What does Genesis 47:4 mean?
"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." - Genesis 47:4
Genesis 47:4 (KJV) - "They said morever 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."
This verse is part of the story of Joseph and his family's journey to Egypt during a time of famine. The brothers of Joseph have come to Egypt to buy food, and they present themselves before Pharaoh, explaining their situation and expressing their desire to settle in the land of Goshen.
The theme of this verse revolves around the providence of God and the idea of seeking refuge in times of trouble. The brothers of Joseph are seeking permission to stay in Egypt, as they are in dire need of food and pasture for their flocks due to the severe famine in their homeland of Canaan. This verse reflects the human instinct to seek shelter and sustenance when faced with adversity, as well as the importance of seeking help from others during times of need.
The context of this verse is important to understand its significance within the broader narrative of the book of Genesis. Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and eventually rose to a position of great power in Egypt. Through a series of events, Joseph's brothers come to Egypt in search of food and are brought before Pharaoh. This verse marks the beginning of their plea to remain in Egypt and seek refuge from the famine.
The symbolism in this verse is evident in the brothers' request to settle in the land of Goshen. Goshen was a fertile region in Egypt, known for its suitability for grazing animals. By asking to settle there, the brothers are seeking a place of abundance and sustenance for their flocks. Symbolically, Goshen represents a place of refuge and provision, where the brothers hope to find relief from their hardships.
Additionally, the verse reflects the idea of divine intervention and guidance. The brothers' journey to Egypt and their encounter with Pharaoh are part of a larger plan orchestrated by God. Despite the trials and tribulations they face, the brothers ultimately find a source of relief and sustenance in Egypt, as well as a path to reconciliation with Joseph.
The verse also speaks to the importance of humility and seeking help from others. The brothers approach Pharaoh with honesty and humility, acknowledging their need for assistance and expressing their desire to find a place to dwell in the land of Goshen. This demonstrates a willingness to put aside pride and seek support from those in a position to offer help, a valuable lesson for all who face difficulties in life.
In summary, Genesis 47:4 captures the theme of seeking refuge and sustenance in times of trouble, as well as the symbolism of Goshen as a place of abundance and provision. The verse also highlights the importance of humility and seeking help from others, as well as the overarching theme of divine providence and guidance. The narrative of Joseph and his brothers' journey to Egypt serves as a powerful reminder of the ways in which God can lead us to places of safety and abundance, even in the midst of hardship and adversity.
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Genesis 47:4 Artwork
Genesis 47:4 - "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."
"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." - Genesis 47:4
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."
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."
Isaiah 47:4 - "As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel."
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
Psalms 47:4 - "He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah."
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 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."