Genesis 47:17

Authorized King James Version

And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבִ֣יאוּ

H935

And they brought

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִקְנֵהֶ֔ם

H4735

and for the cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹסֵ֨ף

H3130

and Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וַיִּתֵּ֣ן

H5414

gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶם֩

יוֹסֵ֨ף

H3130

and Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙

H3899

them bread

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

#10

בַּסּוּסִ֗ים

H5483

in exchange for horses

a horse (as leaping)

#11

מִקְנֵהֶ֔ם

H4735

and for the cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

#12

הַצֹּ֛אן

H6629

and for the flocks

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#13

מִקְנֵהֶ֔ם

H4735

and for the cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

#14

הַבָּקָ֖ר

H1241

of the herds

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

#15

וּבַֽחֲמֹרִ֑ים

H2543

and for the asses

a male ass (from its dun red)

#16

וַיְנַֽהֲלֵ֤ם

H5095

and he fed

properly, to run with a sparkle, i.e., flow; hence (transitively), to conduct, and (by inference) to protect, sustain

#17

בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙

H3899

them bread

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

#18

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#19

מִקְנֵהֶ֔ם

H4735

and for the cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

#20

בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה

H8141

for that year

a year (as a revolution of time)

#21

הַהִֽוא׃

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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?

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