growth and multiplication.
c. 1780-1778 BC
Jacob's final blessing and death
Jacob blesses his sons and expresses his desire to be buried in the ancestral tomb in Canaan, highlighting the ongoing connection to their promised land.
This passage echoes the idea of settling and possessing land, emphasizing God's promise of territory for His people, much like Israel finding a place in Goshen.
Psalm 105:24This Psalm directly refers to God making His people 'exceedingly fruitful' and 'more numerous than their foes' in Egypt, highlighting the multiplication aspect mentioned in Genesis.
Exodus 1:7This verse, written much later, directly references the 'fruitful and multiplying' of the descendants of Israel in Egypt, showing the continuation of the blessing established in Genesis 47:27.
Joshua 24:4In this passage, Joshua reminds the Israelites that God gave them land to inherit, including territory initially settled by their ancestors, tying the possession in Goshen to the larger promise of the land of Canaan.
calvinGenesis 47:1-31: "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."
- Et dixerunt ad Pharaonem, Ut peregrinaremur in hac terra, venimus, quia non est pascuum pecudibus, quae sunt servis tuis: gravis enim fames est in terra Chenaan: nunc igitur habitent quaeso servi tui in terra Gosen.
5 And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy fat…
gillGenesis 47:27: "And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly."
And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen,.... The historian returns to the account of the Israelites, having before observed the placing of them in Goshen by Joseph, at the direction of Pharaoh, in compliance with their own request; and here they continued until they were grown more numerous, when they were obliged to sp…
The verse highlights that Israel settled in Goshen and "gained possessions," which might sound like outright ownership, but it actually signifies they secured a place to live and thrive. This was a pivotal moment, marking their establishment as a distinct people, not just refugees, but a community with a stake in the land, allowing them to flourish.
This verse marks the end of a significant period where Joseph's family, fleeing famine, has been settled in Egypt by Pharaoh's decree. They've moved from being vulnerable refugees to establishing a life in Goshen, gaining property and experiencing God's blessing of fruitfulness and multiplication, which sets the stage for their future growth into a nation.
This verse marks the end of a significant period where Joseph's family, fleeing famine, has been settled in Egypt by Pharaoh's decree. They've moved from being vulnerable refugees to establishing a life in Goshen, gaining property and experiencing God's blessing of fruitfulness and multiplication, which sets the stage for their future growth into a nation.
"Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly." — The verse highlights that Israel settled in Goshen and "gained possessions," which might sound like outright ownership, but it actually signifies they secured a place to live and thrive. This was a p…
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Last reviewed October 2026