Genesis 47:3
“Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.””
What does Genesis 47:3 mean?
When Joseph's family arrived in Egypt during a severe famine, Pharaoh wanted to understand who these foreigners were and what they did for a living. The brothers honestly answered that they were shepherds, just as their ancestors had been—a simple, straightforward answer about their work and heritage. This moment shows the importance of truthfulness, even when speaking to someone as powerful as Pharaoh. The brothers didn't try to hide or exaggerate their humble occupation. There's also something touching here: they're identifying themselves not just as individuals but as part of a continuous line of shepherds stretching back through their family history. It reminds us that our work, our backgrounds, and our family legacies are part of who we are, and there's no shame in claiming them honestly.