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Genesis 46:28

Genesis 46:28 in Multiple Translations

Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob’s family arrived in the land of Goshen,

¶ And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to show the way before him unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

Now he had sent Judah before him to Goshen, to get word from Joseph; and so they came to the land of Goshen.

Jacob sent Judah on ahead to meet Joseph and find out the way to Goshen. When they arrived in Goshen,

The he sent Iudah before him vnto Ioseph, to direct his way vnto Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen.

And Judah he hath sent before him unto Joseph, to direct before him to Goshen, and they come into the land of Goshen;

Jacob sent Judah before him to Joseph, to show the way before him to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen.

And he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to direct his face to Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

And he sent Juda before him to Joseph, to tell him; and that he should meet him in Gessen.

Jacob sent Judah to go ahead of the rest of them to talk with Joseph and ask for directions on how to travel to Goshen. Then Judah returned to the rest of his family and they all traveled to the Goshen region. When they arrived there,

Jacob and his family got near to Egypt country. Then Jacob said to his son Judah, “Go to Joseph, and say to him, ‘Please tell us how to get to the place called Goshen.’” And Judah did what Jacob said. Then Jacob and his family went to Goshen.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 46:28

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 46:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אֶת יְהוּדָ֞ה שָׁלַ֤ח לְ/פָנָי/ו֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף לְ/הוֹרֹ֥ת לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו גֹּ֑שְׁנָ/ה וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ אַ֥רְצָ/ה גֹּֽשֶׁן
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
יְהוּדָ֞ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
שָׁלַ֤ח shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/פָנָי/ו֙ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יוֹסֵ֔ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper
לְ/הוֹרֹ֥ת yârâh H3384 to shoot Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
גֹּ֑שְׁנָ/ה Gôshen H1657 Goshen N-proper | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַ֥רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
גֹּֽשֶׁן Gôshen H1657 Goshen N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 46:28

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוּדָ֞ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
שָׁלַ֤ח shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לְ/פָנָי/ו֙ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹסֵ֔ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
לְ/הוֹרֹ֥ת yârâh H3384 "to shoot" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
גֹּ֑שְׁנָ/ה Gôshen H1657 "Goshen" N-proper | Suff
Goshen was a place in Egypt where the Israelites lived, and also a region in Palestine. The name Goshen means drawing near, and it is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location.
Definition: § Goshen = "drawing near" 1) a district in southern Palestine between Gaza and Gibeon
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Goshen. See also: Genesis 45:10; Genesis 47:27; Joshua 15:51.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אַ֥רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
גֹּֽשֶׁן Gôshen H1657 "Goshen" N-proper
Goshen was a place in Egypt where the Israelites lived, and also a region in Palestine. The name Goshen means drawing near, and it is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location.
Definition: § Goshen = "drawing near" 1) a district in southern Palestine between Gaza and Gibeon
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Goshen. See also: Genesis 45:10; Genesis 47:27; Joshua 15:51.

Study Notes — Genesis 46:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 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.
2 Genesis 44:16–34 “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.” But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ Then you told your servants, ‘Bring him down to me so that I can see him for myself.’ So we said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father. If he were to leave, his father would die.’ But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’ Now when we returned to your servant my father, we relayed your words to him. Then our father said, ‘Go back and buy us some food.’ But we answered, ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother is not with us, we cannot see the man.’ And your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. When one of them was gone, I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since. Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’ So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life, sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Indeed, your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life.’ Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”
3 Genesis 49:8 Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you.
4 Genesis 46:34–1
5 Genesis 43:8 And Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and we will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children.
6 Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, and headed for the hill country of Gilead.

Genesis 46:28 Summary

Genesis 46:28 tells us that Jacob sent Judah ahead to get directions to Goshen, where Joseph had instructed them to settle. This shows that Jacob was trusting in God's provision and guidance, just like he had been doing throughout his journey (as seen in Genesis 28:15 and Genesis 46:4). Jacob's trust in God is an example to us, reminding us to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance in our own lives (as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6). By following God's leading and trusting in His provision, we can experience the same kind of peace and assurance that Jacob did in Genesis 46:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob send Judah ahead to Joseph in Genesis 46:28?

Jacob sent Judah ahead to get directions to Goshen, showing Jacob's desire to follow God's leading and Joseph's guidance, as seen in Genesis 46:28 and supported by Genesis 45:10 where Joseph instructed his brothers to settle in Goshen.

What is the significance of Goshen in the Bible?

Goshen was a region in Egypt where the Israelites were allowed to settle, as seen in Genesis 46:28, and it is also where they would eventually be protected from the plagues that God sent upon Egypt, as mentioned in Exodus 8:22 and Exodus 9:26.

How does Genesis 46:28 relate to the larger story of Joseph and his family?

Genesis 46:28 is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it marks the beginning of the reunion between Joseph and his father Jacob, which is a fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob in Genesis 28:15 and Genesis 46:4.

What can we learn about faith and trust from Jacob's actions in Genesis 46:28?

Jacob's decision to send Judah ahead to get directions to Goshen demonstrates his trust in God's provision and guidance, as well as his desire to follow God's will, which is a key theme throughout the book of Genesis, including Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 28:20-22.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can demonstrate trust in God's guidance and provision in my own life, just like Jacob did in Genesis 46:28?
  2. How can I, like Jacob, balance my desire for control and planning with my need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance?
  3. What are some times in my life when I have felt like I was being led to a new place or a new season, and how did I respond to that leading?
  4. How can I, like Joseph, use my position and influence to bless and care for my family and community, as seen in Genesis 46:28 and the surrounding verses?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:28

And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph,.... Who was the more honourable of his sons, and in greater esteem with Jacob than his elder brethren were, Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, who by their conduct

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:28

And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen. Sent Judah before him unto Joseph.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 46:28

To direct his face unto Goshen; Heb. to prepare, or to teach him, the way before his face, i.e. before his coming to Goshen; i.e. to show him where it was, and into what part of it he should come and settle himself; or to give notice unto Joseph of his approach, before his face or coming into Goshen.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 46:28

Genesis 46:28 And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.Ver. 28. And he sent Judah before him.] "A good man guides his affairs with discretion"; doth all things decently, and in order. It was great "joy" to the apostle to behold the Colossians’ "order."

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 46:28

ARRIVAL OF JACOB IN EGYPT.(28) To direct his face unto Goshen.—Joseph does not bring his brethren into the narrow and populous Nile Valley which formed Egypt proper, because they could not have maintained there an isolated mode of life. But this was indispensable for them if they were to multiply into a nation fit to be the guardians and depositories of a growing revelation, until the fulness of the time should come, when the world would be ready to receive the perfect knowledge of God’s will. As the Egyptians were an agricultural people, and hated sheep and shepherds (Genesis 46:34), the Israelites would run no danger of being absorbed by them so long as they continued to devote themselves to their old pursuits. As Goshen was admirably suited for a pastoral life, they would remain there as distinct and separate from the rest of mankind as they had been in Canaan.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 46:28

Verse 28. He sent Judah before him unto Joseph] Judah was certainly a man of sense, and also an eloquent man; and of him Joseph must have had a very favourable opinion from the speech he delivered before him, Genesis 44:18, c. he was therefore chosen as the most proper person to go before and announce Jacob's arrival to his son Joseph. To direct his face unto Goshen] The land of Goshen is the same, according to the Septuagint, as the land of Rameses, and Goshen itself the same as Heroopolis, 'Ἡρωωνπολις Heroonpolis, the city of heroes, a name by which it went in the days of the Septuagint, and which it still retained in the time of Josephus, for he makes use of the same term in speaking of this place. See Clarke on Genesis 46:34.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:28

28–34. Jacob’s Meeting with Joseph (J, E) This passage follows upon Genesis 46:1-5.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 46:28

ISRAEL IN EGYPT, Genesis 46:28-34. 28. And he sent Judah before him — “Judah appears as a leader among his brethren, having taken the responsibility for the return of Benjamin, and having conducted

Sermons on Genesis 46:28

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 46:26-28 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the individual importance of each person to God, despite the vast population of the world. The speaker compares the attention and knowledge p
Jim Van Gelderen God's Formula for Forgiveness by Jim Van Gelderen In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young man who witnessed his father's suicide at the age of five. Despite the tragedy, God used this experience to shape the
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 44:16-17 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 44th chapter of Genesis, which tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. The brothers have come to Egypt to buy corn, and Joseph tests
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 49:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17, which refers to a star. The preacher connects this prophecy to the coming of Christ, who is describ
Ian Paisley The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity of the Bible, stating that it is one book despite being composed of many individual books. The sermon explores the theme of death
Michael Flowers The Woman, the Dragon & the Male Child - Christmas Eve 2017 by Michael Flowers In this sermon, the preacher explores the unseen story behind the rebellion against God and the cosmic realities surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation is hi
Ian Paisley The Must of All Musts by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity of the Bible, despite it being a collection of 66 books. He highlights the deaths and death bed scenes of various individuals in t

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