Genesis 47:3
Genesis 47:3 in Multiple Translations
“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.”
And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.
And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.
And Pharaoh said to them, What is your business? And they said, Your servants are keepers of sheep, as our fathers were before us.
Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What work do you do?” “Your servants are shepherds, just like our fathers before us,” they replied.
Then Pharaoh said vnto his brethren, What is your trade? And they answered Pharaoh, Thy seruants are shepheards, both we and our fathers.
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;'
Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.”
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.
And he asked them: What is your occupation? They answered: We thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.
The king asked the brothers, “What work do you do?” They replied, “We are shepherds, just as our ancestors were.”
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph’s brothers, “What sort of work do you do?” Joseph’s brothers said to Pharaoh, “Sir, we look after animals, just like our father and our grand-fathers used to.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 47:3
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Genesis 47:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 47:3
Study Notes — Genesis 47:3
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 47:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 47:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 47:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 47:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 47:3
- Sermons on Genesis 47:3
Context — Jacob Settles in Goshen
3“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.”
4Then 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.” 5Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have come to you,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 46:33–34 | When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 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.” |
| 2 | 2 Thessalonians 3:10 | For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” |
| 3 | Genesis 4:2 | Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil. |
| 4 | 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?” |
| 5 | Amos 7:14–15 | “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ |
Genesis 47:3 Summary
[In this verse, Pharaoh asks Joseph's brothers about their occupation, and they honestly reply that they are shepherds, just like their fathers. This shows their humility and willingness to be transparent about who they are and what they do. As seen in Genesis 47:3, this conversation is an important part of the story of Joseph and his family, and it teaches us about the importance of honesty and humility in our interactions with others (Proverbs 22:1). By being honest and humble, we can build trust with others and create opportunities for God to work in our lives, just like He did in the life of Joseph.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pharaoh ask Joseph's brothers about their occupation?
Pharaoh asked Joseph's brothers about their occupation to understand their skills and how they could contribute to Egyptian society, as seen in Genesis 47:3. This question also shows Pharaoh's interest in utilizing their skills for the benefit of Egypt, similar to how Joseph's skills were utilized in Genesis 41:33-40.
What significance does the brothers' response hold in the context of the story?
The brothers' response, 'Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers,' highlights their humility and honesty, as they acknowledge their profession and their family's heritage, which is also seen in their father Jacob's introduction in Genesis 46:34.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's providence in the story of Joseph?
This verse demonstrates God's providence in Joseph's life, as Joseph's brothers are brought before Pharaoh, and their occupation as shepherds is revealed, ultimately leading to their settlement in Goshen, as part of God's plan to preserve the family of Jacob, as seen in Genesis 45:5-7 and Genesis 50:20.
What can we learn from the brothers' simple and honest response to Pharaoh's question?
The brothers' response teaches us the importance of humility and honesty in our interactions with others, as seen in Proverbs 22:1, which says, 'A good name is to be more desired than rich treasure, favor is better than silver and gold.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of humility, as seen in Joseph's brothers, in my own life and interactions with others?
- How can I trust in God's providence, like Joseph, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
- In what ways can I be honest and transparent about my occupation, skills, and family heritage, like Joseph's brothers, and how can this impact my relationships with others?
- What are some lessons I can learn from the way Pharaoh interacts with Joseph's brothers, and how can I apply these lessons in my own leadership or interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 47:3
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 47:3
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 47:3
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 47:3
Sermons on Genesis 47:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie |
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(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It |
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One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. |
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(Genesis) - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline in the life of a believer. He references the example of Paul, who worked tirelessly and faced hard |
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Tent Making 1 Cor 9 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following five principles in preaching the word of God. These principles include being enthusiastic, learning the product t |
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Studies in 2 Thessalonians-04 2 Thes 3:1-18 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. The sermon is divided into four sections. The first section, in verses one and two, discusses Paul's requ |
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15 - Principles for Living in God's Economy by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, Ben Torrey discusses the concept of faith financing and how it relates to the work of Jesus Abbey. He emphasizes the importance of depending on God for provision an |






