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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 47:1–12. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The respect which Joseph, as a subject, showed to his prince. Though he was his favourite, and prime-minister of state, and had had particular orders from him to send for his father down to Egypt, yet he would not suffer him to settle till he had given notice of it to Pharaoh, Gen 47:1. Christ, our Joseph, disposes of his followers in his kingdom as it is prepared of his Father, saying, It is not mine to give, Mat 20:23.
II.The respect which Joseph, as a brother, showed to his brethren, notwithstanding all the unkindness he had formerly received from them.
1.Though he was a great man, and they were comparatively mean and despicable, especially in Egypt, yet he owned them. Let those that are rich and great in the world learn hence not to overlook nor despise their poor relations. Every branch of the tree is not a top branch; but, because it is a lower branch, is it therefore not of the tree? Our Lord Jesus, like Joseph here, is not ashamed to call us brethren.
2.They being strangers and no courtiers, he introduced some of them to Pharaoh, to kiss his hand, as we say, intending thereby to put an honour upon them among the Egyptians. Thus Christ presents his brethren in the court of heaven, and improves his interest for them, though in themselves unworthy and an abomination to the Egyptians. Being presented to Pharaoh, according to the instructions which Joseph had given them, they tell him,
(1.)What was their business - that they were shepherds, Gen 47:3. Pharaoh asked them (and Joseph knew it would be one of his first questions, Gen 46:33), What is your occupation? He takes it for granted they had something to do, else Egypt should be no place for them, no harbour for idle vagrants. If they would not work, they should not eat of his bread in this time of scarcity. Note, All that have a place in the world should have an employment in it according to their capacity, some occupation or other, mental or manual. Those that need not work for their bread must yet have something to do, to keep them from idleness. Again, Magistrates should enquire into the occupation of their subjects, as those that have the care of the public welfare; for idle people are as drones in the hive, unprofitable burdens of the commonwealth.
(2.)What was their business in Egypt - to sojourn in the land (Gen 47:4), not to settle there for ever, only to sojourn there for a time, while the famine so prevailed in Canaan, which lay high, that it was not habitable for shepherds, the grass being burnt up much more than in Egypt, which lay low, and where the corn chiefly failed, while there was tolerably good pasture.
3.He obtained for them a grant of a settlement in the land of Goshen, Gen 47:5, Gen 47:6. This was an instance of Pharaoh's gratitude to Joseph; because he had been such a blessing to him and his kingdom, he would be kind to his relations, purely for his sake. He offered them preferment as shepherds over his cattle, provided they were men of activity; for it is the man who is diligent in his business that shall stand before kings. And, whatever our profession or employment is, we should aim to be excellent in it, and to prove ourselves ingenious and industrious.
III.The respect Joseph, as a son, showed to his father.
1.He presented him to Pharaoh, Gen 47:7. And here,
(1.)Pharaoh asks Jacob a common question: How old art thou? Gen 47:8. A question usually put to old men, for it is natural to us to admire old age and to reverence it (Lev 19:32), as it is very unnatural and unbecoming to despise it, Isa 3:5. Jacob's countenance, no doubt, showed him to be very old, for he had been a man of labour and sorrow; in Egypt people were not so long-lived as in Canaan, and therefore Pharaoh looks upon Jacob with wonder; he was as a show in his court. When we are reflecting upon ourselves, this should come into the account, "How old are we?"
(2.)Jacob gives Pharaoh an uncommon answer, Isa 3:9. He speaks as becomes a patriarch, with an air of seriousness, for the instruction of Pharaoh. Though our speech be not always of grace, yet it must thus be always with grace. Observe here,
[1.]He calls his life a pilgrimage, looking upon himself as a stranger in this world, and a traveller towards another world: this earth his inn, not his home. To this the apostle refers (Heb 11:13), They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims. He not only reckoned himself a pilgrim now that he was in Egypt, a strange country in which he never was before; but his life, even in the land of his nativity, was a pilgrimage, and those who so reckon it can the better bear the inconvenience of banishment from their native soil; they are but pilgrims still, and so they were always.
[2.]He reckons his life by days; for, even so, it is soon reckoned, and we are not sure of the continuance of it for a day to an end, but may be turned out of this tabernacle at less than an hour's warning. Let us therefore number our days (Psa 90:12), and measure them, Psa 39:4.
[3.]The character he gives of them is, First, That they were few. Though he had now lived 130 years, they seemed to him but a few days, in comparison with the days of eternity, the eternal God, and the eternal state, in which a thousand years (longer than ever any man lived) are but as one day. Secondly, That they were evil. This is true concerning man in general, he is of few days, and full of trouble (Job 14:1); and, since his days are evil, it is well they are few. Jacob's life, particularly, had been made up of evil days; and the pleasantest days of his life were yet before him. Thirdly, That they were short of the days of his fathers, not so many, not so pleasant, as their days. Old age came sooner upon him than it had done upon some of his ancestors. As the young man should not be proud of his strength or beauty, so the old man should not be proud of his age, and the crown of his hoary hairs, though others justly reverence it; for those who are accounted very old attain not to the years of the patriarchs. The hoary head is a crown of glory only when it is found in the way of righteousness.
(3.)Jacob both addresses himself to Pharaoh and takes leave of him with a blessing (Gen 47:7): Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and again, Gen 47:10, which was not only an act of civility (he paid him respect and returned him thanks for his kindness), but an act of piety - he prayed for him, as one having the authority of a prophet and a patriarch. Though in worldly wealth Pharaoh was the greater, yet, in interest with God, Jacob was the greater; he was God's anointed, Psa 105:15. And a patriarch's blessing was not a thing to be despised, no, not by a potent prince. Darius valued the prayers of the church for himself and for his sons, Ezr 6:10. Pharaoh kindly received Jacob, and, whether in the name of a prophet or no, thus he had a prophet's reward, which sufficiently recompensed him, not only for his courteous converse with him, but for all the other kindnesses he showed to him and his.
2.He provided well for him and his, placed him in Goshen (Gen 47:11), nourished him and all his with food convenient for them, Gen 47:12. This bespeaks, not only Joseph a good man, who took this tender care of his poor relations, but God a good God, who raised him up for this purpose, and put him into a capacity of doing it, as Esther came to the kingdom for such a time as this. What God here did for Jacob he has, in effect, promised to do for all his, that serve him and trust in him. Psa 37:19, In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
“He gave everybody rations individually,” the text says. What is meant by “everybody individually”? Enough for everyone. You see, it is customary with Scripture to refer to every person sometimes as a soul and sometimes as a body. As it said previously, “Jacob’s company traveling to Egypt numbered seventy-five souls” so as to describe seventy-five men and women, so here too “everybody individually,” that is, each person. Even though the whole of Egypt and Canaan was laid waste with famine, these people were comfortable through having a supply of grain flowing as if from a spring.
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Summary
Genesis 47:12 powerfully illustrates Joseph's unwavering commitment and comprehensive provision for his entire family—his father Jacob, his brothers, and all their households—during the severe famine. Having been elevated to a position of unparalleled authority in Egypt, Joseph meticulously ensured their survival and well-being by supplying them with essential sustenance in the fertile land of Goshen, thereby fulfilling his divinely appointed role as a preserver of his lineage and a steward of God's covenant promises.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed immediately after Jacob and his family's arrival and settlement in Egypt. Chapters 46 and the beginning of 47 detail their journey and Pharaoh's gracious welcome, influenced by Joseph's high standing. Specifically, Genesis 47:11 states that Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Rameses (Goshen), providing them with property. Verse 12 then follows as the practical outworking of this settlement, demonstrating Joseph's ongoing commitment to their physical sustenance. It marks the transition from their arrival and establishment to their sustained provision, setting the stage for the family's growth and eventual prosperity in Egypt, a crucial step in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant people.
Historical & Cultural Context
The famine described in Genesis was not localized to Egypt but was a severe, multi-year crisis affecting "all the face of the earth" (Genesis 41:56). Egypt, under Joseph's wise administration, was uniquely prepared, having stored vast quantities of grain during the seven years of plenty (Genesis 41:47-49). Joseph, as Pharaoh's vizier, held immense power, second only to the monarch, giving him control over the nation's food supply. The land of Goshen, located in the eastern Nile Delta, was renowned for its rich pastures, making it ideal for the pastoral lifestyle of Jacob's large family and their extensive livestock. Joseph's provision was thus not merely an act of kindness but a strategic and administrative feat, ensuring the survival of a large, vulnerable clan in a time of widespread scarcity.
Key Themes
Genesis 47:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It highlights Divine Providence, demonstrating how God sovereignly orchestrated Joseph's entire life—from betrayal and slavery to imprisonment and exaltation—precisely to preserve His chosen people and fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:2-3). The verse also underscores Familial Responsibility and Reconciliation, as Joseph, despite the deep wounds inflicted by his brothers, extends comprehensive care and forgiveness, embodying a selfless commitment to his kin. Furthermore, it exemplifies Wise Stewardship, showcasing Joseph's meticulous management of resources, not only for Egypt but also for his own family, ensuring equitable and sufficient distribution, reflecting the principles of responsible administration seen throughout his rise to power in Genesis 41.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 47:12 states, "And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to [their] families." This concise verse encapsulates Joseph's diligent and comprehensive care for his extended family during a time of widespread scarcity.
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H3557) means "to keep in," "to measure," and figuratively "to maintain" or "to provide sustenance." It implies a continuous, comprehensive, and sustaining provision, far beyond a single act of feeding. It highlights Joseph's active, responsible, and ongoing role as the family's provider, ensuring their continued well-being and survival.
While literally meaning "bread" (H3899), this term is frequently used in a broader sense in biblical Hebrew to refer to food or provisions in general, encompassing all necessary sustenance for life. It signifies that Joseph supplied not just grain, but all the essential foodstuffs required for their survival and flourishing during the famine.
This word (H2945) refers to a "family," often used collectively in the singular, specifically denoting "little children" or "dependents." The phrase "according to their families" (Hebrew: lĕpî haṭṭap, literally "according to the mouth of the little ones/dependents") underscores the meticulous and equitable nature of Joseph's provision, implying a careful assessment of each household's needs, ensuring that every member, especially the most vulnerable like children, received adequate and appropriate sustenance.
Verse Breakdown
"And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household,"
This clause emphasizes the breadth and depth of Joseph's care. It extends beyond immediate family members (Jacob and his sons) to encompass the entire patriarchal clan, including their wives, children, servants, and all dependents. This highlights the immense scale of the famine's impact and the magnitude of Joseph's responsibility, demonstrating his comprehensive commitment to the preservation of his entire lineage.
"with bread,"
This phrase specifies the nature of the provision. As noted in the key word analysis, "bread" (Hebrew: lechem) here functions as a synecdoche for all necessary food and provisions. Joseph was supplying not just a staple, but a full and complete sustenance package, ensuring their nutritional needs were met during a time when food was scarce for others.
"according to [their] families."
This crucial detail illuminates the meticulous and equitable nature of Joseph's distribution. The phrase lĕpî haṭṭap (literally "according to the mouth of the little ones/dependents") suggests that the provisions were not given out haphazardly but were carefully measured and tailored to the specific size and needs of each individual household. This speaks volumes about Joseph's administrative skill, compassionate attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring that no one, especially the most vulnerable, was overlooked.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Synecdoche is evident in the use of "bread" (lechem) to represent all necessary provisions, where a part stands for the whole, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Joseph's sustenance. The phrase "all his father's household" uses Hyperbole to underscore the vastness of the family and the immense scope of Joseph's responsibility, highlighting the challenge of feeding such a large group during a famine. Furthermore, the entire narrative of Joseph's provision functions as Foreshadowing, subtly pointing to a greater provider and a more profound salvation, a theme that will culminate in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous detail "according to their families" also serves as Emphasis, drawing attention to Joseph's exceptional administrative skill and compassionate care.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 47:12 stands as a powerful testament to God's unfailing providence and His commitment to His covenant promises. Joseph's actions are not merely a display of familial duty but are the direct outcome of God's sovereign plan to preserve the lineage through whom the Messiah would come. Despite the severe famine that threatened to decimate Jacob's family, God, through Joseph, ensured their survival and flourishing in Egypt. This demonstrates that God's faithfulness extends to providing for the physical needs of His people, even in the direst circumstances, often working through human instruments to accomplish His divine purposes. Joseph's selfless provision also highlights the biblical principle of familial responsibility and the transformative power of forgiveness, as he extends grace and care to those who had wronged him, embodying a profound love that transcends past hurts.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 47:12 offers timeless principles for believers today, emphasizing the profound importance of caring for one's family and community, especially in times of need, echoing Joseph's selfless and meticulous example. It challenges us to consider how we can use whatever God-given influence, talents, or resources we possess to serve others, particularly those God has placed in our immediate care or sphere of influence. Joseph's story encourages us to embrace responsible stewardship, managing our blessings with wisdom and compassion, ensuring that those dependent on us are well-provided for, "according to their needs." Moreover, Joseph's narrative is a powerful reminder that even in desperate circumstances like a severe famine, God is faithful to provide for His people, often working through human instruments to accomplish His purposes. This strengthens our faith in God's ability to supply all our needs, much like the promise found in Philippians 4:19, reminding us that our ultimate security rests in His unfailing providence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Joseph's provision described as 'bread' when it implies all food?
The Hebrew word lechem (H3899), translated as "bread," is frequently used in the Bible as a synecdoche, a figure of speech where a part (bread, a staple food) represents the whole (all necessary provisions or food in general). This linguistic convention is common in ancient Near Eastern texts and biblical Hebrew, indicating that Joseph supplied his family with comprehensive sustenance, not just literal bread. This broader meaning is also evident in phrases like "man shall not live by bread alone" (Deuteronomy 8:3), which clearly refers to all forms of spiritual and physical sustenance.
What does 'according to their families' signify about Joseph's care?
The phrase "according to their families" (Hebrew: lĕpî haṭṭap, literally "according to the mouth of the little ones/dependents") signifies that Joseph's provision was meticulously organized, equitable, and tailored to the specific needs of each household. It implies that the distribution was not arbitrary but carefully managed to ensure that every member, including children and the most vulnerable dependents, received adequate and appropriate sustenance based on their household's size and requirements. This highlights Joseph's exceptional administrative skill, compassionate attention to detail, and his commitment to the well-being of every individual within the large patriarchal clan.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joseph's actions in Genesis 47:12 serve as a profound and multifaceted foreshadowing of Christ. Just as Joseph, through his suffering, betrayal, and subsequent exaltation to power, became the physical savior of his family, preserving them from death by providing essential sustenance in a time of famine, so too does Christ, through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection, become the ultimate spiritual Savior of humanity. Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life" in John 6:35, offering Himself as the spiritual nourishment that sustains eternal life, saving believers from spiritual death and reconciling them to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Joseph's selfless care and comprehensive provision for his household, ensuring every member received what they needed "according to their families," beautifully prefigure Christ's boundless love and complete provision for His church, His spiritual family. He nourishes and cherishes His body, ensuring their eternal well-being and sustenance, just as He gave Himself for the church in Ephesians 5:25-27.