They were shepherds entering a new land, bringing everything they owned to establish themselves under God’s sovereign hand.
Throughout this moment in Genesis, Joseph is preparing his family to reside in Egypt under Pharaoh’s permission. We read, “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” (v.32). In the context, Joseph seeks to ensure that his father Jacob, who was born around 2006 BC, and his brothers, who are also shepherds, can live peacefully and productively in the land. Shepherding was often considered a lowly occupation in Egypt, which suggests that Joseph is subtly guiding his family’s introduction to Pharaoh, explaining their background beforehand. By bringing “their flocks and all that they have,” they enter Egypt not as strangers but as a family with a defined trade and clear resources.
The land of Goshen, located in the fertile region east of the Nile Delta, is where Joseph intends to settle his family due to its ideal conditions for raising livestock. This area, rich in pastureland, offered them both provision and separation. This separation was beneficial because shepherding was typically looked down upon by the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34). Joseph, who was born around 1915 BC and rose to power after being sold into slavery, uses his favor with Pharaoh to situate his family in a place where they can thrive.
Spiritually, the occupation of shepherds in this verse reminds us of the recurring biblical motif of God’s people tending flocks—an image that anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament (John 10:11). Although Jacob’s family were shepherds by trade, Scripture often uses shepherd imagery to highlight qualities of care, guidance, and oversight. Joseph’s acknowledgment that “the men are shepherds” (v.32) serves as a reminder that God had been training them in roles of responsibility and compassion, pointing forward to principles Jesus Himself would fulfill in caring for believers as His own flock.
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Genesis 46:32 meaning
Throughout this moment in Genesis, Joseph is preparing his family to reside in Egypt under Pharaoh’s permission. We read, “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” (v.32). In the context, Joseph seeks to ensure that his father Jacob, who was born around 2006 BC, and his brothers, who are also shepherds, can live peacefully and productively in the land. Shepherding was often considered a lowly occupation in Egypt, which suggests that Joseph is subtly guiding his family’s introduction to Pharaoh, explaining their background beforehand. By bringing “their flocks and all that they have,” they enter Egypt not as strangers but as a family with a defined trade and clear resources.
The land of Goshen, located in the fertile region east of the Nile Delta, is where Joseph intends to settle his family due to its ideal conditions for raising livestock. This area, rich in pastureland, offered them both provision and separation. This separation was beneficial because shepherding was typically looked down upon by the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34). Joseph, who was born around 1915 BC and rose to power after being sold into slavery, uses his favor with Pharaoh to situate his family in a place where they can thrive.
Spiritually, the occupation of shepherds in this verse reminds us of the recurring biblical motif of God’s people tending flocks—an image that anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament (John 10:11). Although Jacob’s family were shepherds by trade, Scripture often uses shepherd imagery to highlight qualities of care, guidance, and oversight. Joseph’s acknowledgment that “the men are shepherds” (v.32) serves as a reminder that God had been training them in roles of responsibility and compassion, pointing forward to principles Jesus Himself would fulfill in caring for believers as His own flock.