Genesis 47:12

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

And Joseph {H3130} nourished {H3557} his father {H1}, and his brethren {H251}, and all his father's {H1} household {H1004}, with bread {H3899}, according {H6310} to their families {H2945}.

Yosef provided food for his father, his brothers and all his father's household, taking full care of even the youngest.

Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.

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

Commentary

Genesis 47:12 describes Joseph's unwavering commitment to his family during a widespread and severe famine. Having been elevated to a position of immense power in Egypt, Joseph faithfully provides sustenance for his father Jacob, his brothers, and their entire households, ensuring their survival and well-being in the land of Goshen.

Context

This verse is situated immediately after Jacob and his family have arrived in Egypt, having been invited by Pharaoh at Joseph's urgent request (Genesis 46:27). They have been settled in the fertile region of Goshen, a prime pastureland suitable for their livestock and large families (Genesis 47:11). Joseph, as the prime minister and effective ruler of Egypt under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:40), was in a unique position to manage the vast food reserves he had accumulated during the years of plenty. His provision for his family was not just a personal act but a crucial step in God's plan to preserve the lineage through whom the nation of Israel would eventually emerge.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: Joseph's ability to provide for his family is a powerful illustration of God's sovereign hand at work. God had orchestrated Joseph's entire life journey, from slavery to power, precisely so he could be an instrument of salvation for his family, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people.
  • Family Responsibility and Love: Despite the deep wounds of his past, including his brothers' betrayal, Joseph demonstrates profound love, forgiveness, and responsibility towards his entire family. He uses his high office and resources to ensure their comprehensive care, embodying a selfless commitment to kin.
  • Stewardship: Joseph acts as an exemplary steward, not only managing Egypt's resources wisely but also extending that meticulous care to his own relatives. The phrase "according to their families" suggests an organized, equitable, and sufficient distribution of provisions tailored to the needs of each household.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "nourished" is kul or kilkal, which means to sustain, provide for, or support. It implies a continuous and comprehensive provision, signifying more than just a single meal but ongoing sustenance. The term "bread" (Hebrew: lechem) is often used broadly in the Bible to refer to food or provisions in general, encompassing all necessary sustenance for life. The phrase "according to their families" (Hebrew: lĕpî haṭṭap) literally translates to "according to the mouth of the little ones" or "according to their dependents," emphasizing that the provision was carefully managed to ensure that every member of the household, including children and the most vulnerable, received what they needed.

Practical Application

Genesis 47:12 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Biblical Family Care: The verse underscores the importance of caring for one's family, especially in times of need. Joseph's example calls us to prioritize the well-being of our relatives, demonstrating love and practical support.
  • Using Influence for Good: Joseph used his God-given position and resources to bless his family and, by extension, preserve the line through which the Savior would come. This encourages us to use whatever influence, talents, or resources we possess to serve others, particularly those God has placed in our care or sphere of influence.
  • Trust in God's Provision: Joseph's story is a powerful reminder that even in desperate circumstances like a severe famine, God is faithful to provide for His people. He often works through human instruments to accomplish His purposes, just as He used Joseph to save his family. This narrative strengthens our faith in God's ability to supply all our needs, much like the promise found in Philippians 4:19 that God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 45:11 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Timothy 4:8 (2 votes)

    For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

  • Ruth 4:15 (2 votes)

    And he shall be unto thee a restorer of [thy] life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

  • Genesis 47:24 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth [part] unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.

  • Genesis 47:21 (2 votes)

    And as for the people, he removed them to cities from [one] end of the borders of Egypt even to the [other] end thereof.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

  • 1 Timothy 5:4 (2 votes)

    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.