Genesis 46:32
Genesis 46:32 in Multiple Translations
The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’
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.
and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.
And these men are keepers of sheep and owners of cattle, and have with them their flocks and their herds and all they have.
They are shepherds and keep livestock. They have brought with them their flocks and herds and all their possessions.’
And the men are shepheardes, and because they are shepheardes, they haue brought their sheepe and their cattell, and all that they haue.
and the men [are] feeders of a flock, for they have been men of cattle; and their flock, and their herd, and all that they have, they have brought.'
These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’
And the men are shepherds, for their employment hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.
And the men are shepherds, and their occupation is to feed cattle: their flocks and herds, and all they have, they have brought with them.
The men are all shepherds. They take care of their livestock, and they have brought with them their sheep and goats and cattle, and everything else that they own.’
All the men in my father’s family, they look after animals. They brought all their sheep here, and all their cows, and everything else that they own.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 46:32
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 46:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
רֹ֣עֵי
צֹ֔אן
כִּֽי
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
מִקְנֶ֖ה
הָי֑וּ
וְ/צֹאנָ֧/ם
וּ/בְקָרָ֛/ם
וְ/כָל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לָ/הֶ֖ם
הֵבִֽיאוּ
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Art | N-mp
רֹ֣עֵי
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
צֹ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
מִקְנֶ֖ה
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-ms
הָי֑וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/צֹאנָ֧/ם
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Conj | N-cs | Suff
וּ/בְקָרָ֛/ם
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Conj | N-cs | Suff
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
הֵבִֽיאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 46:32
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
רֹ֣עֵי
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
צֹ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִקְנֶ֖ה
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-ms
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
הָי֑וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
וְ/צֹאנָ֧/ם
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/בְקָרָ֛/ם
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
הֵבִֽיאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Genesis 46:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 46:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 46:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 46:32
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 46:32
- Sermons on Genesis 46:32
Context — Jacob Arrives in Egypt
30Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”
31Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me.
32The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’
33When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34you 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 47:3 | “What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 9:27 | And Hiram sent his servants, men who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 18:5–6 | Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.” So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself. |
| 4 | Genesis 45:10 | You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. |
| 5 | Exodus 3:1 | Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. |
| 6 | Zechariah 13:5 | He will say, ‘I am not a prophet; I work the land, for I was purchased as a servant in my youth. ’ |
| 7 | Psalms 78:70–72 | He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands. |
| 8 | Genesis 46:34 | 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.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 40:11 | He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. |
| 10 | Genesis 9:20 | Now Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. |
Genesis 46:32 Summary
[This verse tells us that the men who came to Egypt with Jacob were shepherds, which means they took care of sheep and other animals. They brought all their animals and belongings with them, showing that they were fully committed to this new journey. This is similar to when Abraham and Lot moved to a new land, as seen in Genesis 12:5. Just like these men, we can trust God to guide and provide for us as we follow His leading, as promised in Psalm 37:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the men being shepherds in Genesis 46:32?
The men being shepherds is significant because it explains their occupation and way of life, which is important for Pharaoh to know as seen in Genesis 46:33-34, and it also reflects their ancestral heritage as seen in Genesis 37:2.
Why did Joseph need to inform Pharaoh about his brothers' arrival?
Joseph needed to inform Pharaoh about his brothers' arrival because, as a high-ranking official in Egypt, he needed to ensure that his family's presence was known and approved by the ruler, as seen in Genesis 46:31, and also to secure a place for them to settle, as mentioned in Genesis 46:34.
What does it mean that the men have brought all that they own?
When it says that the men have brought all that they own, it means that they have brought their entire households, including their livestock, and all their possessions, as they are relocating to a new land, similar to what is described in Genesis 12:5 when Abraham and Lot moved to Canaan.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Israelites in Egypt?
This verse is part of the story of the Israelites' migration to Egypt, which is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, setting the stage for the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt and their eventual deliverance, as foretold in Genesis 15:13-14 and fulfilled in the book of Exodus.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to fully surrender all that we own to God, just like the men in this verse brought all that they owned to a new land?
- How can we, like Joseph, be faithful stewards of our families and ensure their well-being in uncertain circumstances?
- What are some ways that our occupations or callings can be used to serve and honor God, just as the men's role as shepherds was an integral part of their identity and purpose?
- In what ways can we, as believers, be a blessing to those around us, just as Joseph was a blessing to his family and the Egyptians?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:32
And the men [are] shepherds,.... That was their occupation and employment, by which they got their livelihood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:32
And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 46:32
Genesis 46:32 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.Ver. 32. The men are shepherds.] The truly virtuous or valorous are no whit ashamed of their lowly parentage, but rather glory in themselves, that their merit hath advanced them above so many thousands far better descended. Dr Cox, almoner, and Sir John Cheek, tutor, to King Edward VI, were men of lowly birth, but so well esteemed, saith the historian, for virtue and learning, that they might well be said to be born of themselves. So were Iphicrates, that brave Athenian, the son of a cobbler; Eumenes, one of Alexander’ s best captains, the son of a carter; Agathocles king of Sicily, of a potter, &c. And these would many times freely discourse of their beginning, and plainly relate their bringing up, and what their parents were. And they have brought their flocks.] As choosing rather a poor shepherd’ s life in God’ s service, than to ruffle it as courtiers, out of the Church. So did Moses afterwards; and David; and the poor prophet that died so deep in debt; and Micaiah; and those that "wandered about in sheep skins and goat skins," who haply might have rustled in silks and velvets, if they would have strained their consciences. Origen was contented to be a poor catechist at Alexandria, every day in fear of death, when he might have been with his fellow pupil Plotinus, in great authority and favour, if not a Christian. Luther was offered a cardinalship, to have held his tongue; Galeacius Caracciohs, a great sum of gold, to have returned to his marquesdom in Italy, &c. God takes it kindly when men will go "after him in the wilderness, in a land not sown"; that is, choose him and his ways in affliction, and with self-denial.
Sir John Heywood in his Edward VI
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 46:32
(32) The men are shepherds.—As Joseph’s object was to keep his brethren isolated in Goshen, he instructs them not to conceal their occupation, because Pharaoh on knowing it would not wish them to dwell in Egypt itself.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:32
32. the men are shepherds] These words are followed by what may be a gloss, “for they have been keepers of cattle” (probably drawn from Genesis 46:34). If not a gloss, “shepherds” must include herdsmen, and “cattle” be used here quite generally of flocks and herds. In Genesis 47:3 “thy servants are shepherds”: but in Genesis 47:6 Pharaoh makes them “rulers over my cattle.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 46:32
32. The men are shepherds — “In spite of the fact that shepherds were ‘an abomination to the Egyptians,’ Joseph introduces his brethren as shepherds; yea, for that reason he does so.
Sermons on Genesis 46:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Formula for Forgiveness by Jim Van Gelderen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young man who witnessed his father's suicide at the age of five. Despite the tragedy, God used this experience to shape the |
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of |
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Dedicated to God Not Man by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential principles of the Christian life. He begins by discussing Moses and how he was learned in the w |
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A Stick and a One Line Sermon by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching the lost for the sake of Christ and giving one's life as a living sacrifice for God's causes. The preacher refers |
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Matthew Ch2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbola shares a personal experience he had with a couple who came to him seeking help. Despite feeling physically and emotionally drained, Pastor Symbola re |
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Help Wanted a Steward by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the dishonest steward from Luke 16. The steward realizes that he has wasted his life and possessions and decides to make amends |
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(Men Who Met God): Jacob Had an Encounter With God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the character of Jacob from the Bible. He describes Jacob as a man with a streak of avarice and larceny. The preacher emphasizes the need to |