Verse Lens · Concise explanation
Genesis 46:32 Explained in Context
Use this verse as a doorway into the larger passage—not as an isolated saying.
Verse 32. 32And 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.
King James Version — public domain in the United States · Bible text and permissions
Quick Meaning
Joseph will describe the family as shepherds and livestock keepers who brought flocks, herds, and possessions. Their occupation is truthful, longstanding, and economically relevant to where they can live.
Read It With
- Genesis 46:28–47:12
Read verses 31–34 with 47:3–6. Joseph first prepares the description, the brothers repeat it to Pharaoh, and Pharaoh then grants land and seeks capable men for his own cattle.
Why This Verse Appears Here
Joseph's planned report identifies the family's actual occupation and resources before Pharaoh asks what kind of settlement and work fit them.
Read Genesis 46:31–34 together
Why these verses belong together: Joseph's planned report, occupational description, anticipated question, and prepared answer form one truthful strategy for Goshen residence.
Verse 31. 31 And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
Verse 32. 32 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.
Verse 33. 33 And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
Verse 34. 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.
What Remains True
Truthful self-description and real skill can be part of wise advocacy when entering an unfamiliar institution or place.
How It Can Shape Life
- Prepare a clear account of your household's work, resources, and needs before an important meeting, without exaggerating or concealing relevant facts.
Continue in Context
The full thought-unit study remains the final contextual authority for this Verse Lens.
Read Genesis 46:28–47:12 — Jacob's Family Settles in GoshenSources used for this Verse Lens
How certain is this explanation? very strong
These are the sources used directly for this lens. Language, grammar, disagreements, and the complete source shelf remain attached to the full thought-unit research record.
Biblical text
King James (Authorized) Version — eng-kjv2006
eBible.org and CrossWire Bible Society
USFM archive eng-kjv2006_usfm.zip; source files dated 2026-08-19; downloaded 2026-08-24; archive SHA-256 aec1b3b26c622fd3d963d2bbac963016b9513246ffbfa20da00bb100372ea007; normalized corpus SHA-256 09aef51d90488aa7b9722b3fd9a93f4b25f6bf2064c5fd798fb39673c300ddf2.
Supports: Displayed text, Judah and reunion context, patriarchal blessing and lifespan comparisons, settlement, famine provision, burial, multiplication, and later oppression.
Exact location: Genesis 46:28–47:12 with 12:1–3; 15:13–16; 25:7; 35:28; 46:1–27; 47:13–31; 49:28–50:14; and Exodus 1:1–14 in the pinned standardized 1769 KJV
Open source ↗hebrew text morphology and lemma data
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible — Genesis
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible Project
Open Scriptures, Version 2.2 released 2021; repository inspected 2026
Supports: Exact Hebrew direction, occupation, aversion, sojourning, competence, blessing, lifespan, holding, toponym, and dependent language.
Exact location: WLC Genesis 46:28–47:12, especially lehorot in 46:28; shepherd and abomination wording in 46:32–34; lagur and anshei-hayil in 47:4–6; vayevarekh and megurai in 47:7–10; ahuzzah, Ra'meses, and lefi hattaf in 47:11–12
Open source ↗Translation and textual notes
NET Bible — Genesis with translators' notes
Biblical Studies Press
Biblical Studies Press, Digital edition accessed 2026
Supports: Translation and idiom cross-checks with visible uncertainty.
Exact location: NET Genesis 46:28–47:12 translator notes, especially direction to Goshen, long weeping, shepherd occupation, sojourning, capable men, blessing/greeting, few and hard years, Rameses/Goshen, and provision according to dependents
Open NET Genesis 46 ↗