Genesis 47:6

Genesis 47:6, in plain English

Pharaoh tells Joseph to settle his family in the best part of Egypt (Goshen) and offers to put any skilled men among them in charge of his own livestock.

Why it's here

Pharaoh is being generous beyond what they asked for. He's not just granting permission—he's offering opportunity and position. This reflects his high regard for Joseph and his willingness to benefit from the skills Joseph's brothers might have. It's also practical: during a famine, good shepherds are valuable.

Who's speaking

Pharaoh, speaking to Joseph

Where it sits in the story

God is using Joseph's favor with Pharaoh to secure not just shelter but prosperity for his family. This generosity will sustain them through the famine years.

The scholarly reading

Pharaoh grants Joseph's family permission to settle in the best land of Egypt, specifically Goshen, and offers to place any skilled men among them in charge of his own royal livestock.

Language and setting

This verse contains one of the biblical text's most remarkable instances of monarchical generosity—Pharaoh not only grants settlement rights but offers premium agricultural land and positions of authority to Joseph's relatives. The phrase 'the best part of the land' (ṭōb hāaāreṣ) is emphatic; Goshen's reputation as fertile Delta pastureland made it ideal for shepherds. Pharaoh's willingness to employ Joseph's kinsmen in royal service suggests he recognizes the family's pastoral expertise and trusts Joseph's judgment about their capabilities.

Voice

Pharaoh

Significance

This generosity toward Jacob's household contrasts with the later narratives of oppression, suggesting that Egypt's relationship with the Hebrews was initially characterized by mutual benefit. The seed of the eventual antagonism—the rise of a new Pharaoh 'who did not know Joseph' (Exodus 1:8)—is not yet planted; for now, Joseph's family enjoys favor precisely because of Joseph's indispensability to Egypt's survival.

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.

8“How many years have you lived?” Pharaoh asked.

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.