Genesis 46:33
Genesis 46:33 in Multiple Translations
When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’
And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
Now when Pharaoh sends for you and says, What is your business?
When Pharaoh calls for you and asks you, ‘What work do you do?’
And if Pharaoh call you, and aske you, What is your trade?
'And it hath come to pass when Pharaoh calleth for you, and hath said, What [are] your works?
It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’
And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
And when he shall call you, and shall say: What is your occupation?
When the king summons you and asks, ‘What work do you do?’
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “After I say those things to Pharaoh, he will say to me, ‘Tell those men to come and see me.’ And when you go to see him, he will say to you, ‘What sort of work did you do in Canaan country?’
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 46:33
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 46:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
כִּֽי
יִקְרָ֥א
לָ/כֶ֖ם
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
וְ/אָמַ֖ר
מַה
מַּעֲשֵׂי/כֶֽם
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/כֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
וְ/אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
מַּעֲשֵׂי/כֶֽם
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 46:33
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
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.
יִקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לָ/כֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
וְ/אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
מַּעֲשֵׂי/כֶֽם
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 46:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Arrives in Egypt
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 46:32 | The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’ |
| 2 | Genesis 47:2–4 | And he chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh. “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.” |
| 3 | Jonah 1:8 | “Tell us now,” they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?” |
Genesis 46:33 Summary
This verse shows how Joseph prepares his brothers for a meeting with Pharaoh, telling them what to say when asked about their occupation. Joseph wants his brothers to be honest and respectful, so they say they are shepherds, just like their father Jacob, as seen in Genesis 30:31-43. This is important because the Egyptians do not like shepherds, but Joseph wants his brothers to settle in the land of Goshen, which is a good place for them to live (Genesis 46:34). By following Joseph's instructions, his brothers can have a good relationship with Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and this teaches us about the value of honesty, humility, and respect in our interactions with others (Proverbs 22:1).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Pharaoh summoning Joseph's brothers and asking about their occupation?
Pharaoh summons them to inquire about their lifestyle and occupation, as Joseph had informed Pharaoh about their arrival in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 46:31-32. This inquiry is crucial in determining their settlement in Egypt.
Why does the verse specify that Pharaoh will ask about their occupation?
The verse specifies Pharaoh's question to prepare Joseph's brothers for the conversation, ensuring they provide a unified and accurate response, which is essential for their settlement in the land of Goshen, as mentioned in Genesis 46:34.
How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of Joseph's story in the book of Genesis?
This verse is part of the larger story of Joseph's journey, where he rises from a slave to a prominent leader in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 37-50. It highlights Joseph's wisdom and preparation in navigating the complexities of Egyptian society.
What can we learn from Joseph's instruction to his brothers about what to say to Pharaoh?
We learn about the importance of honesty, humility, and strategic communication, as Joseph guides his brothers to respond truthfully and respectfully to Pharaoh's inquiry, demonstrating a key aspect of wisdom, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can apply Joseph's example of preparation and strategic communication in our own lives, especially when interacting with those in positions of authority?
- How can we balance honesty and humility in our interactions with others, as Joseph's brothers are instructed to do in this verse?
- In what ways can we demonstrate respect and deference to those in authority, while still being truthful and authentic in our words and actions?
- What can we learn from Joseph's experience about the importance of being prepared for unexpected conversations or encounters, and how can we apply this lesson in our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:33
And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you,.... Order them to come before him, to see them, and have some conversation with them: and shall say, what [is] your occupation?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:33
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 46:33
Genesis 46:33 And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What [is] your occupation?Ver. 33. When Pharaoh shall call you.] At Athens every man gave a yearly account to the magistrate, by what trade, or course of life, he maintained himself; which if he could not do, he was banished. By the law, Mahomet, the great Turk, himself is bound to exercise some manual trade or occupation, for none must be idle: as Solyman the Magnificent’ s trade was making of arrow heads; Achmat the Last’ s, horn rings for archers, &c. Lex illa Solonis imprimis commendatur, ut quisque quotannis, &c. - Textor., Epist. Peacham.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:33
28–34. Jacob’s Meeting with Joseph (J, E) This passage follows upon Genesis 46:1-5.