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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 47:3 "What is your occupation?" Pharaoh asked Joseph's brothers. "Your servants are shepherds," they replied, "both we and our fathers."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/47-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_47_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 47:3 - Jacob Settles in Goshen" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="What is your occupation? Pharaoh asked Joseph's brothers. Your servants are shepherds, they replied, both we and our fathers." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/47-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/47-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/47.htm">Chapter 47</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/47-2.htm" title="Genesis 47:2">◄</a> Genesis 47:3 <a href="/genesis/47-4.htm" title="Genesis 47:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/47.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/47.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Pharaoh asked the brothers, &#8220What is your occupation?&#8221 &#8220Your servants are shepherds,&#8221 they replied to Pharaoh, &#8220just as our fathers were.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/47.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?” They replied, “We, your servants, are shepherds, just like our ancestors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/47.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/47.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/47.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What <i>is</i> your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants <i>are</i> shepherds, both we, <i>and</i> also our fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/47.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What <i>is</i> your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants <i>are</i> shepherds, both we <i>and</i> also our fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/47.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” So they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/47.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, &#8220What is your occupation?&#8221 So they said to Pharaoh, &#8220Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/47.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” So they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/47.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” So they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/47.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And Pharaoh said to his brothers [as Joseph expected], “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers [before us].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/47.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Pharaoh asked his brothers, “What is your occupation? ” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants, both we and our ancestors, are shepherds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/47.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh asked his brothers, &#8220What is your occupation?&#8221 And they said to Pharaoh, &#8220Your servants, both we and our fathers, are shepherds.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/47.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/47.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />who asked them, "What do you do for a living?" "Sir, we are shepherds," was their answer. "Our families have always raised sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/47.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/47.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Pharaoh asked the brothers, "What kind of work do you do?" They answered Pharaoh, "We are shepherds, as were our ancestors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/47.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The king asked them, "What is your occupation?" "We are shepherds, sir, just as our ancestors were," they answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/47.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Pharaoh asked his brothers, "What are your occupations?" "Your servants are shepherds," they replied, "both we and our ancestors. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/47.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Pharaoh said to Joseph's brothers, "What is your occupation?" They said to Pharaoh, "Your servants take care of flocks, just as our ancestors did."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/47.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, "What is your occupation?" And they said to Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/47.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Pharaoh said to his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said to Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/47.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/47.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/47.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Pharaoh says to his brothers, “What [are] your works?” And they say to Pharaoh, “Your servants [are] feeders of a flock, both we and our fathers”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/47.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Pharaoh saith unto his brethren, 'What are your works?' and they say unto Pharaoh, 'Thy servants are feeders of a flock, both we and our fathers;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/47.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Pharaoh will say to his brethren, What your work? and they will say to Pharaoh, Thy servants were feeding sheep, also we, also our fathers.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/47.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he asked them: What is your occupation? They answered: Re thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/47.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he questioned them, “What do you have for work?” They responded: “Your servants are pastors of sheep, both we and our fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/47.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Pharaoh asked them, “What is your occupation?” they answered, “We, your servants, like our ancestors, are shepherds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/47.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our ancestors were.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/47.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Pharaoh said to Joseph's brothers, What is your occupation? And they said to Pharaoh, Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers, from our youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/47.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Pharaoh said to the brothers of Yoseph, “What is your work?”, and they said to Pharaoh: “Your Servants are Shepherds of sheep, even we and also our fathers from our youth.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/47.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Pharaoh said unto his brethren: 'What is your occupation?' And they said unto Pharaoh: 'Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/47.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Pharao said to the brethren of Joseph, What is your occupation? and they said to Pharao, Thy servants are shepherds, both we and our father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/47-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=12243" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/47.htm">Jacob Settles in Goshen</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>And he chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">is your occupation?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">Joseph’s brothers.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">“Your servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘êh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">are shepherds,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣōn (N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">“both</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">we</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">our fathers.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11</a></span><br />So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-13.htm">Exodus 1:13-14</a></span><br />They worked the Israelites ruthlessly / and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4-5</a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!” / Pharaoh also said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you would be stopping them from their labor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Exodus 6:6</a></span><br />Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-9.htm">Exodus 6:9</a></span><br />Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-11.htm">Exodus 6:11</a></span><br />“Go and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-13.htm">Exodus 6:13</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge concerning both the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-26.htm">Exodus 6:26</a></span><br />It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-28.htm">Exodus 6:28-30</a></span><br />Now on the day that the LORD spoke to Moses in Egypt, / He said to him, “I am the LORD; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I say to you.” / But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-16.htm">Exodus 7:16</a></span><br />Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/8-1.htm">Exodus 8:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-1.htm">Exodus 9:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-13.htm">Exodus 9:13</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, stand before Pharaoh, and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/10-3.htm">Exodus 10:3</a></span><br />So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him, “This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-31.htm">Exodus 12:31</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Pharaoh said to his brothers, What is your occupation? And they said to Pharaoh, Your servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.</p><p class="hdg">What is.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/46-33.htm">Genesis 46:33,34</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What <i>is</i> your occupation? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14,15</a></b></br> Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I <i>was</i> no prophet, neither <i>was</i> I a prophet's son; but I <i>was</i> an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jonah/1-8.htm">Jonah 1:8</a></b></br> Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil <i>is</i> upon us; What <i>is</i> thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what <i>is</i> thy country? and of what people <i>art</i> thou?</p><p class="hdg">shepherds.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-2.htm">Genesis 4:2</a></b></br> And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/46-33.htm">Business</a> <a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Feeders</a> <a href="/genesis/47-1.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">Occupation</a> <a href="/genesis/47-2.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/47-1.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/genesis/46-33.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Business</a> <a href="/genesis/47-9.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Feeders</a> <a href="/genesis/47-17.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/exodus/2-17.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Occupation</a> <a href="/genesis/47-4.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/genesis/47-4.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/47-17.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/exodus/2-17.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/exodus/5-4.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 47</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-1.htm">Joseph presents his father, and five of his brothers before Pharaoh.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-11.htm">He gives them habitation and maintenance.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-13.htm">He gets the Egyptian's money;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-16.htm">their cattle;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-18.htm">and their lands, except the priests', to Pharaoh.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-23.htm">He restores the land for a fifth.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-28.htm">Jacob's age.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">He swears Joseph to bury him with his fathers.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/47.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/47.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“What is your occupation?”</b><br>Pharaoh's question to Joseph's brothers is significant in the context of ancient Egypt, where occupations were often tied to social status and identity. In Egyptian society, shepherds were generally looked down upon, as Egyptians considered sheep unclean. This question also reflects the importance of work and identity in the biblical narrative, where one's occupation often signifies one's role and purpose. The inquiry by Pharaoh can be seen as a test of character and honesty, as well as a means to understand the newcomers' place in the Egyptian social hierarchy.<p><b>Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers.</b><br>This interaction highlights the favor Joseph had with Pharaoh, allowing his family direct access to the ruler of Egypt. It underscores Joseph's elevated status and the trust Pharaoh placed in him. The presence of Joseph's brothers before Pharaoh fulfills the earlier dreams Joseph had, where his family would bow to him, indicating his leadership and God's providence in their lives. This moment also sets the stage for the Israelites' settlement in Egypt, which is a pivotal development in the biblical narrative.<p><b>“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied,</b><br>The brothers' response is straightforward and honest, acknowledging their humble occupation. This admission aligns with their identity and heritage, as shepherding was a common occupation among the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The term "servants" reflects a posture of humility and respect towards Pharaoh, recognizing his authority. This response also foreshadows the Israelites' future as a distinct people within Egypt, maintaining their cultural and occupational identity.<p><b>“both we and our fathers.”</b><br>By mentioning their fathers, the brothers emphasize the continuity and tradition of their occupation, linking themselves to their ancestral heritage. This connection to their forefathers highlights the importance of family and tradition in the biblical narrative. It also serves as a reminder of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reinforcing the idea that the Israelites are a chosen people with a distinct purpose. This phrase underscores the theme of faithfulness to one's heritage and the enduring nature of God's promises throughout generations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt, who holds significant power and authority. In this context, he is interacting with Joseph's brothers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>The sons of Jacob, who have come to Egypt due to the famine in Canaan. They are seeking sustenance and a place to live.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his family seeks refuge during the famine.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/shepherds.htm">Shepherds</a></b><br>The occupation of Joseph's brothers, which is significant in the cultural and historical context of the time.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_identity_and_faithfulness.htm">Cultural Identity and Faithfulness</a></b><br>Joseph's brothers openly declare their occupation as shepherds, despite its low status in Egyptian society. This teaches us the importance of maintaining our identity and values, even when they are counter-cultural.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_in_times_of_need.htm">God's Provision in Times of Need</a></b><br>The brothers' journey to Egypt and their interaction with Pharaoh demonstrate God's provision and guidance during times of famine and hardship. We can trust God to provide for us in our times of need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_service.htm">Humility and Service</a></b><br>The occupation of shepherding, often seen as humble and lowly, is embraced by Joseph's family. This reflects the biblical theme that God values humility and service over status and power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intercultural_interactions.htm">Intercultural Interactions</a></b><br>The encounter between Joseph's family and Pharaoh highlights the challenges and opportunities in intercultural interactions. As Christians, we are called to navigate these interactions with wisdom and integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_47.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 47</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_israelites_supply_many_sacrifice_animals.htm">How could the Israelites realistically supply the large number of animals required for the consecutive sacrifices in Numbers 29? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_egyptian_record_of_joseph.htm">If Joseph became a high-ranking Egyptian official, why is there no Egyptian record of him?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_non-biblical_record_of_gen_47.htm">Why is there no clear non-biblical documentation of both a severe seven-year famine and the Hebrews thriving in Egypt (Genesis 47)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_goshen_called_'the_best_land'.htm">How can the land of Goshen be 'the best of the land' (Genesis 47:6) given Egypt's own fertile regions and the scarce mention of Goshen in historical texts?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/47.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Also our fathers.</span>--Joseph had instructed them to add this (<a href="/genesis/46-34.htm" title="That you shall say, Your servants' trade has been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.">Genesis 46:34</a>), because occupations were hereditary among the Egyptians, and thus Pharaoh would conclude that in their case also no change was possible in their mode of life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/47.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Pharaoh said unto his</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> Joseph's) <span class="cmt_word">brethren</span>, <span class="cmt_word">What is your occupation?</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/46-33.htm">Genesis 46:33</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And they said unto Pharaoh</span>, - as directed (<a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/47-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is your occupation?”</span><br /><span class="heb">מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ma·‘ă·śê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> </span><span class="str2">An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Pharaoh</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּרְעֹ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(par·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֧אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Joseph’s] brothers.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Your servants</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are shepherds,”</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹעֵ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(rō·‘êh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“both</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנַ֖חְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·naḥ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our fathers.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">OT Law: Genesis 47:3 Pharaoh said to his brothers What (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/47-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 47:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 47:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/47-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 47:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 47:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>