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⇱ Genesis 47:4 Then 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."

Bible > Genesis > Chapter 47 > Verse 4
◄ Genesis 47:4 ►
New International Version
They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”

New Living Translation
We have come to live here in Egypt for a while, for there is no pasture for our flocks in Canaan. The famine is very severe there. So please, we request permission to live in the region of Goshen.”

English Standard Version
They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then 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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

New American Standard Bible
They also said to Pharaoh, “We have come to reside in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now, therefore, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen.”

NASB 1995
They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now, therefore, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen.”

NASB 1977
And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now, therefore, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is heavy in the land of Canaan. So now, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen.”

Amplified Bible
Moreover, they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live temporarily (sojourn) in the land [of Egypt], for there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants [in our land], for the famine is very severe in Canaan. So now, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen.”

Christian Standard Bible
And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to stay in the land for a while because there is no grazing land for your servants’ sheep, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a while because there is no grazing land for your servants’ sheep, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.”

American Standard Version
And they said unto Pharaoh, To sojourn in the land are we come; for there is no pasture for thy servants' 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.

Contemporary English Version
But in our country all the pastures are dried up, and our sheep have no grass to eat. So we, your servants, have come here. Please let us live in the region of Goshen."

English Revised Version
And they said unto Pharaoh, To sojourn in the land are we come; for there is no pasture for thy servants' 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We have come to live in this land for a while. The famine is so severe in Canaan that there's no pasture for our flocks. So please let us live in Goshen."

Good News Translation
"We have come to live in this country, because in the land of Canaan the famine is so severe that there is no pasture for our flocks. Please give us permission to live in the region of Goshen."

International Standard Version
We've come to live for a while in this region, since there is no pasture back in Canaan for your servants' flocks. May your servants please live in the Goshen territory?"

NET Bible
Then they said to Pharaoh, "We have come to live as temporary residents in the land. There is no pasture for your servants' flocks because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. So now, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen."

New Heart English Bible
And they said to Pharaoh, "We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. So now, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen."

Webster's Bible Translation
They said moreover to Pharaoh, We have come to sojourn in the land: for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then 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.”

World English Bible
They also said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they say to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for the flock which your servants have, for the famine in the land of Canaan [is] grievous; and now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

Young's Literal Translation
and they say unto Pharaoh, 'To sojourn in the land we have come, for there is no pasture for the flock which thy servants have, for grievous is the famine in the land of Canaan; and now, let thy servants, we pray thee, dwell in the land of Goshen.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will say to Pharaoh, To sojourn in the land we came: for no pasture is to the sheep which are to thy servants, for the famine was heavy in the land of Canaan: and at this time now will thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
We are come to sojourn in thy land, because there is no grass for the flocks of thy servants, the famine being very grievous in the land of Chanaan: and we pray thee to give orders that we thy servants may be in the land of Gessen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
We came to sojourn in your land, because there is no grass for the flocks of your servants, the famine being very grievous in the land of Canaan. And we petition you that you may order us, your servants, to be in the land of Goshen.”

New American Bible
We have come,” they continued, “in order to sojourn in this land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, because the famine has been severe in the land of Canaan. So now please let your servants settle in the region of Goshen.”

New Revised Standard Version
They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to reside as aliens in the land; for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now, we ask you, let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They said moreover to Pharaoh, We have come to sojourn in the land; for there is no pasture for your servants' flocks; for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan; now, therefore, let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to dwell in the land, because there is no pasture for the flocks of your Servants, because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan, and now your Servants will dwell in the land of Geshan.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they said unto Pharaoh: 'To sojourn in the land are we come; for there is no pasture for thy servants' 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they said to Pharao, We are come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for the flocks of thy servants, for the famine has prevailed in the land of Chanaan; now then, we will dwell in the land of Gesem. And Pharao said to Joseph, Let them dwell in the land of Gesem; and if thou knowest that there are among them able men, make them overseers of my cattle. So Jacob and his sons came into Egypt, to Joseph; and Pharao, king of Egypt, heard of it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Settles in Goshen
…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.” 5Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have come to you,…

Cross References
Exodus 12:48-49
If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. / The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.”

Leviticus 25:35-36
Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. / Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you.

Deuteronomy 10:18-19
He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. / So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

Psalm 105:23
Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.

Isaiah 19:23-25
In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. / In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. / The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.”

Acts 7:11-15
Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. / When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. / On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. ...

Hebrews 11:9
By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.

Exodus 1:1-5
These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: / Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; / Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; ...

Deuteronomy 26:5
and you are to declare before the LORD your God, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous.

Psalm 105:13
they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another.

Acts 7:6
God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.

Hebrews 11:13-16
All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. / Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. / If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. ...

Exodus 22:21
You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

Leviticus 19:34
You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Jeremiah 42:10-12
‘If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I will relent of the disaster I have brought upon you. / Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear; do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you to save you and deliver you from him. / And I will show you compassion, and he will have compassion on you and restore you to your own land.’


Genesis 12:10
And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.

Genesis 15:13
And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Deuteronomy 26:5
And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:

for the famine.

Genesis 43:1
And the famine was sore in the land.

Acts 7:11
Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

let thy.

Genesis 46:34
That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

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Genesis 47
1. Joseph presents his father, and five of his brothers before Pharaoh.
11. He gives them habitation and maintenance.
13. He gets the Egyptian's money;
16. their cattle;
18. and their lands, except the priests', to Pharaoh.
23. He restores the land for a fifth.
28. Jacob's age.
29. He swears Joseph to bury him with his fathers.














Then they said to Pharaoh,
This phrase indicates the direct communication between Joseph's brothers and Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. It highlights the importance of Joseph's position in Egypt, as his family is granted an audience with the king. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be influential in foreign lands (Genesis 12:2-3).

“We have come to live in the land for a time,
The temporary nature of their stay is emphasized here. The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt was initially intended to be short-term, but it eventually extended to 400 years, as foretold in Genesis 15:13. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual Exodus, where the Israelites would leave Egypt to return to the Promised Land.

because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants,
This highlights the severity of the famine affecting Canaan, which forced Jacob's family to seek sustenance in Egypt. The mention of "flocks" underscores the pastoral lifestyle of the Israelites, contrasting with the more agrarian society of Egypt. This distinction would later contribute to the Israelites' separation and identity as a distinct people.

since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe.
The famine is a pivotal event in the narrative, driving the migration to Egypt. It serves as a backdrop for God's providential care, as He uses the famine to bring Jacob's family to Egypt, setting the stage for their growth into a great nation. This also connects to Joseph's earlier dreams and his role in God's plan (Genesis 41:25-32).

So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”
Goshen is identified as a fertile region in Egypt, suitable for grazing livestock. This request reflects Joseph's strategic planning, as Goshen's location would allow the Israelites to maintain their distinct identity while benefiting from Egypt's resources. Theologically, Goshen represents God's provision and protection for His people, even in a foreign land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who holds the power to grant or deny the request of Joseph's family.

2. Joseph
The son of Jacob, who has risen to a position of power in Egypt and is responsible for bringing his family to Egypt during the famine.

3. Jacob's Family
The family of Israel, who have come to Egypt seeking refuge from the severe famine in Canaan.

4. Canaan
The land where Jacob's family originally resides, currently suffering from a severe famine.

5. Goshen
A region in Egypt where Joseph's family seeks to settle, known for its fertile land suitable for grazing.
Teaching Points
Divine Providence in Times of Need
God's provision is evident as He uses Joseph to prepare a place for his family during the famine. Trust in God's plan even when circumstances seem dire.

The Importance of Family and Community
Joseph's actions demonstrate the importance of caring for family and community. In times of crisis, seek to support and uplift those around you.

Faith and Obedience
Jacob's family demonstrates faith by moving to Egypt, trusting in God's provision through Joseph. Be willing to step out in faith when God provides a path.

The Role of Leadership
Joseph's leadership and wisdom are crucial in securing a place for his family. Effective leadership involves foresight, compassion, and action.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The movement of Jacob's family to Egypt sets the stage for future events in Israel's history, illustrating God's sovereignty over nations and history.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 47:4?

2. How does Genesis 47:4 demonstrate reliance on God's provision during hardship?

3. What lessons on humility can we learn from the request in Genesis 47:4?

4. How does Genesis 47:4 connect to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2?

5. In what ways can we seek God's guidance when facing difficult circumstances today?

6. How can Genesis 47:4 inspire us to trust God's plan in uncertain times?

7. Why did Joseph's brothers seek permission to live in Egypt according to Genesis 47:4?

8. How does Genesis 47:4 reflect God's provision during times of famine?

9. What does Genesis 47:4 reveal about the relationship between Egyptians and Israelites?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 47?

11. What is Goshen's biblical significance?

12. What are the key events in the Book of Genesis?

13. Exodus 5:1: Where is the historical or archaeological evidence of Moses confronting an Egyptian Pharaoh as described?

14. What is Goshen's biblical significance?
What Does Genesis 47:4 Mean
Then they said to Pharaoh

“Then they said to Pharaoh” (Genesis 47:4a) places Joseph’s brothers in the royal court, fulfilling Joseph’s guidance in Genesis 46:31–34.

• Their respectful approach echoes Abraham’s earlier deference to local rulers (Genesis 23:7).

• God’s promise of favor before kings unfolds here (Genesis 45:16; Proverbs 16:7).

We have come to live in the land for a time

The brothers declare, “We have come to live in the land for a time.”

• “Live…for a time” signals a temporary sojourn, not permanent migration, aligning with God’s word that Canaan remains Israel’s inheritance (Genesis 28:13).

• Hebrews 11:13 reminds us the patriarchs viewed themselves as strangers on earth, awaiting God’s timing.

• Their honesty contrasts with Abram’s half-truth in Egypt centuries earlier (Genesis 12:11–13), showing growth in the family line.

Because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants

They cite a practical need: “there is no pasture for the flocks.”

• Shepherding defined their livelihood (Genesis 46:34); without grazing land they would perish.

• Psalm 23:1–2 pictures the Lord as Shepherd providing pastures—here He does so through Pharaoh’s generosity.

• God often uses earthly authorities to meet His people’s material needs (1 Kings 17:9; Romans 13:3–4).

Since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe

The plea rests on the severity of God-announced famine (Genesis 41:30–32).

• Acts 7:11 recalls, “a great famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction.”

• The disaster pushes Jacob’s family into Egypt, moving the covenant story forward exactly as foretold (Genesis 15:13).

• Hardship becomes the vehicle for divine relocation and preservation (Romans 8:28).

So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen

The request: “please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”

• Goshen offered rich pasture (Genesis 45:10), fitting their flocks while keeping them separate from Egypt’s urban centers (Exodus 8:22).

• Joseph aimed to preserve their distinct identity, anticipating future deliverance (Exodus 12:40–41).

• Granting Goshen showcases God’s favor: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1).

summary

Genesis 47:4 records Joseph’s brothers making a humble, truthful request that secures both survival and separation for Israel in Egypt. God orchestrates famine, Pharaoh’s favor, and the fertile land of Goshen to advance His covenant plan, protect His people, and set the stage for the Exodus generations later.

(4) To sojourn.--Joseph's brethren ask for permission only for a temporary stay. Apparently, too, in spite of the famine, there was pasture for cattle in Goshen. They had been able hitherto to keep them alive even in Canaan; and probably the Nile, though it did not overflow, yet on reaching the delta lost itself in swamps, which produced a great quantity of the marsh grass described in Genesis 41:2. We find in this chapter that not only were Pharaoh's herds intact, but also those of the people.Verse 4. - They said moreover (literally, and they said) unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; - an unconscious fulfillment of an ancient prophecy (Genesis 15:13) - for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks (it was solely the extreme drought that had caused them for a season to vacate their own land); for the famine is sore (literally, heavy) in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell (literally, and now might thy servants dwell, we pray, the future having here the force of an optative) in the land of Goshen.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then they said
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Pharaoh,
פַּרְעֹ֗ה (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

“We have come
בָּאנוּ֒ (bā·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to live in the land
בָּאָרֶץ֮ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

for a time,
לָג֣וּר (lā·ḡūr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there is no
אֵ֣ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

pasture
מִרְעֶ֗ה (mir·‘eh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4829: Pasture, the haunt of wild animals

for the flock
לַצֹּאן֙ (laṣ·ṣōn)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

of your servants,
לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

since
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the famine
הָרָעָ֖ב (hā·rā·‘āḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7458: Famine, hunger

in the land
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Canaan
כְּנָ֑עַן (kə·nā·‘an)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3667: Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan

has been severe.
כָבֵ֥ד (ḵā·ḇêḏ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3515: Heavy

So now,
וְעַתָּ֛ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

please
נָ֥א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

allow your servants
עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

to settle
יֵֽשְׁבוּ־ (yê·šə·ḇū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in the land
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Goshen.”
גֹּֽשֶׁן׃ (gō·šen)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1657: Goshen -- a district in Egypt, also a city in southern Judah


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OT Law: Genesis 47:4 They said to Pharaoh We have come (Gen. Ge Gn)