Genesis 46 recounts Jacob's journey to Egypt to reunite with his son Joseph, whom he had believed to be dead for many years. When Jacob learns that Joseph is not only alive but also a powerful ruler in Egypt, he decides to travel there with his entire household. Before departing, Jacob stops at Beersheba to offer sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac, seeking God’s guidance for this momentous decision.

God appears to Jacob in a vision during the night, reassuring him not to fear going down to Egypt. The Lord promises to make Jacob into a great nation while in Egypt and guarantees that He will bring Jacob's descendants back to the promised land. God also assures Jacob that Joseph will be present to close his eyes when he dies, providing comfort about his final moments.

The chapter includes a detailed genealogical record of Jacob's family members who accompanied him to Egypt. This comprehensive list includes his sons and their children, totaling seventy people from Jacob's lineage who entered Egypt. The genealogy is organized by the mothers of Jacob's children — those born to Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah — creating a complete family record for this pivotal moment in Israel's history.

Jacob sends Judah ahead to Joseph to get directions to Goshen, the region where they plan to settle. When Joseph learns of his family's arrival, he prepares his chariot and travels to meet his father in Goshen. The emotional reunion between Joseph and Jacob is deeply moving — Joseph falls on his father's neck and weeps for a long time, while Jacob expresses that he can now die in peace since he has seen Joseph alive again.

Genesis 46 concludes with Joseph preparing to present his family to Pharaoh. He instructs his brothers on how to respond when Pharaoh asks about their occupation, advising them to identify themselves as keepers of livestock. Joseph explains this strategy will help ensure they can settle in Goshen, as shepherds are considered an abomination to the Egyptians, which would actually work in their favor by keeping them separate and allowing them to maintain their distinct identity in their designated region.