Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 47:2

2 And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.

Or, part, as this Hebrew word is used Dan. 1. 2. Or, the extremity or end or tail of them, i. e. the meanest of them for person and presence, as the word is taken, 1 King. 12. 31. lest if he had presented the goodliest of them, Pharaoh might have required their attendance upon him, either at court or camp. And for the same reason for which he did industriously represent them to Pharaoh as contemptible in their employment he might also present those to him who were so in their persons.