Genesis 46:1-3

Jacob Goes to Egypt

1 So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied.
3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.

Genesis 46:1-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 46

In this chapter we are told, that Jacob with all his family and substance took a journey to Egypt to see his son Joseph, as he determined, in which he was encouraged to proceed by a vision from God, Ge 46:1-7; and an account is given of all his sons, his sons' sons and daughters that went thither with him, Ge 46:8-27; when he came near to Egypt he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to acquaint him of his coming, who met him at Goshen, where there was a most affectionate interview between them, Ge 46:28-30; and when he gave directions and instructions what answers to give to Pharaoh's questions, when they should appear before him, to whom he proposed to go and inform him of their being come into Egypt, Ge 46:31-34.

Cross References 12

  • 1. ver 5
  • 2. S Genesis 21:14; Genesis 28:10
  • 3. S Genesis 31:54
  • 4. S Genesis 26:24; Genesis 28:13; Genesis 31:42
  • 5. S Genesis 17:5
  • 6. S Genesis 15:1; Job 33:14-15
  • 7. S Genesis 22:1; Genesis 31:11
  • 8. S Genesis 28:13
  • 9. S Genesis 15:1
  • 10. Genesis 26:2
  • 11. S Genesis 12:2; Deuteronomy 26:5
  • 12. Exodus 1:7
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.