King James Version

What Does Genesis 46:32 Mean?

Genesis 46:32 in the King James Version says “And the men are shepherds , for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herd...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the men are shepherds , for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. their trade: Heb. they are men of cattle”

Genesis 46:32 · KJV

Context

30

And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.

31

And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;

32

And the men are shepherds , for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. their trade: Heb. they are men of cattle

33

And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?

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.

Read Genesis 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flo... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אַנְשֵׁ֥י1 of 13

“And the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

רֹ֣עֵי2 of 13

“are shepherds”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

וְצֹאנָ֧ם3 of 13

“their flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

כִּֽי4 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַנְשֵׁ֥י5 of 13

“And the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

מִקְנֶ֖ה6 of 13

“for their trade hath been to feed cattle”

H4735

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

הָי֑וּ7 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְצֹאנָ֧ם8 of 13

“their flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבְקָרָ֛ם9 of 13

“and their herds”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וְכָל10 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 13
H834

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

לָהֶ֖ם12 of 13
H0
הֵבִֽיאוּ׃13 of 13

“and they have brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 46:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 46:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 47:3Psalms 78:70-72Zechariah 13:5Genesis 4:2Exodus 3:11 Kings 18:5-6

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