Genesis Chapter 47 — Jacob’s Family in Egypt
Jacob and his family settle in the land of Goshen after meeting Pharaoh, while Joseph manages the ongoing famine by consolidating land and resources for Egypt.
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Notable Verses
Genesis 47:9
“Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. The days of the years of my life have been few and evil. They have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.””
This verse offers a rare personal reflection from Jacob on the difficulty and length of his life journey.
Genesis 47:27
“Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly.”
This verse marks the beginning of Israel's growth as a distinct and prosperous people within Egypt.
Genesis 47:30
“but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place.”
Jacob’s insistence on being buried in Canaan highlights his faith in the land promised to Abraham and Isaac.
Chapter Summary
In Genesis 47, Joseph presents his father and five brothers to Pharaoh, who grants them permission to settle in the fertile region of Goshen. Jacob blesses Pharaoh and recounts his long pilgrimage. As the famine worsens, the Egyptians run out of money and trade their livestock, land, and eventually their own labor to Joseph in exchange for food. This results in Pharaoh owning all the land of Egypt, except for that belonging to the priests. Joseph establishes a law requiring the people to give one-fifth of their harvest to Pharaoh. Meanwhile, the Israelites thrive and multiply in Goshen. As Jacob nears the end of his life at 147 years old, he makes Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan alongside his ancestors rather than in Egypt. This request underscores Jacob's identification with the land promised to his forefathers and his faith in God's eventual restoration of the family to their home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pharaoh granted them the land of Goshen because it was suitable for their livestock and was considered the best part of the land. It also allowed them to live as a distinct group while remaining close to Joseph.
When the people ran out of money, Joseph traded grain for their livestock and then for their land. He created a system where the people worked the land and gave 20 percent of their produce to Pharaoh as a permanent tax.
As he neared death, Jacob asked Joseph to swear that he would not bury him in Egypt. He requested to be carried back to Canaan and buried in the ancestral tomb with his fathers.
Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years. He arrived at the age of 130 and died at the age of 147.
Study Note
The 20 percent tax established by Joseph was a significant economic shift that consolidated power in the hands of the Pharaoh, excepting the priestly class.
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