2 And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.
2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
2 And from among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh.
2 He had taken five of his brothers with him and introduced them to Pharaoh.
2 And he took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh.
2 Joseph took five of his brothers with him and presented them to Pharaoh.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 47:2
Commentary on Genesis 47:1-6
(Read Genesis 47:1-6)
Though Joseph was a great man, especially in Egypt, yet he owned his brethren. Let the rich and great in the world not overlook or despise poor relations. Our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call us brethren. In answer to Pharaoh's inquiry, What is your calling? they told him that they were shepherds, adding that they were come to sojourn in the land for a time, while the famine prevailed in Canaan. Pharaoh offered to employ them as shepherds, provided they were active men. Whatever our business or employment is, we should aim to excel in it, and to prove ourselves clever and industrious.