Old Testament
Genesis 47:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When that year was over, they returned to him the following year and said, "We cannot hide from my lord that our money is used up and our livestock already belongs to you. There is nothing left to offer my lord except our bodies and our farmland."
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When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
What Genesis 47:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Egypt come to Joseph after a year of famine, admitting that they have exhausted all their resources. They explain that they have no money left and that their livestock has already been given to Joseph in exchange for food. Now, they are left with nothing but their own bodies and their land, which they are willing to offer in exchange for sustenance. This situation highlights the desperation of the people and the extent of the famine's impact. It also illustrates the power dynamics at play, as Joseph, who was once a prisoner, now holds the authority over the lives and livelihoods of the Egyptians. The verse reflects themes of survival, dependency, and the consequences of economic hardship, showing how dire circumstances can lead people to surrender everything they have for basic needs.
How to apply Genesis 47:18 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of being prepared for difficult times and the need to rely on God during crises. It encourages us to be mindful of our resources and to seek help when necessary, while also reflecting on how we can support others in their times of need.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: The Famine in Egypt (Genesis 47:13–26)
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Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Genesis 47:18
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 47:18 mean?
Genesis 47:18 describes the dire situation of the Egyptians during a famine, where they have exhausted their money and livestock. They come to Joseph, acknowledging that they have nothing left to offer except their bodies and land, highlighting their desperation and the extent of their dependency on him for survival.
What is the significance of the phrase 'our bodies and our farmland' in Genesis 47:18?
The phrase 'our bodies and our farmland' signifies the extreme desperation of the Egyptians, indicating they are willing to surrender everything they have left for food. It illustrates the harsh realities of famine and the lengths people will go to in order to survive.
How does Genesis 47:18 reflect themes of economic hardship?
Genesis 47:18 reflects economic hardship by showing how the famine has stripped the Egyptians of their resources, leaving them with nothing but their own bodies and land. This illustrates the devastating effects of economic crises on individuals and communities.
What can we learn from Genesis 47:18 about dependency?
Genesis 47:18 teaches us about the nature of dependency during crises, as the Egyptians rely entirely on Joseph for their survival. It highlights the importance of community support and the need for assistance in difficult times.
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