Genesis 47:16
Genesis 47:16 in Multiple Translations
“Then bring me your livestock,” said Joseph. “Since the money is gone, I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock.”
And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.
And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.
And Joseph said, Give me your cattle; I will give you grain in exchange for your cattle if your money is all gone.
“Bring me your livestock,” Joseph told them. “I'll give you grain in exchange for your livestock if you've run out of money.”
Then saide Ioseph, Bring your cattell, and I will giue you for your cattell, if your money be spent.
and Joseph saith, 'Give your cattle; and I give to you for your cattle, if the money hath ceased.'
Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”
And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money hath failed.
And he answered them: Bring me your cattle, and for them I will give you food, if you have no money.
Joseph replied, “Since your money is all gone, bring me your livestock. If you do that, I will give you food in exchange for your livestock.”
Joseph said to them, “All right. You don’t have any money, so you can give me your animals instead of money, and then I will give you food.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 47:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 47:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
יוֹסֵף֙
הָב֣וּ
מִקְנֵי/כֶ֔ם
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
לָ/כֶ֖ם
בְּ/מִקְנֵי/כֶ֑ם
אִם
אָפֵ֖ס
כָּֽסֶף
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹסֵף֙
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
הָב֣וּ
yâhab
H3051
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
מִקְנֵי/כֶ֔ם
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לָ/כֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
בְּ/מִקְנֵי/כֶ֑ם
miqneh
H4735
livestock
Prep | N-mp | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אָפֵ֖ס
ʼâphêç
H656
to end
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כָּֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 47:16
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יוֹסֵף֙
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
הָב֣וּ
yâhab
H3051
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To give means to provide or put something, and can also mean to come or set something, as seen in the Bible. It is used in various contexts, including giving glory to God or providing for others.
Definition: 1) to give, provide, ascribe, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give 1a2) to set, place 1a3) to provide (with reflexive) 1a4) to ascribe (glory) 1a5) to grant, permit, come now Aramaic equivalent: ye.hav (יְהַב "to give" H3052)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: ascribe, bring, come on, give, go, set, take. See also: Genesis 11:3; Ruth 3:15; Psalms 29:1.
מִקְנֵי/כֶ֔ם
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-mp | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/כֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/מִקְנֵי/כֶ֑ם
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אָפֵ֖ס
ʼâphêç
H656
"to end"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To end or disappear means to cease or come to a stop, like something failing or being completely gone. This verb is used to describe something breaking off or finishing. It can also mean to be clean gone or brought to nothing.
Definition: (Qal) to cease, break, come to an end
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be clean gone (at an end, brought to nought), fail. See also: Genesis 47:15; Psalms 77:9; Isaiah 16:4.
כָּֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
Study Notes — Genesis 47:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 47:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 47:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 47:16
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 47:16
- Sermons on Genesis 47:16
Context — The Famine Continues
14Joseph collected all the money to be found in the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan in exchange for the grain they were buying, and he brought it into Pharaoh’s palace.
15When the money from the lands of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? For our funds have run out!”
16“Then bring me your livestock,” said Joseph. “Since the money is gone, I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock.”
17So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their flocks and herds, and their donkeys. Throughout that year he provided them with food in exchange for all their livestock. 18When that year was over, they came to him the second year and said, “We cannot hide from our lord that our money is gone and all our livestock belongs to you. There is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 4:5 | Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. |
| 2 | Daniel 6:5–7 | Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel, unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:32 | Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— |
| 4 | Philippians 4:8 | Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:17 | He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. |
Genesis 47:16 Summary
[Genesis 47:16 shows us that Joseph was a wise and resourceful leader who found a way to help the Egyptians during a time of great need. He asked them to bring him their livestock in exchange for food, which was a fair and reasonable solution, given the circumstances. This verse teaches us that sometimes, we need to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to the problems we face, just like Joseph did (as seen in Genesis 41:33-36). By trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, we can find ways to overcome even the most daunting challenges, as expressed in Psalm 23:1-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph ask the Egyptians to bring him their livestock?
Joseph asked the Egyptians to bring him their livestock because the money was gone, and he needed something of value to exchange for food, as seen in Genesis 47:16. This decision was likely guided by his wisdom and experience in managing the resources of Egypt, as noted in Genesis 41:38-40.
What does this verse reveal about the economic situation in Egypt at the time?
This verse reveals that the economic situation in Egypt was dire, with all the money gone and the people in desperate need of food, as stated in Genesis 47:15. This situation was a result of the severe famine that had affected the land, as described in Genesis 41:30.
How does Joseph's response to the Egyptians reflect his character?
Joseph's response to the Egyptians reflects his character as a wise and compassionate leader, who was willing to find a solution to the people's problems, as seen in Genesis 47:16-17. This is consistent with his earlier actions, where he forgave his brothers and provided for them, as noted in Genesis 45:1-15.
What can we learn from Joseph's approach to solving the food crisis in Egypt?
We can learn from Joseph's approach that sometimes, we need to think creatively and find alternative solutions to the problems we face, as Joseph did in Genesis 47:16. This requires trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7, and being willing to adapt to changing circumstances, as seen in Proverbs 27:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply Joseph's creative problem-solving skills to my own life, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?
- How can I demonstrate compassion and wisdom, like Joseph, when interacting with others who are struggling?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just as Joseph did during the famine in Egypt?
- In what ways can I use my resources and talents to help others, just as Joseph used his position to provide for the Egyptians?
- What can I learn from Joseph's example about the importance of adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:16
And Joseph said, give your cattle,.... Oxen, sheep, horses, asses, as follows: and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail; that is, corn for cattle, if they had no money to give.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:16
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:16
Genesis 47:16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.Ver. 16. Give your cattle.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 47:16
JOSEPH’S POLICY IN EGYPT.(16) Give your cattle.—As the people were in want of food, and their land incapable of cultivation as long as the Nile ceased to overflow, this was a merciful arrangement, by which the owners were delivered from a burden, and also a portion of the cattle saved for the time when they would be needed again for agricultural purposes. As the charge of so many cattle in time of dearth would be a very serious matter (1 Kings 18:5-6), we now see the reason why Pharaoh wished the ablest of Joseph’s brethren to be employed in the task; and probably while there was no food for them in the Nile Valley, there would still be grass in the alluvial soil of the delta, which men used to move about with cattle would be able to find.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 47:16
Verse 16. Give your cattle] This was the wisest measure that could be adopted, both for the preservation of the people and of the cattle also. As the people had not grain for their own sustenance, consequently they could have none for their cattle; hence the cattle were in the most imminent danger of starving; and the people also were in equal danger, as they must have divided a portion of that bought for themselves with the cattle, which for the sake of tillage, c., they wished of course to preserve till the seven years of famine should end. The cattle being bought by Joseph were supported at the royal expense, and very likely returned to the people at the end of the famine for how else could they cultivate their ground, transport their merchandise, &c., &c.? For this part of Joseph's conduct he certainly deserves high praise and no censure.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 47:16
16. I will give you] The word “bread” is evidently understood; and is found supplied in the Sam., LXX and Vulg. versions.
Sermons on Genesis 47:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Youth Ministry by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose and plan of the College and Careers ministry. Their purpose is to see unbelieving students become committed followers of Jesus Chr |
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Is It Ok to Have a Beer as a Christian? by Bob Jennings | This sermon discusses the balance between being 'all things to all men' and maintaining biblical principles, particularly in the context of engaging in activities like pub theology |
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Joshua (Part 4) by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about how his congregation built an education building in Miami in just nine months, without incurring any debt. He emphasizes t |
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Redeeming the Time by William B. Riley | William B. Riley emphasizes the importance of redeeming our time for God, sharing a personal story of a boy he spoke to years ago who later became a pastor. He reflects on the prof |
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The Prison Epistles 08 Balanced chr.life by David Clifford | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Colossians chapter 4 and highlights three exhortations: prayer, walk, and speech. The first exhortation is about prayer, emphasizing the impo |
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Third Decade 3.9.1985 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being witnesses and sharing the reality and life in Christ with others. They highlight the significance of person |
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Doulosministry March 1982 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience with a close friend who showed him the incredible capabilities of a computer. He also mentions the success of the book exhibition |