Genesis 47:4

Genesis 47:4, in plain English

The brothers explain they're shepherds who came because the famine destroyed the pasture in Canaan, and they're asking permission to live in Goshen.

Why it's here

The brothers are being honest and humble—they're not trying to hide what they are or why they're there. They're appealing to Pharaoh's compassion and making a reasonable request. Goshen was a good grazing region, which is why they specifically ask for it.

Who's speaking

Joseph's brothers, speaking to Pharaoh

Where it sits in the story

God is orchestrating even this conversation. The brothers' honesty about the famine and their need aligns perfectly with why Joseph is in Egypt in the first place—to save his family from starvation.

The scholarly reading

Joseph's brothers explain that they have come as temporary residents because severe famine has destroyed the pastureland in Canaan, and they respectfully request permission to settle in Goshen.

Language and setting

The brothers' response is carefully constructed—they frame themselves not as permanent immigrants but as emergency refugees. The phrase 'to live in the land for a time' (lāgūr bāaāreṣ) uses the technical term for 'sojourning' or temporary residence, which conveys humility and acknowledges Pharaoh's absolute authority over who may remain. Their reference to the 'servants'' flocks (employing the humble third-person construction) and their direct request for Goshen demonstrates Joseph may well have coached them beforehand.

Voice

Joseph's five brothers

Significance

The brothers' deference and specificity—naming Goshen, acknowledging the famine's severity—shows how Joseph's position has enabled his family to negotiate from strength despite their desperate circumstances. This moment contrasts sharply with their earlier cruelty toward Joseph; now they are dependent on his good will and administrative authority.

2And he chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.

3“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers.

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,

6the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.”

Read all of Genesis 47 — Joseph settles his family in the best land in Egypt. A season of flourishing — but the seeds of future oppression are already planted.