Genesis 47:5

Genesis 47:5, in plain English

Pharaoh acknowledges to Joseph that his family has now arrived and are with him in Egypt.

Why it's here

Pharaoh is opening the door to the request. Notice he's speaking directly to Joseph—he trusts Joseph enough that he's willing to be generous with Joseph's own family. This shows the deep confidence Pharaoh has in his Hebrew official.

Who's speaking

Pharaoh, addressing Joseph

Where it sits in the story

This is a turning point where Pharaoh explicitly gives Joseph authority over the situation, which sets up Joseph's ability to care for his family and eventually all of Egypt.

The scholarly reading

Pharaoh acknowledges to Joseph that his family has now arrived and is present before him.

Language and setting

This brief statement serves as Pharaoh's formal acknowledgment of the situation Joseph has presented. The phrasing—'Now that your father and brothers have come to you'—suggests Pharaoh is preparing to grant what amounts to official authorization for their settlement. It is performative language, the kind a ruler employs to signal his about-to-be-announced decision.

Voice

Pharaoh

Significance

Pharaoh's words validate Joseph's earlier initiative; what could have been a presumptuous act—bringing foreigners into Egypt during crisis—is transformed into a gracious allowance by the king's own authority. This moment exemplifies Joseph's political acumen and his ability to frame requests so that Pharaoh believes he is making a generous choice.

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.”

7Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and presented him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

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.