Verse

Genesis 46:32

ESV And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’
NIV The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’
NASB and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’
CSB The men are shepherds; they also raise livestock. They have brought their flocks and herds and all that they have.’
NLT These men are shepherds, and they raise livestock. They have brought with them their flocks and herds and everything they own.’'
KJV 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.
NKJV And the men are shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’

What does Genesis 46:32 mean?

Joseph's father Jacob, and his large family, have arrived in Egypt in the land of Goshen. They have come at the insistence of Pharaoh with the promise they would be given the best of the land (Genesis 45:16–20). Jacob has accepted this offer, with God's blessing (Genesis 46:1–4). His family faced starvation from the severe famine. Joseph understood that God's intention all along was to install him in a position of power in Egypt in order that his family might be saved at this very time (Genesis 45:7–8).

Having reunited, Joseph seems intent on securing his family's position in Goshen with Pharaoh's full enthusiasm. This includes presenting themselves honestly, but with as little offense as possible to the local culture (1 Corinthians 10:32). He wants to present the people of Israel as lifelong herdsmen, emphasizing their relationship with cattle, which were held in high regard by Egyptian culture. At the same time, Joseph seems to downplay the family's association with sheep, which were not so honored (Genesis 46:33–34).
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