Bible Strands
Genesis 47:6
the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Pharaoh speaks to Joseph immediately after being informed of his father and brothers' arrival. He issues the directive before Joseph brings Jacob into his presence.
The words — The verb `ho.Shev` (cause to dwell) commands the placement of the family in `be./mei.Tav` (the best of) the land. These terms establish the authorized location and administrative priority for the settlement.
The thread — The directive is executed in Genesis 47:11 when Joseph settles his family in the best part of the land. The administrative principle of appointing capable individuals aligns with the selection standards in Exodus 18:21 and the occupational promise in Proverbs 22:29.
Why it lands — The text records a royal decree that secures physical refuge and economic oversight for a specific family. It requires a reader to observe how political permission functions as the mechanism for covenant preservation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Genesis 47:11 So Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
- Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
- Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
- Genesis 47:4 Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”
- Exodus 18:25 So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
- 2 Chronicles 26:10 Since he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain, he built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns. And since he was a lover of the soil, he had farmers and vinedressers in the hill country and in the fertile fields.
- Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.”
- Genesis 20:15 And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.”
- Genesis 34:10 You may settle among us, and the land will be open to you. Live here, move about freely, and acquire your own property.”
- Genesis 45:18 Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’