King James Version

What Does Genesis 46:34 Mean?

Genesis 46:34 in the King James Version says “That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathe... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Genesis 46:34 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we... 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. What theological truths about Jacob's Journey to Egypt emerge from this passage?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֗ם1 of 22

That ye shall say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַנְשֵׁ֨י2 of 22

trade

H582

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

מִקְנֶ֜ה3 of 22

hath been about cattle

H4735

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

הָי֤וּ4 of 22
H1961

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

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙5 of 22

Thy servants

H5650

a servant

מִנְּעוּרֵ֣ינוּ6 of 22

from our youth

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

וְעַד7 of 22
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עַ֔תָּה8 of 22
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

גַּם9 of 22
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲנַ֖חְנוּ10 of 22
H587

we

גַּם11 of 22
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ12 of 22

even until now both we and also our fathers

H1

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

בַּֽעֲב֗וּר13 of 22
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

תֵּֽשְׁבוּ֙14 of 22

that ye may dwell

H3427

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

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ15 of 22

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

גֹּ֔שֶׁן16 of 22

of Goshen

H1657

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

כִּֽי17 of 22
H3588

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

תוֹעֲבַ֥ת18 of 22

is an abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

מִצְרַ֖יִם19 of 22

unto the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

כָּל20 of 22
H3605

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

רֹ֥עֵה21 of 22

for every shepherd

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

צֹֽאן׃22 of 22
H6629

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


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 46:34 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 46:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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