Genesis 47:2
Genesis 47:2 in Multiple Translations
And he chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.
And from among his brethren he took five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.
And he took five of his brothers to Pharaoh.
Joseph took five of his brothers to go with him and introduced them to Pharaoh.
And Ioseph tooke part of his brethren, euen fiue men, and presented them vnto Pharaoh.
And out of his brethren he hath taken five men, and setteth them before Pharaoh;
From among his brothers he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh.
And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them to Pharaoh.
Five men also the last of his brethren, he presented before the king:
Joseph took 5 of his brothers to Pharaoh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 47:2
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 47:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מִ/קְצֵ֣ה
אֶחָ֔י/ו
לָקַ֖ח
חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
וַ/יַּצִּגֵ֖/ם
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
פַרְעֹֽה
וּ/מִ/קְצֵ֣ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Conj | Prep | N-cs
אֶחָ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
לָקַ֖ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
וַ/יַּצִּגֵ֖/ם
yâtsag
H3322
to set
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
פַרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 47:2
וּ/מִ/קְצֵ֣ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
אֶחָ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
לָקַ֖ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַ/יַּצִּגֵ֖/ם
yâtsag
H3322
"to set"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To set something in place permanently, like establishing a foundation, as seen in Exodus and Leviticus. It means to put something in a fixed position. This concept is used in various contexts, including setting up a tent or a monument.
Definition: 1) to place, set, establish 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to set, place 1a2) to present 1a3) to exhibit 1b) (Hophal) to be stopped, be stayed, be detained
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: establish, leave, make, present, put, set, stay. See also: Genesis 30:38; Judges 8:27; Jeremiah 51:34.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
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.
פַרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
Study Notes — Genesis 47:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 47:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 47:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
- Sermons on Genesis 47:2
Context — Jacob Settles in Goshen
1So Joseph went and told Pharaoh: “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.”
2And he chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.” 4Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:13 | On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. |
| 2 | Colossians 1:28 | We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. |
| 3 | Jude 1:24 | Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy— |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 4:14 | knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. |
Genesis 47:2 Summary
In Genesis 47:2, Joseph chooses five of his brothers to meet Pharaoh, which shows that he wants to introduce his family to the Egyptian leader and seek his permission for them to settle in the land. This verse teaches us about the importance of respect for authority and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in other Bible verses like Romans 13:1-7. Joseph's actions also show us the value of family and community, as he wants to care for his brothers and provide for them, similar to how God cares for us (Psalm 23:1-6). By looking at Joseph's example, we can learn how to trust in God and respect those in authority over us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph choose only five of his brothers to present before Pharaoh?
Joseph likely chose five of his brothers to present before Pharaoh because he wanted to introduce a representative group from his family, as seen in Genesis 47:2, and to show respect for the Egyptian leader, similar to how Abraham showed respect to King Abimelech in Genesis 20:1-18.
What was the significance of presenting Joseph's brothers before Pharaoh?
Presenting Joseph's brothers before Pharaoh was a way of introducing them to the Egyptian leader and seeking his permission for them to settle in the land, as seen in Genesis 47:2-4, which is similar to how Jacob sought permission from Esau to settle in Seir in Genesis 32:1-33:17.
How did Joseph's actions reflect his faith in God?
Joseph's actions in presenting his brothers before Pharaoh reflect his faith in God because he was trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15, and was seeking to obey God's will, similar to how Abraham trusted God in Genesis 12:1-20.
What can we learn from Joseph's example in this verse?
We can learn from Joseph's example in this verse the importance of humility, respect for authority, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 47:2, and other biblical examples such as Romans 13:1-7 and Proverbs 22:1-29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect for authority figures in my life, like Joseph did with Pharaoh?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision in difficult circumstances, like Joseph did in Genesis 47:2?
- What are some ways I can introduce others to Jesus, just like Joseph introduced his brothers to Pharaoh?
- What can I learn from Joseph's example about the importance of family and community, as seen in Genesis 47:2?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:2
And he took some of his brethren,.... Along with him, when he left his father in Goshen; the word for "some" signifies the extremity of a thing: hence some have fancied that he took some of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:2
And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh. Took some of his brethren - probably the five oldest brothers, seniority being the least invidious principle of selection.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
Some of his brethren, or part, as this Hebrew word is used, ; or the extremity, or end, or tail of them, i.e. the meanest of them for person and presence, as the word is taken , lest if he, had presented the goodliest of them, Pharaoh might have required their attendance upon him, either at court or camp. And for the same reason for which he did industriously represent them to Pharaoh as contemptible in their employment, he might also present those to him who were so in their persons.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
Genesis 47:2 And he took some of his brethren, [even] five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.Ver. 2. Even five men.] R. Solomon telleth us (but who told him?) which five they were; sc., Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, and Benjamin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
(2) Even five men.—As the number “five” appears again and again in this narrative (Genesis 43:34; Genesis 45:22), it may have had some special importance among the Egyptians, like the number seven among the Jews.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
Verse 2. He took some of his brethren] There is something very strange in the original; literally translated it signifies "from the end or extremity (מקצה miktseh) of his brethren he took five men." This has been understood six different ways. 1. Joseph took five of his brethren that came first to hand - at random, without design or choice. 2. Joseph took five of the meanest-looking of his brethren to present before Pharaoh, fearing if he had taken the sightliest that Pharaoh would detain them for his service, whereby their religion and morals might be corrupted. 3. Joseph took five of the best made and finest-looking of his brethren, and presented them before Pharaoh, wishing to impress his mind with a favourable opinion of the family which he had just now brought into Egypt, and to do himself honour. 4. Joseph took five of the youngest of his brethren. 5. He took five of the eldest of his brethren. 6. He took five from the extremity or end of his brethren, i. e., some of the eldest and some of the youngest, viz., Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, and Benjamin. - Rab. Solomon. It is certain that in Judges 18:2, the word may be understood as implying dignity, valour, excellence, and pre-eminence: And the children of Dan sent of their family FIVE men מקצותם miktsotham, not from their coasts, but of the most eminent or excellent they had; and it is probable they might have had their eye on what Joseph did here when they made their choice, choosing the same number, five, and of their principal men, as did Joseph, because the mission was important, to go and search out the land.
But the word may be understood simply as signifying some; out of the whole of his brethren he took only five men, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 47:2
2. five men] How the five were selected we are not told. On the number “5” in connexion with Egypt, see note on Genesis 43:34. Cf. Genesis 47:24, Genesis 41:34, Genesis 43:34, Genesis 45:22; Isaiah 19:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
TO PHARAOH, AND IN EGYPT, Genesis 47:1-12. 1-3. They said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds — “The Egyptian monuments abundantly illustrate the hatred and contempt which the ruling castes felt towards the shepherds.
Sermons on Genesis 47:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jesus Christ Come in Flesh by John Gifford Bellett | John Gifford Bellett preaches on the significance of the ark and the camp during the journey through the wilderness, emphasizing the need for the camp to guide and guard the ark, s |
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The Maturity of a Spiritual Leader by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having someone behind us pouring on oil to keep us moving and generating power in our leadership positions. He encourages l |
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Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual energy and hunger to know and apprehend the word of God. He draws a parallel between the book of Joshua |
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The Way to Spiritual Ascendancy 1 by Dana Congdon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly things. He compares the New Testament to a series of photos of Jes |
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The Riches of Christ in the Wisdom and Revelation of God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the rapid development and advancements in the world, which are often seen as signs of human wisdom. However, the speaker argues that this wi |
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Christ Is All: We Proclaim by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the goal of presenting all men perfect in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging and uniting believers in love, so that they may |
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Ambassadors for Christ - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling ourselves and seeking God's face. He encourages the listeners to respond to the teachings they have heard and to a |