Old Testament

Genesis 47:19

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the people of Egypt are pleading with Joseph during a time of severe famine.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

"Why should we perish before your eyes — both us and our farmland? Purchase us and our land in exchange for food. We and our land will belong to Pharaoh. Just give us seed so that we can survive and not starve, and so the ground will not become barren."

KJVKing James Version

Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the people of Egypt are pleading with Joseph during a time of severe famine. They are desperate and willing to sell themselves and their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food. Their request highlights the dire situation they are in, as they fear dying from hunger. By offering to become servants to Pharaoh, they hope to secure their survival and ensure that their land remains productive. This moment illustrates the lengths to which people will go to preserve life and maintain their livelihoods, even if it means giving up their freedom and land. The request for seed indicates their desire to not only survive the famine but also to restore their land's fertility, showing a hope for the future despite their current despair. Explore related desperation.

How to apply Genesis 47:19 to your life

This verse teaches us about the importance of seeking help in times of crisis. Just as the Egyptians turned to Joseph for assistance, we should not hesitate to reach out for support when facing difficult situations. It also reminds us to be resourceful and proactive in finding solutions to our problems.

Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Genesis 47:19 mean?

Genesis 47:19 depicts the Egyptians pleading with Joseph during a famine, offering to sell themselves and their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food. This illustrates their desperation and willingness to sacrifice their freedom for survival.

What is the significance of the phrase 'we and our land will belong to Pharaoh' in Genesis 47:19?

The phrase 'we and our land will belong to Pharaoh' signifies the extreme measures the Egyptians are willing to take to survive the famine. It highlights their submission and the loss of autonomy in exchange for sustenance.

What does the request for seed in Genesis 47:19 indicate?

The request for seed in Genesis 47:19 indicates the Egyptians' desire not only to survive the famine but also to restore their land's fertility. It reflects a hope for the future despite their current dire circumstances.

How does Genesis 47:19 relate to themes of desperation and survival?

Genesis 47:19 relates to themes of desperation and survival by illustrating how the Egyptians, faced with starvation, are willing to give up their land and freedom to ensure their survival. It emphasizes the lengths people will go to in order to preserve life.

The Book of Genesis
Book Summary

The Book of Genesis

Genesis 1: Creation

God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.

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