Genesis 47:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pharaoh asks what the brothers do, and they identify themselves as shepherds.
The Context of Genesis 47:3
Pharaoh learns the family's occupation directly from them.
What Does Genesis 47:3 Mean?
Pharaoh directly questions Joseph's brothers about their occupation, allowing them to speak for themselves before the Egyptian ruler. The brothers reply honestly that they are shepherds, as their fathers were before them. This directness builds trust and shows they are not concealing their true work.
The brothers frame their work within a family heritage of shepherding. By connecting to their fathers' occupation, they anchor their identity in continuity and reliability, which would appeal to Pharaoh's interest in knowing who these newcomers are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 47:3
What does Genesis 47:3 mean?
Pharaoh asks what the brothers do, and they identify themselves as shepherds.
What is the context of Genesis 47:3?
Pharaoh learns the family's occupation directly from them.