King James Version

What Does Genesis 47:27 Mean?

Genesis 47:27 in the King James Version says “And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multipl...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.”

Genesis 47:27 · KJV

Context

25

And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants.

26

And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh's. priests: or, princes

27

And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.

28

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years. the whole: Heb. the days of the years of his life

29

And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, a... 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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב1 of 11

“dwelt”

H3427

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל2 of 11

“And Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ3 of 11

“in the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֖יִם4 of 11

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ5 of 11

“in the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

גֹּ֑שֶׁן6 of 11

“of Goshen”

H1657

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

וַיֵּאָֽחֲז֣וּ7 of 11

“and they had possessions”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

בָ֔הּ8 of 11
H0
וַיִּפְר֥וּ9 of 11

“therein and grew”

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּרְבּ֖וּ10 of 11

“and multiplied”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מְאֹֽד׃11 of 11

“exceedingly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 47:27 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 47:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 46:3Exodus 1:7Acts 7:17Psalms 107:38Deuteronomy 26:5Zechariah 10:8

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
Goshen 1Region · Modern: Qantir · 30.80°N, 31.83°E11 verses across 2 books
View all places in Genesis 47 →

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