Genesis 47:6

Authorized King James Version

The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

The land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְפָנֶ֣יךָ

H6440

is before thee

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הִ֔וא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּמֵיטַ֣ב

H4315

in the best

the best part

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

The land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יֵֽשְׁבוּ֙

H3427

let them dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָבִ֖יךָ

thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

אַחֶ֑יךָ

H251

and brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#12

יֵֽשְׁבוּ֙

H3427

let them dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#13

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

The land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

גֹּ֔שֶׁן

H1657

of Goshen

goshen, the residence of the israelites in egypt; also a place in palestine

#15

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#16

יָדַ֗עְתָּ

H3045

and if thou knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#17

וְיֶשׁ

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#18

בָּם֙

#19

אַנְשֵׁי

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#20

חַ֔יִל

H2428

of activity

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#21

וְשַׂמְתָּ֛ם

H7760

among them then make them

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#22

שָׂרֵ֥י

H8269

rulers

a head person (of any rank or class)

#23

מִקְנֶ֖ה

H4735

over my cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

#24

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#25

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#26

לִֽי׃

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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