share torah logo

Genesis 47:1 - Yosef reunites family in Goshen

Genesis 47:1 - בראשית 47:1

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא יוֹסֵף וַיַּגֵּד לְפַרְעֹה וַיֹּאמֶר אָבִי וְאַחַי וְצֹאנָם וּבְקָרָם וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם בָּאוּ מֵאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן וְהִנָּם בְּאֶרֶץ גֹּשֶׁן׃

English Translation

Then Yosef came and told Par῾o, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Kena῾an; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Yosef va'yaged le'Faroh va'yomer avi ve'achai ve'tzonam u'vkaram ve'chol asher lahem ba'u me'eretz Kena'an ve'hinam be'eretz Goshen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֣א יוֹסֵף֮ וַיַּגֵּ֣ד לְפַרְעֹה֒ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אָבִ֨י וְאַחַ֜י וְצֹאנָ֤ם וּבְקָרָם֙ וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לָהֶ֔ם בָּ֖אוּ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וְהִנָּ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן׃
וַיָּבֹ֣א יוֹסֵף֮ וַיַּגֵּ֣ד לְפַרְעֹה֒ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אָבִ֨י וְאַחַ֜י וְצֹאנָ֤ם וּבְקָרָם֙ וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לָהֶ֔ם בָּ֖אוּ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וְהִנָּ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Strategic Approach to Pharaoh

Rashi (Bereshit 47:1) explains that Yosef first approached Pharaoh alone before bringing his brothers, demonstrating wisdom in how to present his family to the Egyptian ruler. This reflects Yosef's understanding of royal protocol and his desire to ensure his family would be received favorably.

The Significance of Mentioning Their Livestock

The verse emphasizes that Yaakov's family brought their flocks and herds. Ramban (Bereshit 47:1) notes this detail was crucial because:

  • It showed they were self-sufficient and wouldn't be a burden on Egypt
  • It explained why they needed Goshen specifically - as shepherds required pastureland
  • It maintained their distinct identity as shepherds, keeping them separate from Egyptian society

Goshen as the Chosen Location

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 95:3) explains that Goshen was selected because:

  • It was fertile land suitable for shepherding
  • It was somewhat removed from Egyptian population centers
  • It would help maintain the family's distinct identity and prevent assimilation

Yosef's Careful Wording

Kli Yakar (Bereshit 47:1) observes that Yosef mentions "my father and my brothers" before discussing their possessions, showing proper priorities - family comes before material wealth. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on family relationships and Yosef's reconciliation with his brothers.

Theological Significance

The Sforno notes that Yosef's report to Pharaoh fulfills the divine plan foretold to Avraham (Bereshit 15:13), showing how Hashem's promises were being realized through these events. The mention of "the land of Canaan" being left behind hints at the eventual return to that land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef tell Pharaoh about his family arriving in Goshen?
A: Yosef informed Pharaoh about his family's arrival to fulfill his duty as a loyal servant while also ensuring his family would be settled in Goshen, a fertile land suitable for shepherds (Rashi on Genesis 47:1). This was part of Hashem's plan to sustain Bnei Yisrael during the famine.
Q: Why was Goshen chosen as the place for Yaakov's family to live?
A: Goshen was chosen because it was a fertile area ideal for shepherding, which was the occupation of Yaakov's family. Additionally, being separate from the Egyptians helped Bnei Yisrael maintain their distinct identity and avoid assimilation (Ramban on Genesis 47:6).
Q: What can we learn from Yosef's approach in dealing with Pharaoh?
A: Yosef demonstrated wisdom and diplomacy by respectfully informing Pharaoh of his family's arrival before bringing them before him. This teaches the importance of proper etiquette and derech eretz (respectful conduct) when dealing with authority figures (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayigash 6).
Q: Why does the verse mention their flocks and herds specifically?
A: The Torah highlights their flocks and herds because shepherding was their livelihood and a key reason Pharaoh allowed them to settle in Goshen—a land suited for grazing. It also shows that they came with possessions, not as beggars, maintaining dignity (Sforno on Genesis 47:1).
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of the Jewish people in Egypt?
A: This verse marks the beginning of Bnei Yisrael's settlement in Egypt, which eventually leads to the Exodus. Though Goshen was a safe haven, it was also the start of galut (exile), teaching that Hashem's plans unfold in ways we may not immediately understand (Baal HaTurim on Genesis 47:1).