Genesis 47:13

Authorized King James Version

And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֶ֤חֶם

H3899

And there was no bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אֵין֙

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

and all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָבֵ֥ד

H3515

sore

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

הָֽרָעָֽב׃

H7458

for the famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

was very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַתֵּ֜לַהּ

H3856

fainted

to be rabid (figuratively, insane); also (from the exhaustion of frenzy) to languish

#10

וְאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

and all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#12

וְאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

and all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

כְּנַ֔עַן

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

#14

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

by reason

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#15

הָֽרָעָֽב׃

H7458

for the famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 47 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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