Genesis 46:32

32 and the men are pastors of sheep, for their trade has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their sheep and their cows and all that they have.

Genesis 46:32 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 46:32

And the men [are] shepherds
That was their occupation and employment, by which they got their livelihood. Joseph was not ashamed of the business his father and brethren followed, even though mean; and besides, such men were an abomination to the Egyptians: this he thought proper to tell Pharaoh, lest he should think of putting them into some offices of the court or army, which would expose them to the envy of the Egyptians, and might endanger the corruption of their religion and manners, as well as be the means of separating them one from another, which he was careful to guard against, as Josephus ^F2 the historian suggests:

for their trade hath been to feed cattle;
this was what they were brought up to from their youth, and were always employed in, and for which only they were fit:

and they have brought their flocks and their herds, and all that they
have;
in order to carry on the same business, and lead the same course of life.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F2 Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 2. c. 7. sect. 5.)

Genesis 46:32 In-Context

30 Then Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die since I have seen thy face because thou art yet alive.

31 And Joseph said unto his brethren and unto his father’s house, I will go up and tell Pharaoh and say unto him, My brethren and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;

32 and the men are pastors of sheep, for their trade has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their sheep and their cows and all that they have.

33 And it shall come to pass when Pharaoh shall call you and shall say, What is your occupation?

34 Then ye shall say, Thy slaves’ trade has been about livestock from our youth even until now, both we and also our fathers, that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every pastor of sheep is an abomination unto the Egyptians.