What does Genesis 47:3 mean?
"And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers." - Genesis 47:3
Genesis 47:3 (KJV) reads: "And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers."
This verse comes at a pivotal moment in the narrative of Genesis. It occurs during the story of Joseph, who has risen to power in Egypt and now brings his family, including his brothers, to live in Egypt during a time of famine. This verse reflects the interaction between Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt, and Joseph's brothers, who are shepherds.
The first theme that arises in this verse is the theme of humility and obedience. The brothers, who were once proud and envious of Joseph, now must humble themselves before Pharaoh, acknowledging their lowly occupation as shepherds. This reflects a transformation in their character, as they have learned humility and respect through their experiences.
Another important theme in this verse is the idea of providence and divine guidance. The fact that Joseph's family has come to Egypt and is now in the presence of Pharaoh is evidence of God's providential care. The brothers' occupation as shepherds, which may seem insignificant in the eyes of Pharaoh, is a reminder that God often uses the lowly and the meek to carry out His plans.
The context of this verse is also significant. Pharaoh's question about the brothers' occupation is not merely a casual inquiry. As the ruler of Egypt, Pharaoh holds significant power and influence, and he is likely curious about the skills and abilities of the new arrivals in his kingdom. This question sets the stage for the eventual settling of Joseph's family in the land of Goshen and the provision of food and shelter for them during the famine.
Symbolism also plays a role in this verse. The occupation of shepherds holds symbolic significance throughout the Bible. Shepherds are often used as a metaphor for leadership and care. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as a shepherd, guiding and caring for His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. The acknowledgment of the brothers as shepherds can be seen as a symbolic affirmation of their role as leaders and caretakers within their family and community.
Overall, Genesis 47:3 is a verse that encapsulates themes of humility, providence, and symbolism. It reflects the transformation of Joseph's brothers, their acknowledgment of God's guiding hand in their lives, and the symbolic significance of their occupation as shepherds. This verse is a reminder of the ways in which God can use the humble and the meek to carry out His purposes and provide for His people. It also serves as a transition point in the narrative, setting the stage for the eventual settling of Joseph's family in Egypt and the fulfillment of God's plan for their preservation and growth.
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Genesis 47:3 - "And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers."
"And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers." - Genesis 47:3
Genesis 24-47
Genesis 31:47 - "And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed."
Genesis 41:47 - "And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls."
Genesis 47:10 - "And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:8 - "And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?"
Genesis 47:2 - "And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh."
Lamentations 3:47 - "Fear and a snare is come upon us, desolation and destruction."
Genesis 47:12 - "And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families."
Genesis 47:16 - "And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail."
Genesis 47:27 - "¶ And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly."
Genesis 47:7 - "And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:5 - "And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:"
"And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed." - Genesis 31:47
Genesis 47:28 - "And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years."
Genesis 47:21 - "And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof."
Genesis 47:13 - "¶ And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine."
Genesis 47:31 - "And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head."
Psalms 47:3 - "He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet."
Genesis 47:25 - "And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants."
"And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls." - Genesis 41:47
Genesis 47:14 - "And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house."
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."
"And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh." - Genesis 47:10
"And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?" - Genesis 47:8
Genesis 47:30 - "But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said."
Genesis 47:23 - "Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land."
Genesis 47:17 - "And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year."
ezekiel 47:8-10