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Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/46-34.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/01_Gen_46_34.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 46:34 - Jacob Arrives in Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="you are to say, 'Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth--both we and our fathers.' Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." /><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/46-34.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/46-34.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/46.htm">Chapter 46</a> > Verse 34</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="/ad14.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/46-33.htm" title="Genesis 46:33">◄</a> Genesis 46:34 <a href="/genesis/47-1.htm" title="Genesis 47:1">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/46.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/46.htm">New International Version</a> you should answer, &#8216Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.&#8217 Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/46.htm">New Living Translation</a> you must tell him, ‘We, your servants, have raised livestock all our lives, as our ancestors have always done.’ When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the region of Goshen, for the Egyptians despise shepherds.” <a href="/esv/genesis/46.htm">English Standard Version</a> you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/46.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/46.htm">King James Bible</a> That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/46.htm">New King James Version</a> that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till 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.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/46.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock since our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ so that you may live in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/46.htm">NASB 1995</a> you shall say, &#8216Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,&#8217 that you may live in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/46.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ that you may live in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/46.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> then you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth and until now, both we and our fathers,’ that you may live in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” <a href="/amp/genesis/46.htm">Amplified Bible</a> you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth until now, both we and our fathers [before us],’ in order that you may live [separately and securely] in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is repulsive to the Egyptians.” <a href="/csb/genesis/46.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> you are to say, ‘Your servants, both we and our ancestors, have raised livestock from our youth until now.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to Egyptians.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/46.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> you are to say, &#8216Your servants, both we and our fathers, have raised livestock from our youth until now.&#8217 Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are abhorrent to Egyptians.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/46.htm">American Standard Version</a> that ye shall say, Thy servants have been keepers of cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. <a href="/cev/genesis/46.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When he does, be sure to say, "We are shepherds. Our families have always raised sheep." If you tell him this, he will let you settle in the region of Goshen. Joseph wanted them to say this to the king, because the Egyptians did not like to be around anyone who raised sheep. <a href="/erv/genesis/46.htm">English Revised Version</a> that ye shall say, Thy servants have been keepers of cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. <a href="/gwt/genesis/46.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> you must answer, 'We have taken care of herds all our lives, as our ancestors have done.' [You must say this] so that you may live in the region of Goshen, because all shepherds are disgusting to Egyptians." <a href="/gnt/genesis/46.htm">Good News Translation</a> be sure to tell him that you have taken care of livestock all your lives, just as your ancestors did. In this way he will let you live in the region of Goshen." Joseph said this because Egyptians will have nothing to do with shepherds. <a href="/isv/genesis/46.htm">International Standard Version</a> you are to tell him, 'Your servants have been taking care of livestock since we were youths. We and our ancestors have taken care of livestock.' That way, you'll be able to live in the Goshen territory, since shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." <a href="/msb/genesis/46.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> you are to say, ?Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth?both we and our fathers.? Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.? <a href="/net/genesis/46.htm">NET Bible</a> Tell him, 'Your servants have taken care of cattle from our youth until now, both we and our fathers,' so that you may live in the land of Goshen, for everyone who takes care of sheep is disgusting to the Egyptians." <a href="/nheb/genesis/46.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that you are to say, 'Your servants have looked after livestock from our youth until now, both we, and our fathers: 'in order that you may settle in the land of Goshen; since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." <a href="/wbt/genesis/46.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That ye shall say, The occupation of thy servants hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians. <a href="/web/genesis/46.htm">World English Bible</a> that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/46.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> That you have said, Your servants have been men of livestock from our youth, even until now, both we and our fathers, in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for the abomination of the Egyptians is everyone feeding a flock.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/46.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that ye have said, Thy servants have been men of cattle from our youth, even until now, both we and our fathers, -- in order that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen, for the abomination of the Egyptians is every one feeding a flock.' <a href="/slt/genesis/46.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And saying, Thy servants were men of cattle from our childhood and till now; also we, also our fathers; that ye shall dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd of sheep is an abomination to the Egyptians.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/46.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You shall answer: We thy servants are shepherds, from our infancy until now, both we and our fathers. And this you shall say, that you may dwell in the land of Gessen, because the Egyptians have all shepherds in abomination. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/46.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You will respond, ‘Your servants are pastors of honor, from our infancy even to the present time, both we and our fathers.’ Now you will say this so that you may be able to live in the land of Goshen, because the Egyptians detest all pastors of sheep.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/46.htm">New American Bible</a> you must answer, ‘We your servants, like our ancestors, have been owners of livestock from our youth until now,’ in order that you may stay in the region of Goshen, since all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians.” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/46.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our ancestors’—in order that you may settle in the land of Goshen, because all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/46.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You shall say to him, Your servants are cattle raisers from their youth even until now, both we and also our fathers; that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for the Egyptians despise all those who feed sheep. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/46.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Say to him, ‘My Lord, your Servants have been cattle men from their youth until now, also we and also our fathers’, because you will dwell in the land of Geshan because Egyptians despise all Shepherds of sheep.’” <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/46.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> that ye shall say: Thy servants have been keepers of cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers; that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.' <a href="/sep/genesis/46.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Ye shall say, We thy servants are herdsmen from our youth until now, both we and our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Gesem of Arabia, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians. <a href="/parallel/genesis/46-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=12211" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/46.htm">Jacob Arrives in Egypt</a> …33When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wa·’ă·mar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">you are to say,</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/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4735.htm" title="4735: miq·neh (N-ms) -- Cattle. From qanah; something bought, i.e. Property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition.">have raised livestock</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5271.htm" title="5271: min·nə·‘ū·rê·nū (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Or naur; and nturah; properly, passive participle from na'ar as denominative; youth, the state or the persons.">ever since our youth</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: wə·‘aḏ- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">—</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·ṯê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">our fathers.’</a> <a href="/hebrew/5668.htm" title="5668: ba·‘ă·ḇūr (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or rabur; passive participle of abar; properly, crossed, i.e. transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that.">Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: tê·šə·ḇū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">you will be allowed to settle</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bə·’e·reṣ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/1657.htm" title="1657: gō·šen (N-proper-fs) -- Probably of Egyptian origin; Goshen, the residence of the Israelites in Egypt; also a place in Palestine.">of Goshen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</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.">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/8441.htm" title="8441: ṯō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ (N-fsc) -- Or tonebah; feminine active participle of ta'ab; properly, something disgusting, i.e. an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol.">are detestable</a> <a href="/hebrew/4713.htm" title="4713: miṣ·ra·yim (N-proper-fs) -- Inhab. of Eg. From Mitsrayim; a Mitsrite, or inhabitant of Mitsrajim.">to the Egyptians.”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/8-26.htm">Exodus 8:26</a> But Moses replied, “It would not be right to do that, because the sacrifices we offer to the LORD our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. If we offer sacrifices that are detestable before the Egyptians, will they not stone us? <a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Genesis 43:32</a> They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them. <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3-4</a> “What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.” / 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.” <a href="/genesis/37-2.htm">Genesis 37:2</a> This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them. <a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a> And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-15.htm">1 Samuel 17:15</a> but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem. <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-36</a> David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” <a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">2 Samuel 7:8</a> Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. <a href="/amos/1-1.htm">Amos 1:1</a> These are the words of Amos, who was among the sheepherders of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel. <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8</a> And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-14</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ... <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. <a href="/matthew/25-32.htm">Matthew 25:32-33</a> All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a> Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. / And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.Thy servants.<a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Genesis 46:32</a> And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.<a href="/genesis/30-35.htm">Genesis 30:35</a> And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.<a href="/genesis/34-5.htm">Genesis 34:5</a> And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.for every.<a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Genesis 43:32</a> And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.<a href="/exodus/8-26.htm">Exodus 8:26</a> And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/45-10.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/genesis/45-2.htm">Egyptians</a> <a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Goshen</a> <a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Livestock</a> <a href="/genesis/46-33.htm">Occupation</a> <a href="/genesis/45-16.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/4-2.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Trade</a> <a href="/genesis/44-34.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/8-26.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/genesis/47-1.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/47-4.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/genesis/47-15.htm">Egyptians</a> <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/genesis/47-1.htm">Goshen</a> <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/genesis/47-6.htm">Livestock</a> <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Occupation</a> <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/48-15.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-3.htm">Trade</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-13.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 46</div>1. <a href="/genesis/46-1.htm">Jacob is comforted by God at Beersheba.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/46-5.htm">Thence he with his company goes into Egypt.</a> 8. <a href="/genesis/46-8.htm">The number of his family that went into Egypt.</a> 28. <a href="/genesis/46-28.htm">Joseph meets Jacob.</a> 31. <a href="/genesis/46-31.htm">He instructs his brothers how to answer Pharaoh.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/46.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/46.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ This phrase highlights the occupation of Jacob's family, emphasizing their long-standing tradition of raising livestock. In the ancient Near East, pastoralism was a common way of life, and this statement underscores the Israelites' identity as shepherds. This occupation was passed down through generations, indicating a deep-rooted cultural heritage. The patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were all involved in livestock management, which was a significant part of their wealth and livelihood (<a href="/genesis/13-2.htm">Genesis 13:2</a>, <a href="/genesis/26-14.htm">Genesis 26:14</a>). This tradition also foreshadows the future role of Israel as shepherds of God's people, a theme that recurs throughout Scripture (Psalm 23, <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, Goshen was a fertile region in the northeastern part of Egypt, ideal for grazing livestock. This area provided the Israelites with the resources needed to thrive and grow as a nation. The strategic location of Goshen allowed them to maintain their distinct cultural and religious identity while being in proximity to the Egyptian civilization. This settlement in Goshen was part of God's providential plan to preserve and multiply the Israelites, setting the stage for their eventual exodus and fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham (<a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Genesis 15:13-14</a>).since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.” The Egyptians' disdain for shepherds is rooted in cultural and social differences. Egyptians were primarily an agrarian society, and their religious practices often involved the worship of animals, which may have contributed to their aversion to those who raised livestock. This cultural bias ensured that the Israelites would remain separate from the Egyptians, preserving their identity and preventing assimilation. This separation is significant in the biblical narrative, as it allowed the Israelites to grow into a distinct nation, fulfilling God's covenant promises. The theme of separation from surrounding nations is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing holiness and dedication to God (<a href="/leviticus/20-26.htm">Leviticus 20:26</a>, <a href="/2_corinthians/6-17.htm">2 Corinthians 6:17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> - The son of Jacob who became a powerful leader in Egypt. He orchestrates the settlement of his family in Egypt. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (Israel)</a> - The patriarch of the Israelites, father of Joseph, and the one who moves his family to Egypt. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> - The ruler of Egypt who allows Joseph's family to settle in Goshen. 4. <a href="/topical/g/goshen.htm">Goshen</a> - The region in Egypt where Joseph's family is to settle, known for its fertile land. 5. <a href="/topical/e/egyptians.htm">Egyptians</a> - The people of Egypt who find shepherds detestable, influencing the settlement of Jacob's family.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_provision.htm">God's Sovereignty in Provision</a> God orchestrates events to provide for His people, even in foreign lands. Trust in His provision and guidance. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_distinctions_and_god's_plan.htm">Cultural Distinctions and God's Plan</a> The Egyptians' disdain for shepherds sets the stage for Israel's separation and growth as a distinct nation. God uses cultural differences to fulfill His purposes. <a href="/topical/i/identity_and_integrity.htm">Identity and Integrity</a> Joseph instructs his family to be honest about their occupation. Upholding integrity is crucial, even when it might lead to prejudice or misunderstanding. <a href="/topical/g/god's_favor_in_unlikely_places.htm">God's Favor in Unlikely Places</a> Despite being in a foreign land, God grants favor to Joseph's family. Look for God's blessings and opportunities in unexpected situations. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_future_deliverance.htm">Preparation for Future Deliverance</a> The settlement in Goshen sets the stage for the eventual Exodus. Recognize how current circumstances may be preparing you for future deliverance or mission.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_46.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 46</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'vagabond'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What is Goshen's biblical significance?</a> <a href="/q/could_jacob's_household_migrate_to_egypt_easily.htm">How historically plausible is it that the entire household of Jacob (Genesis 46:6-7) could migrate to Egypt with no mention of the logistical or political challenges involved?</a> <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 href="/q/evidence_of_jacob's_family_in_egypt.htm">What archaeological or historical records support, or conflict with, the notion of Jacob's large family settling in Egypt (Genesis 46)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/46.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) For every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.--This is probably a remark of the narrator, and it is confirmed by the monuments, which generally represent shepherds as unshaven and ill-dressed. Necessarily the Egyptians had sheep and cattle (<a href="/context/genesis/47-16.htm" title="And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.">Genesis 47:16-17</a>), and even Pharaoh had herds (<a href="/genesis/47-6.htm" title="The land of Egypt is before you; in the best of the land make your father and brothers to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if you know any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.">Genesis 47:6</a>); but the care of them was probably left by the peasantry to the women and children, while the men busied themselves with the cultivation of their fields. We need not go far to seek for the cause of this dislike. The word "abomination," first of all, suggests a religious ground of difference; and not only did shepherds probably kill animals worshipped in different Egyptian districts, but their religion generally was diverse from that of the fixed population. But next, men who lead a settled life always dislike wandering clans, whose cattle are too likely to prey upon their enclosed land (see Note on <a href="/genesis/4-8.htm" title="And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.">Genesis 4:8</a>), and who, moving from place to place, are usually not very scrupulous as to the rights of property. Such nomades, too, are generally lower in civilisation, and more rude and rough, than men who have fixed homes. The subjugation of Egypt by the Hyksos was possibly subsequent to the era of Joseph; but we now know from Egyptian sources that there was perpetual war between Egypt and the Hittites, and probably raids were often made upon the rich fields on the banks of the Nile by other Semitic tribes dwelling upon its eastern frontier; and as all these wore regarded as shepherds, there was ground enough for the dislike of all nomades as a class, even though the Egyptians did not disdain to have cattle themselves. But as the land in the Nile Valley was arable, the cattle kept would only be such as were useful for agriculture, whereas they formed the main wealth of the Israelites. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/46-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>you are to say, וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֗ם (wa·’ă·mar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Your servants עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant have raised livestock מִקְנֶ֜ה (miq·neh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4735.htm">Strong's 4735: </a> Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition ever since our youth— מִנְּעוּרֵ֣ינוּ (min·nə·‘ū·rê·nū) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5271.htm">Strong's 5271: </a> Youth, the state, the persons both גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and we אֲנַ֖חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We and גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and our fathers.’ אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ (’ă·ḇō·ṯê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father Then בַּעֲב֗וּר (ba·‘ă·ḇūr) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5668.htm">Strong's 5668: </a> Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that you will be allowed to settle תֵּשְׁבוּ֙ (tê·šə·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in the land בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land of Goshen, גֹּ֔שֶׁן (gō·šen) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1657.htm">Strong's 1657: </a> Goshen -- a district in Egypt, also a city in southern Judah since כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every shepherds רֹ֥עֵה (rō·‘êh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with are detestable תוֹעֲבַ֥ת (ṯō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8441.htm">Strong's 8441: </a> Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol to the Egyptians.” מִצְרַ֖יִם (miṣ·ra·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4713.htm">Strong's 4713: </a> Egyptian -- inhabitant of Egypt <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">OT Law: Genesis 46:34 That you shall say 'Your servants have (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/46-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 46:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 46:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/47-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 47:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 47:1" /></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>