Genesis 46:32

And the men are sheapheards, for their trade hath bene to feed cattell: and they haue brought their flocks, and their heards, and all that they haue. Genesis 46:32 (KJV)

This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis that recounts Jacob’s journey to Egypt with his family during a time of famine. Joseph, who had become a powerful ruler in Egypt, sent wagons to transport his father and the entire household to Egypt (Genesis 46:25). As they prepare to meet Pharaoh, Joseph instructs his sons on what to say when asked about their occupation, and he declares that his brothers are shepherds by trade.

Shepherding was a common occupation among the Israelites and held significant cultural and historical importance. In ancient times many people engaged in animal husbandry, and raising cattle was one of the primary means of sustenance and wealth. By stating that the men were shepherds, the text honestly reflects their livelihood, a profession that was respected within Israelite society. Jacob’s family’s possession of flocks and herds demonstrated their wealth and self‑sufficiency, even amid famine.

However, in the Egyptian context shepherding was considered an inferior and abhorrent profession, as Genesis 46:34 explicitly states, “every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.” Despite this social stigma the family’s substantial flocks and herds showed that they were successful in the trade.

From a spiritual perspective the mention of shepherding carries symbolic significance throughout the Bible. God is often depicted as a shepherd, caring for and guiding His people, as seen in passages such as Psalm 23. In the broader Genesis narrative this verse helps to illustrate Jacob’s family’s livelihood, sets the stage for their settlement in Egypt, and underscores the continuation of their ancestral occupation. It also connects to the larger biblical theme of God’s care and guidance for His people, using the shepherd metaphor to highlight both material provision and divine protection.