Genesis 46:31

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 46:31 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father`s house, I will go up, and tell Pharaoh, and will say unto him, My brethren, and my father`s house, who were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father`s house, I will go up, and tell Pharaoh, and will say unto him, My brethren, and my father`s house, who were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
Genesis 46:31 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 46

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
31And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father`s house, I will go up, and tell Pharaoh, and will say unto him, My brethren, and my father`s house, who were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Joseph said unto his brethren, and to his father’s house, etc.] To them and their families, after he had paid his filial respects to his father, in honour, reverence, and affection: I will go up and shew Pharaoh; acquaint him that his father and all his family were come to Egypt; he says, “I will go up”; which same phrase is used of him, (<014629>Genesis 46:29); when he came, and carries some difficulty in it how to account for it, that he should be said to go up when he came, and to go up when he returned. Some have thought of upper Egypt, others of the upper part of the Nile, and others, that Pharaoh’s palace was situated on an eminence; but then, as it is to be supposed he went the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Joseph said, . . . I will go up, and show Pharaoh--It was a tribute of respect due to the king to inform him of their arrival. And the instructions which he gave them were worthy of his character alike as an affectionate brother and a religious man. Next: Genesis Chapter 47”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Jacob Goes Down to Egypt 9. פלוּא pallû', Pallu, “distinguished.” חצרן chetsrôn, Chetsron, of the “court,” or “village.” כרמי karmı̂y, Karmi, “vine-dresser.” 10. ימוּאל yemû'êl, Jemuel, “day of El.” ימין yâmı̂yn, Jamin, “right hand.” אהד 'ôhad, Ohad, “joining together.” יכין yâkı̂yn, Jakin, “he shall establish.” צחר tsôchar, Tsochar, “whiteness.” 11. גרשׁון gêreshôn, Gereshon, “expelling.” קהת qehâth, Qehath, “assembly.” מררי merârı̂y, Merari, “flowing, bitter.” 12. חמוּל châmûl, Chamul, “pitied, treated with mercy.” 13. תולע tôlâ‛, Tola‘, “worm, scarlet.” פוּה pû'âh, Puvvah, “mouth?” יוב yôb, Job, “enemy?” שׂמרן śı̂mrôn, Shimron, “watch.” 14. סרד sered, Sered, “fear.”…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification