Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.” New Living Translation choose any place in the entire land of Egypt for them to live. Give them the best land of Egypt. Let them live in the region of Goshen. And if any of them have special skills, put them in charge of my livestock, too.” English Standard Version The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” Berean Standard Bible the 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.” Berean Literal Bible The land of Egypt, it is before you. In the best of the land cause your father and your brothers to dwell; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know that there are among them men of valor, then you shall appoint them captains of livestock over what is mine.” King James Bible The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle. New King James Version The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.” New American Standard Bible The land of Egypt is at your disposal; settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land, let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know any capable men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.” NASB 1995 “The land of Egypt is at your disposal; settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land, let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know any capable men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.” NASB 1977 “The land of Egypt is at your disposal; settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land, let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know any capable men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.” Legacy Standard Bible The land of Egypt is at your disposal; have your father and your brothers settle in the best of the land, let them settle in the land of Goshen; and if you know any excellent men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.” Amplified Bible The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know of any men of ability among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” Berean Annotated Bible the land of Egypt (land of bondage) is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen (drawing near). And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock. Christian Standard Bible the land of Egypt is open before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They can live in the land of Goshen. If you know of any capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” Holman Christian Standard Bible the land of Egypt is open before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They can live in the land of Goshen. If you know of any capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” American Standard Version the land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and thy brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any able men among them, then make them rulers over my cattle. Contemporary English Version I will let them live anywhere they choose in the land of Egypt, but I suggest that they settle in Goshen, the best part of our land. I would also like for your finest shepherds to watch after my own sheep and goats." English Revised Version the land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and thy brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any able men among them, then make them rulers over my cattle. GOD'S WORD® Translation All of Egypt is available to you. Have your father and your brothers live in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. If they are qualified, put them in charge of my livestock." Good News Translation the land of Egypt is theirs. Let them settle in the region of Goshen, the best part of the land. And if there are any capable men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock." International Standard Version Egypt is at your disposal, so settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land! Let them live in the Goshen territory. If you learn that any of them are especially skilled, put them in charge of my livestock." NET Bible The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best region of the land. They may live in the land of Goshen. If you know of any highly capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock." New Heart English Bible and the land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. They may live in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock." Webster's Bible Translation The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell; and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethe 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.” World English Bible The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe land of Egypt is before you; cause your father and your brothers to dwell in the best of the land—they dwell in the land of Goshen, and if you have known, and there are among them men of ability, then you have set them [as] heads over the livestock I have.” Berean Literal Bible The land of Egypt, it is before you. In the best of the land cause your father and your brothers to dwell; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know that there are among them men of valor, then you shall appoint them captains of livestock over what is mine.” Young's Literal Translation the land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land cause thy father and thy brethren to dwell -- they dwell in the land of Goshen, and if thou hast known, and there are among them men of ability, then thou hast set them heads over the cattle I have.' Smith's Literal Translation This land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land cause thy father and thy brethren to dwell; they shall dwell in the land of Goshen; and if thou knowest and there is among them men of strength, set them leaders of the cattle which are to me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe land of Egypt is before thee: make them dwell in the best place, and give them the land of Gessen. And if thou knowest that there are industrious men among them, make them rulers over my cattle. Catholic Public Domain Version The land of Egypt is in your sight. Cause them to live in the best place, and deliver to them the land of Goshen. And if you know there to be industrious men among them, appoint these as foremen over my cattle.” New American Bible the land of Egypt is at your disposal; settle your father and brothers in the pick of the land. Let them settle in the region of Goshen. And if you know of capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” New Revised Standard Version The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land; let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know that there are capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe land of Egypt is before you settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen; and if you know of any able men among them make them overseers over all my cattle. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The land of Egypt is before you; settle in the best of the land; your father and your brothers will dwell in the land of Geshan, and if you know that there are capable men among them, make them Masters of cattle over all that I have.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917the land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and thy brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell. And if thou knowest any able men among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Behold, the land of Egypt is before thee; settle thy father and thy brethren in the best land. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Settles in 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.… Cross References the land of Egypt is before you; Deuteronomy 1:8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess the land that the LORD swore He would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants after them.” Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” Genesis 20:15 And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.” settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. Genesis 45:18 Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’ Numbers 14:7 and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. Deuteronomy 8:7 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks and fountains and springs that flow through the valleys and hills; They may dwell in the land of Goshen. Genesis 45:10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. Exodus 8:22 But on that day I will give special treatment to the land of Goshen, where My people live; no swarms of flies will be found there. In this way you will know that I, the LORD, am in the land. Exodus 9:26 The only place where it did not hail was in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived. And if you know of any talented men among them, Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Deuteronomy 1:13 Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” Genesis 41:33 Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. put them in charge of my own livestock.” 1 Chronicles 27:29 Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon. Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys. 1 Chronicles 27:31 Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the flocks. All these officials were in charge of King David’s property. Proverbs 27:23 Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; Exodus 1:11 So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. Treasury of Scripture The land of Egypt is before you; in the best of the land make your father and brothers to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if you know any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle. is. Genesis 47:11 And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. Genesis 20:15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee. Goshen. Genesis 47:4,11 They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen… men of activity. rulers. Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: 1 Samuel 21:7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul. 1 Chronicles 27:29-31 And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai: … Genesis 47:16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. Exodus 9:3-6,10,21 Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain… Jump to Previous Able Activity Best Capable Charge Disposal Dwell Egypt Goshen Livestock RulersJump to Next Able Activity Best Capable Charge Disposal Dwell Egypt Goshen Livestock RulersGenesis 47 1. Joseph presents his father, and five of his brothers before Pharaoh.11. He gives them habitation and maintenance. 13. He gets the Egyptian's money; 16. their cattle; 18. and their lands, except the priests', to Pharaoh. 23. He restores the land for a fifth. 28. Jacob's age. 29. He swears Joseph to bury him with his fathers. The land of Egypt is before you; This phrase indicates Pharaoh's generosity and openness to Joseph's family. Egypt, a powerful and fertile nation, was a place of refuge during times of famine. The phrase echoes God's promise to Abraham about his descendants being blessed and having a place to dwell. It also reflects the providence of God in providing for His people through Joseph's position in Egypt. 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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who grants Joseph's family the best part of the land to settle in. 2. Joseph The son of Jacob who has risen to a position of power in Egypt and is responsible for bringing his family to Egypt during the famine. 3. Jacob (Israel) The patriarch of the Israelites, father of Joseph, and his family is seeking refuge in Egypt due to famine. 4. Goshen The fertile region in Egypt where Pharaoh allows Joseph's family to settle. 5. Joseph's Brothers The sons of Jacob who come to Egypt with their families and are given the opportunity to settle in Goshen. Teaching Points God's Provision and SovereigntyGod's hand is evident in providing for Jacob's family through Joseph's position in Egypt. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and provision in our lives, even in difficult circumstances. Faithfulness in Leadership Joseph's integrity and wisdom in leadership are recognized by Pharaoh, who entrusts him with significant responsibility. As believers, we are called to be faithful stewards of the roles and responsibilities God gives us. Community and Family Support The importance of family support and community is highlighted as Joseph ensures his family's well-being. We are encouraged to care for and support our families and communities, especially in times of need. Utilizing God-Given Abilities Pharaoh's instruction to put those with special abilities in charge of livestock emphasizes the value of using our God-given talents for His glory and the benefit of others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 47:6?2. How does Genesis 47:6 demonstrate Pharaoh's trust in Joseph's leadership abilities? 3. What responsibilities were given to Joseph's family in Genesis 47:6? 4. How can we apply Pharaoh's generosity in Genesis 47:6 to our lives today? 5. What does Genesis 47:6 teach about God's provision through unexpected sources? 6. How does Genesis 47:6 connect to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2? 7. How does Genesis 47:6 reflect God's provision for His people during times of famine? 8. What does Genesis 47:6 reveal about Pharaoh's relationship with Joseph and his family? 9. How does Genesis 47:6 illustrate the theme of divine favor and human responsibility? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 47? 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. What is Goshen's biblical significance? 13. Exodus 2:2 – How could a newborn be successfully hidden for three months without detection by Pharaoh’s forces? 14. Deuteronomy 4:20 depicts God rescuing Israel from Egyptian slavery—where is the historical or archaeological proof for an event of such magnitude? What Does Genesis 47:6 Mean The land of Egypt is before you“the land of Egypt is before you” • Pharaoh opens all of Egypt to Jacob’s family, a sweeping, literal invitation that shows divine favor working through a pagan ruler (cf. Genesis 45:16-20; Proverbs 21:1). • God had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob protection in foreign lands (Genesis 46:3-4), and here that promise materializes through Pharaoh’s generosity. • The phrase underscores God’s providence: famine drove Jacob south, yet the entire nation becomes available—an early hint of Israel’s eventual multiplication in Egypt (Exodus 1:7). Settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land “settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land” • Pharaoh doesn’t merely allow survival; he grants abundance—“the best part,” later identified as Goshen (Genesis 47:11). • This echoes Joseph’s earlier assurance, “I will provide for you” (Genesis 45:11), revealing God’s hand in Joseph’s rise (Genesis 50:20). • Placement in fertile soil safeguards the covenant line, letting Israel thrive while remaining distinct from Egyptian culture (Exodus 9:26). They may dwell in the land of Goshen “They may dwell in the land of Goshen” • Goshen lies in the Nile Delta—ideal for grazing flocks and close to trade routes, yet somewhat separated from Egypt’s core cities. • Separation preserves Israel’s identity; shepherds were “detestable to the Egyptians” (Genesis 46:34), so dwelling apart minimizes cultural compromise. • The location anticipates God’s later distinction during the plagues, when Goshen is spared (Exodus 8:22; 9:26). If you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock “if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.” • Pharaoh recognizes skill within Joseph’s family, entrusting national assets to them—evidence of Joseph’s integrity influencing royal policy (Genesis 41:38-41). • Work assignment fulfills God’s design for His people to bless nations (Genesis 12:3), while equipping them with practical experience and resources. • The offer fortifies Israel’s economic footing, enabling growth despite foreign soil (Genesis 47:27). summary Genesis 47:6 shows God orchestrating refuge, abundance, and influence for Jacob’s family in Egypt. Pharaoh’s open-handed decree places Israel in fertile Goshen, secures their distinct identity, and leverages their skills for national good. The verse thus illustrates the Lord’s faithful provision, setting the stage for Israel’s multiplication and underscoring His sovereign ability to turn famine and exile into flourishing. Hebrew the landאֶ֤רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Egypt מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ (miṣ·ra·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa is before you; לְפָנֶ֣יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face settle הוֹשֵׁ֥ב (hō·wō·šêḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry your father אָבִ֖יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father and brothers אַחֶ֑יךָ (’a·ḥe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) in the best בְּמֵיטַ֣ב (bə·mê·ṭaḇ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4315: The best part part of the land. הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land They may dwell יֵשְׁבוּ֙ (yê·šə·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in the land בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Goshen. גֹּ֔שֶׁן (gō·šen) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1657: Goshen -- a district in Egypt, also a city in southern Judah And if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you know of יָדַ֗עְתָּ (yā·ḏa‘·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know any talented חַ֔יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength men among them, אַנְשֵׁי־ (’an·šê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person put וְשַׂמְתָּ֛ם (wə·śam·tām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set them in charge of שָׂרֵ֥י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince my own livestock.” מִקְנֶ֖ה (miq·neh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition Links Genesis 47:6 NIVGenesis 47:6 NLT Genesis 47:6 ESV Genesis 47:6 NASB Genesis 47:6 KJV Genesis 47:6 BibleApps.com Genesis 47:6 Biblia Paralela Genesis 47:6 Chinese Bible Genesis 47:6 French Bible Genesis 47:6 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 47:6 The land of Egypt is before you (Gen. 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