Genesis 47:15

Authorized King James Version

And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּתֹּ֣ם

H8552

failed

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

כָּֽסֶף׃

H3701

And when money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

and in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֨יִם

H4714

all the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

and in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנַעַן֒

H3667

of Canaan

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

וַיָּבֹאוּ֩

H935

came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָל

H3605

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

מִצְרַ֨יִם

H4714

all the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

יוֹסֵ֤ף

H3130

unto Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

#12

לֵאמֹר֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

הָֽבָה

H3051

Give

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

#14

לָּ֣נוּ

#15

לֶ֔חֶם

H3899

us bread

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

#16

וְלָ֥מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#17

נָמ֖וּת

H4191

for why should we die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#18

נֶגְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

#19

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#20

אָפֵ֖ס

H656

faileth

to disappear, i.e., cease

#21

כָּֽסֶף׃

H3701

And when money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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