Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’ New Living Translation These men are shepherds, and they raise livestock. They have brought with them their flocks and herds and everything they own.’” English Standard Version And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ Berean Standard Bible The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’ Berean Literal Bible And the men are shedherds of sheep, for they have been men of livestock; and their flocks and their herds and all that is theirs, they have brought.’ King James Bible And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. New King James Version And the men are shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’ New American Standard Bible and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ NASB 1995 and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ NASB 1977 and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ Legacy Standard Bible and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ Amplified Bible and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ Berean Annotated Bible The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own. Christian Standard Bible The men are shepherds; they also raise livestock. They have brought their flocks and herds and all that they have.’ Holman Christian Standard Bible The men are shepherds; they also raise livestock. They have brought their sheep and cattle and all that they have. American Standard Version and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. Contemporary English Version I will tell him that you are shepherds and that you have brought your sheep, goats, cattle, and everything else you own. English Revised Version and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. GOD'S WORD® Translation The men are shepherds. They take care of livestock. They've brought their flocks and herds and everything they own.' Good News Translation I will tell him that you are shepherds and take care of livestock and that you have brought your flocks and herds and everything else that belongs to you. International Standard Version I'll mention that the men are shepherds. Because they've been taking care of livestock, they brought along their flocks, their herds, and everything else that they own. NET Bible The men are shepherds; they take care of livestock. They have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.' New Heart English Bible The men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.' Webster's Bible Translation And the men are shepherds, for their employment hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’ World English Bible These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the men [are] feeders of a flock, for they have been men of livestock; and their flock, and their herd, and all that they have, they have brought. Berean Literal Bible And the men are shedherds of sheep, for they have been men of livestock; and their flocks and their herds and all that is theirs, they have brought.’ Young's Literal Translation and the men are feeders of a flock, for they have been men of cattle; and their flock, and their herd, and all that they have, they have brought.' Smith's Literal Translation And the men are shepherds of sheep, for they were men of cattle; and they brought their sheep and their cattle, and all which is to them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the men are shepherds, and their occupation is to feed cattle: their flocks and herds, and all they have, they have brought with them. Catholic Public Domain Version And these honorable men are pastors of sheep, and they have the task of feeding the flock. Their cattle, and herds, and all that they were able to hold, they have brought with them.’ New American Bible The men are shepherds, having been owners of livestock; and they have brought with them their flocks and herds, as well as everything else they own.’ New Revised Standard Version The men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the men are shepherds, for they are cattle raisers; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the men are Shepherds of sheep, because the men are owners of cattle, and they have brought their flocks and their oxen and everything that they have. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the men are shepherds; for they have been feeders of cattle, and they have brought with them their cattle, and their kine, and all their property. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible 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?’… Cross References The men are shepherds; Genesis 47:3 “What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.” 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. Exodus 3:1 Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. they raise livestock, Genesis 4:20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock. Genesis 13:5-7 Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. / But the land was unable to support both of them while they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they were unable to coexist. / And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land. Genesis 26:14-15 He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. / So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham. and they have brought their flocks and herds Genesis 47:1-6 So Joseph went and told Pharaoh: “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” / 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.” … Genesis 31:18 and he drove all his livestock before him, along with all the possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land in Canaan. Genesis 36:6 Later, Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the people of his household, along with his livestock, all his other animals, and all the property he had acquired in Canaan, and he moved to a land far away from his brother Jacob. and all that they own.’ Genesis 12:5 And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Genesis 14:16 He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people. Genesis 31:1 Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.” Exodus 8:26 But Moses replied, “It would not be right to do that, because the sacrifices we offer to the LORD our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. If we offer sacrifices that are detestable before the Egyptians, will they not stone us? Exodus 10:9 “We will go with our young and old,” Moses replied. “We will go with our sons and daughters, and with our flocks and herds, for we must hold a feast to the LORD.” Exodus 12:38 And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. Numbers 32:1-4 Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. / So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, / “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, … Treasury of Scripture And the men are shepherds, for their trade has been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. shepherds. Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. Genesis 31:18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. Genesis 37:2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. their trade hath been to feed cattle. Genesis 46:34 That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. Genesis 9:20 And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: 1 Kings 9:27 And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon. and they. Genesis 45:10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: Jump to Previous Cattle Employment Feed Feeders Flock Flocks Herd Herds Keepers Livestock Occupied Owners Sheep Shepherds Tend TradeJump to Next Cattle Employment Feed Feeders Flock Flocks Herd Herds Keepers Livestock Occupied Owners Sheep Shepherds Tend TradeGenesis 46 1. Jacob is comforted by God at Beersheba.5. Thence he with his company goes into Egypt. 8. The number of his family that went into Egypt. 28. Joseph meets Jacob. 31. He instructs his brothers how to answer Pharaoh. The men are shepherds; In ancient Egypt, shepherds were often looked down upon, as the Egyptians considered their own agricultural practices superior. This cultural context is significant because it sets the stage for the Israelites' separation in the land of Goshen, where they could maintain their distinct identity. Shepherding was a common occupation among the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it symbolizes leadership and care, qualities later attributed to Jesus Christ, the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11). they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jacob (Israel)The patriarch of the Israelites, who is moving his family to Egypt during a time of famine. 2. Joseph Jacob's son, who has risen to a position of power in Egypt and is facilitating his family's relocation. 3. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, who has granted permission for Joseph's family to settle in the land of Goshen. 4. Goshen The region in Egypt where Joseph's family is to settle, known for its fertile land suitable for grazing. 5. Shepherds The occupation of Jacob's family, which is significant in the context of Egyptian society, where shepherds were often looked down upon. Teaching Points God's Provision and GuidanceJust as God provided for Jacob's family during a time of famine, He continues to provide for His people today. Trust in His guidance and provision, even in difficult circumstances. Cultural Distinctions and God's Plan The Israelites' identity as shepherds set them apart in Egypt, reminding us that God's people are often called to be distinct from the surrounding culture. Embrace your identity in Christ, even when it sets you apart. Faithfulness in Occupation The occupation of shepherding, though looked down upon by Egyptians, was integral to God's plan for Israel. Whatever your occupation, work faithfully as unto the Lord, knowing He can use it for His purposes. Family and Community The relocation of Jacob's entire family underscores the importance of family unity and support. Prioritize relationships within your family and faith community, recognizing their role in God's plan for your life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 46:32?2. How does Genesis 46:32 demonstrate God's provision for Jacob's family in Egypt? 3. What role does shepherding play in the identity of Jacob's family? 4. How does Genesis 46:32 connect with God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2? 5. How can we trust God's plan when relocating or facing life changes? 6. What can we learn from Jacob's family's occupation about serving God today? 7. How does Genesis 46:32 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Egypt and Israel? 8. What theological significance does Genesis 46:32 hold in the context of Joseph's story? 9. How does Genesis 46:32 illustrate God's provision for Jacob's family? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 46? 11. How can the land of Goshen be “the best of the land” (Genesis 47:6) given Egypt’s own fertile regions and the scarce mention of Goshen in historical texts? 12. How did Jacob's life unfold in biblical narratives? 13. Numbers 32:1-5: How could the tribes of Reuben and Gad realistically sustain such large herds in a desert environment with limited resources? 14. What is Goshen's biblical significance? What Does Genesis 46:32 Mean The men are shepherdsJoseph introduces his family to Pharaoh with a clear statement of identity: “The men are shepherds.” • From Abraham onward the patriarchs lived as pastoralists (Genesis 13:2–5). • Shepherding was considered lowly by Egyptian standards (Genesis 46:34), yet God often chooses humble settings to advance His plan (Psalm 78:70–71). • By calling them “men,” Joseph highlights that this calling is not a pastime but the family’s established vocation, echoing David’s later description: “The LORD is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1), a title flowing from real-life experience in the fields. they raise livestock The phrase broadens shepherding to every form of animal husbandry. • Jacob had excelled at breeding “the speckled and spotted livestock” (Genesis 30:32–43), showing skill that Pharaoh would value. • Job’s wealth is measured the same way: “He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys” (Job 1:3), underlining that livestock equals economic strength. • Proverbs advises, “Know well the condition of your flocks” (Proverbs 27:23). Joseph is assuring Pharaoh that his family brings a self-sustaining, diligent work ethic to Egypt. and they have brought their flocks and herds This clause shows commitment; the family is relocating, not merely visiting. • “[Jacob] took with him all his livestock and possessions he had acquired in Canaan” (Genesis 46:6). • Bringing the animals ensures provision during famine (Genesis 45:11) and maintains covenant continuity—these herds will one day be offered in worship (Exodus 10:9). • Locating them in Goshen protects both the animals and Egyptian sensibilities, as shepherds were “detestable to Egyptians” (Genesis 46:34). and all that they own Nothing is left behind; the entire household enters Egypt under God’s providence. • Abram once did the same: “Abram took his wife Sarai… and all the possessions they had accumulated” (Genesis 12:5). • Hebrews looks back on such moves of faith: “By faith Abraham… went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). • This full transfer sets the stage for Israel’s growth: “Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and multiplied greatly” (Genesis 47:27). summary Genesis 46:32 underscores identity (“shepherds”), vocation (“raise livestock”), commitment (“brought their flocks and herds”), and total reliance on God’s leading (“all that they own”). Joseph’s words assure Pharaoh of his family’s productivity while quietly displaying God’s faithfulness, moving His covenant people into the very place where He will shape them into a nation. (32) The men are shepherds.--As Joseph's object was to keep his brethren isolated in Goshen, he instructs them not to conceal their occupation, because Pharaoh on knowing it would not wish them to dwell in Egypt itself.Hebrew The menוְהָאֲנָשִׁים֙ (wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 582: Man, mankind are shepherds; רֹ֣עֵי (rō·‘ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with they raise livestock, מִקְנֶ֖ה (miq·neh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition and they have brought הֵבִֽיאוּ׃ (hê·ḇî·’ū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go their flocks וְצֹאנָ֧ם (wə·ṣō·nām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock and herds וּבְקָרָ֛ם (ū·ḇə·qā·rām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that they own.’ לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew Links Genesis 46:32 NIVGenesis 46:32 NLT Genesis 46:32 ESV Genesis 46:32 NASB Genesis 46:32 KJV Genesis 46:32 BibleApps.com Genesis 46:32 Biblia Paralela Genesis 46:32 Chinese Bible Genesis 46:32 French Bible Genesis 46:32 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 46:32 These men are shepherds for they have (Gen. 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