Genesis 47:19

Genesis 47:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Purchase us and our land in exchange for food. Then we, along with our land, will be slaves to Pharaoh. Give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.”

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

wherefore should 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, and that the land be not desolate.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Are we to come to destruction before your eyes, we and our land? take us and our land and give us bread; and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh; and give us seed so that we may have life and the land may not become waste.

Free Bible Version FBV

Do you want us to die right in front of you? So buy us and our land in return for food. Then our land will belong to Pharaoh, and we'll be his slaves. Just give us grain so we can live and won't die, and so the land won't be abandoned.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Why shall we perish in thy sight, both we, and our land? bye vs and our land for bread, and we and our land will be bonde to Pharaoh: therefore giue vs seede, that we may liue and not dye, and that the land go not to waste.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

why do we die before thine eyes, both we and our ground? buy us and our ground for bread, and we and our ground are servants to Pharaoh; and give seed, and we live, and die not, and the ground is not desolate.'

World English Bible WEB

Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won’t be desolate.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Why therefore shall we die before thy eyes? we will be thine, both we and our lands: buy us to be the king’s servants, and give us seed, lest for want of tillers the land be turned into a wilderness.

Translation for Translators T4T

◄If you do not give us some food, we will die!/Do you want to watch us die?► [RHQ] If you do not give us seeds, our fields will become useless [IDM]. Buy us and our land in exchange for food. Then we will be the king’s slaves, and he will own the land. Give us seeds that we can plant and grow food, in order that we will not die, and in order that our land will not become like a desert.”

Plain English Version PEV

We need food, and we need seeds to plant in the ground. We know we can plant seeds now, and those food plants will grow, but we don’t have any seeds to plant. You have to help us, or we will die, and our land will be useless.” Then the people said, “This is what we want to do. We will give you our land and ourselves. Then all the land that belongs to us will belong to Pharaoh. And we will belong to Pharaoh too, we will become his workers. Then you give us food to eat and seeds to plant, so that we can grow food plants on the land again. It will be like we are paying for that food and those seeds with ourselves and our land. That way, we will have food to eat, and we will stay alive. But if you don’t do that, we will die, and our land will be useless.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 47:19

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 47:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ֧/מָּה נָמ֣וּת לְ/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ גַּם אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ גַּ֣ם אַדְמָתֵ֔/נוּ קְנֵֽה אֹתָ֥/נוּ וְ/אֶת אַדְמָתֵ֖/נוּ בַּ/לָּ֑חֶם וְ/נִֽהְיֶ֞ה אֲנַ֤חְנוּ וְ/אַדְמָתֵ֨/נוּ֙ עֲבָדִ֣ים לְ/פַרְעֹ֔ה וְ/תֶן זֶ֗רַע וְ/נִֽחְיֶה֙ וְ/לֹ֣א נָמ֔וּת וְ/הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה לֹ֥א תֵשָֽׁם

לָ֧/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

נָמ֣וּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

לְ/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron

גַּ֣ם gam H1571 also DirObjM

אַדְמָתֵ֔/נוּ ʼădâmâh H127 land N-fs | Suff

קְנֵֽה qânâh H7069 to buy V-Qal-Impv-2ms

אֹתָ֥/נוּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

אַדְמָתֵ֖/נוּ ʼădâmâh H127 land N-fs | Suff

בַּ/לָּ֑חֶם lechem H3899 food Prep | N-cs

וְ/נִֽהְיֶ֞ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

אֲנַ֤חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron

וְ/אַדְמָתֵ֨/נוּ֙ ʼădâmâh H127 land Conj | N-fs | Suff

עֲבָדִ֣ים ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

לְ/פַרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh Prep | N-proper

וְ/תֶן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

זֶ֗רַע zeraʻ H2233 seed N-ms

וְ/נִֽחְיֶה֙ châyâh H2421 to live Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

נָמ֔וּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

וְ/הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה ʼădâmâh H127 land Conj | Art | N-fs

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תֵשָֽׁם yâsham H3456 be desolate V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 47:19

לָ֧/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

נָמ֣וּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

לְ/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Pron

A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.

Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.

גַּ֣ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

אַדְמָתֵ֔/נוּ ʼădâmâh H127 "land" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.

Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

קְנֵֽה qânâh H7069 "to buy" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.

Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)

Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.

אֹתָ֥/נוּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אַדְמָתֵ֖/נוּ ʼădâmâh H127 "land" N-fs | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

בַּ/לָּ֑חֶם lechem H3899 "food" Prep | N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וְ/נִֽהְיֶ֞ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

אֲנַ֤חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Pron

A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.

Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.

וְ/אַדְמָתֵ֨/נוּ֙ ʼădâmâh H127 "land" Conj | N-fs | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

עֲבָדִ֣ים ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

לְ/פַרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" Prep | N-proper

In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.

Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

וְ/תֶן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

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.

זֶ֗רַע zeraʻ H2233 "seed" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.

Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.

וְ/נִֽחְיֶה֙ châyâh H2421 "to live" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.

Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

נָמ֔וּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

וְ/הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה ʼădâmâh H127 "land" Conj | Art | N-fs

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תֵשָֽׁם yâsham H3456 "be desolate" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

This word means to be desolate or lie waste, describing a place or situation that is empty and unused, like a ruined city in Isaiah 61:4. It emphasizes a sense of abandonment and neglect. The term is used to describe desolate landscapes.

Definition: (Qal) to ruin, be desolate

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be desolate. See also: Genesis 47:19; Ezekiel 12:19; Ezekiel 19:7.

Study Notes — Genesis 47:19

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Context
Cross References
Genesis 47:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 47:19
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 47:19
Sermons on Genesis 47:19

Context — The Famine Continues

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.

19Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Purchase us and our land in exchange for food. Then we, along with our land, will be slaves to Pharaoh. Give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.”

20So Joseph acquired for Pharaoh all the land in Egypt; the Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields because the famine was so severe upon them. The land became Pharaoh’s, 21and Joseph reduced the people to servitude from one end of Egypt to the other.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 5:2–3	Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous. We must get grain in order to eat and stay alive.” Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.”
2	Job 2:4	“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give up all he owns in exchange for his life.
3	Lamentations 1:11	All her people groan as they search for bread. They have traded their treasures for food to keep themselves alive. Look, O LORD, and consider, for I have become despised.
4	Lamentations 5:9	We get our bread at the risk of our lives because of the sword in the wilderness.
5	Lamentations 5:6	We submitted to Egypt and Assyria to get enough bread.
6	Matthew 16:26	What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
7	Philippians 3:8–9	More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

Genesis 47:19 Summary

In Genesis 47:19, the people are desperate to survive the severe famine and ask Joseph to buy them and their land in exchange for food. This shows how much they need God's provision and care, just like we do (Matthew 6:25-34). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can submit to His authority and trust Him to provide for us, even in difficult circumstances (Psalm 37:3-7). Just as Joseph gave seed to the people, we can trust God to give us what we need to thrive and multiply our efforts (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the people to become 'slaves to Pharaoh' in Genesis 47:19?

In this context, becoming slaves to Pharaoh meant that the people would submit to his authority and work the land in exchange for food and protection, similar to the arrangement described in Genesis 47:20-21. This was a desperate measure to survive the severe famine, as seen in Genesis 47:18.

Why did the people ask Joseph to 'give us seed that we may live and not die' in Genesis 47:19?

The people asked for seed so they could plant and harvest crops, ensuring their survival and the fertility of the land, as stated in Genesis 47:19. This request shows their dependence on Joseph and Pharaoh for their livelihood, much like the Israelites' dependence on God in Deuteronomy 8:3.

Is it wrong for the people to sell themselves and their land to Pharaoh in Genesis 47:19?

In the context of the severe famine, the people's decision to sell themselves and their land to Pharaoh was a necessary measure to survive, as seen in Genesis 47:18-20. However, it also highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of trusting in God's provision, as mentioned in Psalm 37:3-7.

How does Genesis 47:19 relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the Bible?

Genesis 47:19 illustrates how God works through human leaders, like Joseph, to provide for His people, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Genesis 45:5-8 and Romans 8:28. This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 16:4-5.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm 'perishing' or struggling to survive, and how can I trust God to provide for me in those situations?
In what ways can I, like the people in Genesis 47:19, acknowledge my dependence on God and submit to His authority in my life?
How can I balance the need for self-sufficiency with the importance of trusting in God's provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34?
What are some ways I can 'give seed' or invest in the lives of others, just as Joseph gave seed to the people in Genesis 47:19, and how can I trust God to multiply those efforts?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:19

Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land?.... Beholding their miserable condition, and not helping them; die they must unless they had bread to eat, and their land die also if

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:19

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 47:19

Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, i.e. whilst thou lookest upon us like an idle spectator, not pitying and relieving us? The land is said to die improperly, when it is desolate and barren, and when the fruits of it die, or, which is equivalent to it, do not live. We and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh; Pharaoh shall be the sole proprietor, and we are content to be his tenants, to manage it for his use. Give us seed, because this was the last year of famine, as Joseph informed them, and therefore they tilled and sowed the ground for the following year. That the land be not desolate, without inhabitants, as it will be if thou sufferest us to die for want of bread.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:19

Genesis 47:19 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.Ver. 19. Buy us and our land for bread.] It was their own desire, therefore no injury. Nay, it was charity in Joseph, in remitting their services, and taking only their lands: yea, liberality, in reserving the fifth part only to the king; when husbandmen usually till for half the increase. And this the Egyptians thankfully acknowledge, Genesis 47:25.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 47:19

Verse 19. Buy us and our land for bread] In times of famine in Hindostan, thousands of children have been sold to prevent their perishing. In the Burman empire the sale of whole families to discharge debts is very common. - Ward's Customs.

Sermons on Genesis 47:19

	Sermon	Description
	Letters to Olympias - Part 1 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom addresses the deaconess Olympias, encouraging her to endure suffering with patience and faith. He reminds her of the trials faced by Job and Lazarus, emphasizing th
	The Pathway of the Cross by Jessie Penn-Lewis	Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the necessity of experiencing the Cross subjectively to bear fruit in the Christian life, illustrating that true fellowship with Christ involves dying
	1 Peter 3:10 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the importance of loving life through righteous living as outlined in 1 Peter 3:10. He explains that true love for life involves avoiding evil, doing good, and
	Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman	James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t
	Prevailing Pleas, or the Hope and Savior of Israel by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the prophet Jeremiah's heartfelt plea to God, questioning why He seems distant and unable to save, amidst the deep sin and idolatry of Judah and Jerusal
	(The Church in the Last Days) 11 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the corrupt leaders and rulers who prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people. He emphasizes that they love bribes and rewar
	Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker