Genesis 46:32
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.’

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.’

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.

Majority Standard Bible
The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all 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.

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 Version
and 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.

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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.

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
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?

Genesis 47:3-4
“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.” / Then 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.”

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, ...

1 Samuel 17:34-36
David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”

2 Samuel 7:8
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Ezekiel 34:12-16
As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. / I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. ...

John 10:11-14
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Luke 2:8-20
And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. / Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. / But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: ...

John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,


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:

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Genesis 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
This phrase identifies the profession of Joseph's brothers, which is significant in the context of ancient Egypt. The Hebrew word for "shepherds" is "רֹעֵי" (ro'ei), which denotes those who tend to flocks. Historically, shepherds were often seen as lowly or humble, yet they held an essential role in agrarian societies. In Egypt, shepherds were considered an abomination (Genesis 46:34), which sets the stage for the Israelites' separation in the land of Goshen. This separation would later protect them from cultural assimilation and preserve their identity as God's chosen people.

they raise livestock
The phrase "they raise livestock" further emphasizes the pastoral nature of Joseph's family. The Hebrew term "מִקְנֶה" (miqneh) refers to possessions or property, specifically livestock. This indicates not only their occupation but also their wealth and livelihood. In the ancient Near East, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and sustenance, underscoring the provision and blessing of God upon Jacob's family. This also foreshadows the Israelites' future prosperity in Egypt, as they would grow into a great nation.

and they have brought their flocks and herds
The act of bringing "their flocks and herds" signifies the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt. The Hebrew words "צֹאנָם" (tso'nam) for flocks and "בְּקָרָם" (beqaram) for herds highlight the comprehensive nature of their possessions. This movement of their entire livelihood demonstrates their trust in God's promise and provision through Joseph. It also symbolizes a new chapter in the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, as the family moves to a foreign land where they will eventually multiply and become a great nation.

and all that they own
This phrase, "and all that they own," encompasses the totality of Jacob's household and possessions. The Hebrew "וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם" (vechol-asher lahem) indicates completeness, suggesting that nothing was left behind. This total migration reflects a complete reliance on God's plan and a willingness to leave behind the familiar for the unknown. It is a testament to faith and obedience, as Jacob and his family trust in God's promise to make them a great nation in a foreign land. This act of faith is a powerful reminder of the call to trust in God's provision and guidance, even when the path is uncertain.

(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.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The men
וְהָאֲנָשִׁים֙ (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


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OT Law: Genesis 46:32 These men are shepherds for they have (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 46:31
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