Genesis 45:11

KJV

And there will I nourish thee; for yet [there are] five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there will I nourish {H3557} thee; for yet there are five {H2568} years {H8141} of famine {H7458}; lest thou, and thy household {H1004}, and all that thou hast, come to poverty {H3423}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will provide for you there, so that you won't become poverty-stricken, you, your household and all that you have; because five years of famine are yet to come."'

Berean Standard Bible

And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’

American Standard Version

and there will I nourish thee; for there are yet five years of famine; lest thou come to poverty, thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 45:11](/genesis/45-11 "Genesis 45:11 - Joseph's Promise of Nourishment") records Joseph's urgent and compassionate invitation to his father Jacob and his entire household to relocate to Egypt. Recognizing the severe and ongoing famine, Joseph pledges comprehensive sustenance and protection for the remaining five years, thereby preventing their descent into destitution and ensuring the preservation of God's chosen lineage through a meticulously orchestrated divine plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is spoken at the emotional climax of the Joseph narrative, immediately following Joseph's dramatic revelation of his identity to his astonished and guilt-ridden brothers in [Genesis 45:1-8](/genesis/45-1-8 "Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers"). Having overcome years of separation, betrayal, and profound personal suffering, Joseph demonstrates remarkable forgiveness and foresight. His immediate concern shifts from testing his brothers to securing the well-being of his aged father, Jacob, and the entire family. The invitation to come to Egypt, specifically to the fertile land of Goshen, is presented not merely as an offer but as an urgent directive born of necessity and divine purpose, setting the stage for the family's migration and their subsequent growth into a nation within Egypt. This moment of reconciliation and provision is a pivotal turning point, directly linking Joseph's past suffering to God's overarching plan for the preservation of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, particularly the region of Canaan, was highly susceptible to periods of severe drought and famine, making the storage of grain a critical survival strategy. Egypt, with its predictable Nile River floods, was often the granary of the ancient world, uniquely positioned to withstand such calamities if properly managed. Joseph's rise to power as vizier ([Genesis 41:39-43](/genesis/41-39-43 "Joseph Becomes Vizier of Egypt")) enabled him to implement a massive grain storage program, divinely inspired, which saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation. The concept of a "seven-year famine" was a catastrophic event that would have decimated populations and led to widespread poverty and death. Joseph's invitation to Goshen, a fertile pasturage in the Nile Delta, was strategic, providing not only food but also suitable land for a pastoral people like Jacob's family, while also geographically separating them from the main Egyptian populace, which was crucial for maintaining their distinct cultural and religious identity.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 45:11](/genesis/45-11 "Genesis 45:11 - Joseph's Promise of Nourishment") powerfully encapsulates several major themes woven throughout the Joseph narrative and the broader book of Genesis. Foremost is **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of human events, even suffering and betrayal, to fulfill His covenant promises ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Words to His Brothers")). Joseph's elevation in Egypt was not coincidental but divinely purposed to preserve the covenant lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Another key theme is **Reconciliation and Forgiveness**, as Joseph, despite profound personal wrongs, extends grace and provision to his family, paving the way for the reunification of Jacob's fractured household. Finally, the verse highlights **God's Faithfulness and Provision**, showcasing His unwavering commitment to sustain His people through hardship, ensuring their survival and growth into the nation of Israel, laying the groundwork for the Exodus narrative found in [the book of Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus - Israel in Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nourish (Hebrew, _kûwl'_):** From H3557, this primitive root properly means "to keep in," and by extension, "to measure," and figuratively, "to maintain." It encompasses a wide range of meanings including to "abide," "bear," "comprehend," "contain," "feed," "forbearing," "guide," "hold(-ing in)," "nourish(-er)," "be present," "make provision," "receive," and "sustain." In [Genesis 45:11](/genesis/45-11 "Genesis 45:11 - Joseph's Promise of Nourishment"), Joseph's promise to "nourish" signifies a comprehensive and ongoing provision of all necessities—food, shelter, resources, and security—for his entire family, extending beyond mere sustenance to full support and maintenance.
* **famine (Hebrew, _râʻâb'_):** From H7458, this term denotes "hunger (more or less extensive)," "dearth," or "famished." It describes a severe scarcity of food leading to widespread hunger and potential starvation. The mention of "five years of famine" underscores the dire and prolonged nature of the crisis facing Canaan, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of Joseph's intervention and the scope of the provision required.
* **poverty (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** From H3423, this primitive root means "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)," or by implication, "to seize," "to rob," "to inherit." In this context, it takes on the meaning "to impoverish" or "to ruin," specifically referring to being dispossessed of one's possessions, becoming destitute, or impoverished. Joseph's warning, "lest thou... come to poverty," highlights the extreme economic threat and the complete loss of assets, including livestock and wealth, that the famine would inflict without his intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there will I nourish thee":** This clause reveals Joseph's direct and personal commitment to his family's welfare. The verb "nourish" (Hebrew _kûwl_) implies a comprehensive and continuous provision of all their needs—food, shelter, and security—not just for Jacob but for his entire household. It speaks to Joseph's authority and capacity as the vizier of Egypt, divinely enabled to provide for his own.
* **"for yet [there are] five years of famine":** This phrase explains the critical urgency and the prolonged nature of the crisis. Joseph, having accurately interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and implemented the grain storage plan, knows precisely the duration of the famine. Two years have passed, leaving five more years of severe scarcity, underscoring the absolute necessity of their relocation to Egypt for survival.
* **"lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty":** This final clause articulates the dire consequence Joseph seeks to avert. The scope of "thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast" emphasizes that the famine threatened not just individuals but the entire family unit, their servants, and all their possessions, including their valuable livestock. "Come to poverty" (Hebrew _yârash_) signifies utter destitution, being dispossessed of all assets, and facing ruin. Joseph's intervention is thus presented as a life-saving act, preserving the family's heritage and future.

#### Literary Devices
[Genesis 45:11](/genesis/45-11 "Genesis 45:11 - Joseph's Promise of Nourishment") employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and theological depth. **Foreshadowing** is evident, as Joseph's role as a savior from famine for his family foreshadows a greater, spiritual salvation. The entire narrative of Joseph's suffering and subsequent exalt serves as a grand **Type** or **Typology** for the redemptive work of Christ. There is also a profound sense of **Dramatic Irony** throughout the Joseph narrative, culminating here: the brothers who intended to destroy Joseph's future inadvertently set in motion the very events that would lead to their own preservation through him. Joseph's words here also carry a strong element of **Divine Providence**, not explicitly stated as a device, but as the overarching narrative force that undergirds Joseph's actions. His ability to "nourish" and prevent "poverty" is not merely human ingenuity but the direct result of God's sovereign hand guiding his life and position.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 45:11](/genesis/45-11 "Genesis 45:11 - Joseph's Promise of Nourishment") stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous providence, even amidst human brokenness and natural disaster. It demonstrates that God orchestrates complex human circumstances—including suffering, betrayal, and famine—to fulfill His divine purposes and preserve His covenant people. Joseph's position as a provider, born out of his own trials, underscores the biblical truth that God often uses unexpected means and difficult paths to bring about His ultimate good. This verse illustrates God's commitment to sustain His chosen lineage, ensuring their survival and growth into a nation, thereby safeguarding the promise of a future Messiah. It highlights the divine wisdom that prepares for future needs long before they arise, showcasing God's comprehensive care for those He has called.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good"): "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs"): "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Not Forsaken"): "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 45:11](/genesis/45-11 "Genesis 45:11 - Joseph's Promise of Nourishment") offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, inviting us to trust deeply in God's sovereign provision and to emulate Joseph's compassionate stewardship. In a world often marked by uncertainty, scarcity, and hardship, this passage reminds us that God is actively at work, orchestrating even the most challenging circumstances for His ultimate good and our preservation. Just as Joseph, through God's empowerment, provided comprehensive sustenance and refuge for his family, so too does God promise to supply all our needs, both physical and spiritual, according to His glorious riches. This should inspire us to cultivate a spirit of unwavering faith, knowing that our heavenly Father is faithful to His promises. Furthermore, Joseph's diligent care for his family, despite their past wrongs, serves as a powerful model for our own responsibility towards our households, communities, and those in need. When we are blessed with resources, influence, or opportunity, we are called to use them compassionately to help others, especially the vulnerable, preventing destitution and promoting well-being, reflecting God's own heart of generosity and care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's promise to "nourish" his family challenge or affirm your understanding of God's provision in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be using difficult circumstances in your life or the world to prepare for a greater purpose, just as He did with Joseph?**
* **How can you, like Joseph, use your current position, resources, or influence to prevent "poverty" (whether physical, emotional, or spiritual) in the lives of those around you?**

### FAQ

**Why did Joseph specifically invite his family to Goshen?**

Answer: Goshen was chosen for several strategic reasons. It was renowned as the most fertile region in Egypt, particularly suitable for pasturage, which was crucial for Jacob's family who were shepherds and had extensive livestock. Furthermore, Goshen was geographically distinct from the main Egyptian population centers, allowing Jacob's family to maintain their cultural identity, religious practices, and avoid assimilation into Egyptian society. This separation was vital for the preservation of the covenant lineage and their distinct identity as God's chosen people, as described later in [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Jacob's Family Settles in Goshen").

**What was the duration of the famine, and how much remained when Joseph invited his family?**

Answer: The famine was prophesied by Joseph to last seven years, following seven years of abundance ([Genesis 41:29-30](/genesis/41-29-30 "Joseph's Prophecy of Famine and Abundance")). When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and invited his family to Egypt, two years of the famine had already passed. Therefore, as explicitly stated in [Genesis 45:11](/genesis/45-11 "Joseph's Promise to Nourish His Family"), "yet there are five years of famine" remaining.

**Does Joseph's act of "nourishing" his family imply a complete dependence on Egypt?**

Answer: While Joseph's provision certainly created a period of dependence for Jacob's family, the term "nourish" (Hebrew _kûwl_) implies comprehensive care and sustenance, not necessarily a loss of autonomy or dignity. It was a strategic act of preservation during a severe crisis, divinely purposed to allow the family of Israel to survive and grow into a numerous nation within a protected environment. This temporary dependence was essential for their survival and future flourishing, ultimately fulfilling God's covenant promises before their eventual exodus from Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in [Genesis 45:11](/genesis/45-11 "Genesis 45:11 - Joseph's Promise of Nourishment"), stands as a profound and compelling type of Christ. Just as Joseph, once rejected and sold into slavery by his own brothers, rose to a position of ultimate authority and became the savior of his family and countless others from physical famine, so too did Christ, rejected by His own people and crucified, rise to the ultimate position of authority at the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation")). Joseph's provision of physical sustenance and refuge in Egypt powerfully prefigures Christ's provision of eternal life and spiritual sustenance for all humanity. He invites us, who are spiritually destitute and facing the famine of sin and death, to come to Him for complete nourishment, reconciliation with God, and refuge from divine judgment ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ ensures that all who believe in Him will never "come to poverty" but will inherit eternal riches and an abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Gives Abundant Life")), fulfilling God's ultimate plan for salvation and restoration.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 47:12

And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to [their] families.

Matthew 15:5

But ye say, Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother, [It is] a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Genesis 47:6

The land of Egypt [is] before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest [any] men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.

1 Timothy 5:4

But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

Mark 7:9

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Mark 7:12

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;