The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh's offer to put "men of activity" among Jacob's sons in charge of his livestock is a surprising detail that might be easily missed. It suggests that while shepherds were sometimes viewed with disdain, Pharaoh recognized the potential for these men to manage his own valuable herds, highlighting their practical skills over any social stigma.
The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph has brought his family to Egypt to escape the famine in Canaan, and Pharaoh, impressed by Joseph's wisdom and status, grants them permission to settle. Pharaoh, recognizing their profession as shepherds, offers them the fertile region of Goshen and even suggests appointing capable among them to oversee his own livestock. This generous offer allows Jacob and his family to establish themselves in Egypt, setting the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement.
Pharaoh generously offers Joseph's family the 'best of the land.' Why was Goshen considered so prime, and what does this say about God's provision?
Pharaoh, recognizing the family's occupation as shepherds, directs them to the land of Goshen. Commentaries suggest Goshen was indeed a prime location, particularly suited for livestock due to its proximity to the Nile and abundant pastures.
This highlights how God often provides not just the bare necessities, but the very best, even when His people are sojourners in a foreign land.
Pharaoh doesn't just offer a place to live; he offers employment. What does 'men of activity' really mean here, and why was this distinction important?
Pharaoh’s instruction to Joseph includes identifying 'men of activity' among his brothers for leadership roles over the royal cattle. The Hebrew term 'anshey chayil' signifies men of strength, valor, or capability. This wasn't just about physical strength but also mental acumen and managerial skill.
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This shows that God can use our skills and talents, even those honed in challenging circumstances, to bring Him glory and serve others, often in roles of responsibility.
Understand the original words
'erets · Hebrew Noun
A term often used in Scripture for the territory or country occupied by a particular people or group, frequently associated with divine promise or inheritance. In this context, it represents a place of residence granted by the Egyptian state.
Par‘oh · Egyptian (transliterated into Hebrew) Noun
The title given to the supreme ruler of Egypt. In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh often functions as the symbol of earthly power and the sovereignty of the nations with which the people of God interact.
Pharaoh's directive to settle Jacob's family in Goshen, the 'the best of the land,' highlights the immediate need for sustenance and pasture due to the famine. It also sets the stage for the Israelites' future growth and eventual enslavement in Egypt.
c. 1700 BC— this verse
Jacob's Family Migrates to Egypt
Driven by a severe famine in Canaan, Jacob and his entire family, numbering around 70 people, migrate to Egypt under the guidance of Joseph, who had risen to a high position of power there.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph Settles Family in Goshen
Joseph arranges for his father and brothers to settle in the fertile region of Goshen, a prime area for livestock grazing, as instructed by Pharaoh.
c. 1700 BC
Jacob's Audience with Pharaoh
Jacob himself is presented to Pharaoh, who receives him kindly and inquires about his age. This formal meeting signifies the acceptance of the Israelite family into Egypt.
c. 1600-1500 BC
The Hyksos Rule in Egypt
This period saw the reign of the Hyksos, a group of foreign rulers (possibly Semitic peoples) who controlled Lower Egypt. Their presence might explain the relative ease with which Joseph and his family were initially integrated.
c. 1550-1290 BC
New Kingdom Period
Following the expulsion of the Hyksos, the New Kingdom period began. Later in this era, the Israelites' growing population and presence may have become a source of concern for Egyptian rulers, eventually leading to enslavement.
This passage shows the fulfillment of the blessing on Jacob's descendants to multiply greatly, echoing the provision made for them in Goshen.
Genesis 45:10-11This verse highlights Joseph's assurance that Pharaoh would provide for his family, underscoring the king's generous provision mentioned here in Genesis 47:6.
Psalm 105:23-24This psalm recounts God's action in sending Joseph to Egypt and how Israel prospered there, directly connecting to the settling of Jacob's family in Goshen.
Genesis 46:33-34This passage immediately precedes Genesis 47:6 and explains why Joseph instructed his brothers to identify themselves as shepherds, a detail crucial for Pharaoh's subsequent offer of Goshen and leadership over his livestock.
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…
clarkeGenesis 47:6: "The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle."
In the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell - So it appears that the land of Goshen was the best of the land of Egypt. Men of activity - אנשי חיל anshey chayil, stout or robust men - such as were capab…
Pharaoh's offer to put "men of activity" among Jacob's sons in charge of his livestock is a surprising detail that might be easily missed. It suggests that while shepherds were sometimes viewed with disdain, Pharaoh recognized the potential for these men to manage his own valuable herds, highlighting their practical skills over any social stigma.
Joseph has brought his family to Egypt to escape the famine in Canaan, and Pharaoh, impressed by Joseph's wisdom and status, grants them permission to settle. Pharaoh, recognizing their profession as shepherds, offers them the fertile region of Goshen and even suggests appointing capable among them to oversee his own livestock. This generous offer allows Jacob and his family to establish themselves in Egypt, setting the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement.
Joseph has brought his family to Egypt to escape the famine in Canaan, and Pharaoh, impressed by Joseph's wisdom and status, grants them permission to settle. Pharaoh, recognizing their profession as shepherds, offers them the fertile region of Goshen and even suggests appointing capable among them to oversee his own livestock. This generous offer allows Jacob and his family to establish themselves in Egypt, setting the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement.
"The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”" — Pharaoh's offer to put "men of activity" among Jacob's sons in charge of his livestock is a surprising detail that might be easily missed. It suggests that while shepherds were sometimes viewed with…
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Last reviewed October 2026