Genesis 47:15

KJV

And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when money {H3701} failed {H8552} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, all the Egyptians {H4714} came {H935} unto Joseph {H3130}, and said {H559}, Give {H3051} us bread {H3899}: for why should we die {H4191} in thy presence? for the money {H3701} faileth {H656}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When all the money in Egypt had been spent, and likewise in Kena'an, all the Egyptians approached Yosef and said, "Give us something to eat, even though we have no money; why should we die before your eyes?"

Berean Standard Bible

When 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!”

American Standard Version

And when the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for our money faileth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:15 details a critical juncture in the widespread famine afflicting both Egypt and Canaan, marking the complete exhaustion of monetary resources among the populace. With their financial means rendered useless, the desperate Egyptians converged upon Joseph, Pharaoh's chief administrator, pleading for sustenance to avert imminent death. This verse powerfully underscores the severity of the crisis, the utter failure of conventional economic systems, and the people's absolute reliance on Joseph's divinely-ordained wisdom and providential management.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Joseph's administrative genius during the seven-year famine, following his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and subsequent appointment as vizier over Egypt ([Genesis 41:37-45](/genesis/41-37-45 "Joseph's Appointment as Vizier")). Initially, during the first years of the famine, people from various lands, including Joseph's own family, came to Egypt to purchase grain with money ([Genesis 42:1-3](/genesis/42-1-3 "Jacob Sends His Sons to Egypt")). However, Genesis 47:15 marks a turning point, indicating that the monetary system has now collapsed due to the famine's prolonged severity. This economic failure sets the stage for Joseph's subsequent, more radical economic policies, where he exchanges grain for livestock, then land, and ultimately the people's labor, effectively centralizing all resources under Pharaoh's control ([Genesis 47:16-26](/genesis/47-16-26 "Joseph's Economic Policies During Famine")). The verse highlights the escalating desperation and the shift from a market-based economy to a system of direct exchange and servitude, all orchestrated by Joseph to preserve life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society heavily dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile for its agricultural bounty. A multi-year famine, as described here, would have been catastrophic, leading to widespread starvation, social unrest, and the collapse of established economic structures. Money, primarily in the form of silver (as indicated by the Hebrew word *keçeph*), served as a medium of exchange, but its value diminishes to nothing when there is no food to purchase. The concept of a ruler providing for his people in times of crisis was a common expectation in the ancient Near East, but Joseph's systematic approach, including the foresight to store grain during years of plenty, was unprecedented. The Egyptians' appeal to Joseph reflects his supreme authority, second only to Pharaoh, and their cultural understanding that the ruler was responsible for the welfare of his subjects. The phrase "die in thy presence" also carries a cultural weight, implying that the leader's failure to provide would be a stain on his honor and a direct indictment of his rule.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God's sovereign plan, initiated through Joseph's dreams and his subsequent enslavement and rise to power, is meticulously unfolding to preserve life and fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham's descendants. The verse also underscores the theme of **Wisdom and Stewardship**, as Joseph's God-given administrative acumen and his prudent management of resources are the sole means of survival for a vast population. Furthermore, it highlights **Human Vulnerability and Dependence**, revealing humanity's inherent fragility in the face of natural disaster and economic collapse, ultimately pointing to a deeper reliance on divine provision. The economic transformation described in this chapter, initiated by the failure of money, also touches on themes of **Societal Restructuring** and the adaptability required for survival in extreme conditions, all under the guiding hand of Joseph, and by extension, God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 47:15 vividly portrays the dire consequences of the prolonged famine and the people's desperate plea for survival.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** (H3701) Derived from a root meaning "to be pale," this term refers to silver, which served as the primary form of currency and a store of value in ancient Near Eastern economies. Its "failure" here signifies not just a lack of physical silver, but its complete loss of utility as a medium of exchange. In a context of absolute scarcity of food, silver had no power to procure sustenance, rendering it worthless and symbolizing the collapse of conventional economic systems.
* **failed (Hebrew, _ʼâphêç'_):** (H656) A primitive root meaning "to disappear" or "to cease." This word emphasizes the absolute and complete cessation of money's function. It implies that the monetary system had not merely weakened or become scarce, but had utterly vanished as a viable means of transaction for food. This highlights the severity of the famine and the finality of the economic breakdown, leaving no alternative but direct appeal for provision.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** (H4191) A primitive root meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively), or "to kill." This term conveys the ultimate and most terrifying consequence of the famine. The people's rhetorical question, "why should we die in thy presence?" underscores their profound fear and desperation, appealing to Joseph's responsibility as a leader to prevent their demise. It reflects the raw, existential threat they faced, where death was not a distant possibility but an imminent reality without intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan":** This opening clause establishes the critical turning point in the famine. The "failure" of money indicates that the traditional economic system, based on the exchange of silver for goods, had completely broken down. The mention of both "Egypt" and "Canaan" emphasizes the widespread and devastating scope of the famine, affecting a vast geographical area and rendering conventional wealth useless across nations.
* **"all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said,"**: This phrase highlights the universal desperation and the people's unified recognition of Joseph as the sole source of relief. Their collective approach underscores his unparalleled authority and the effectiveness of his grain reserves, signifying that all other avenues for survival had been exhausted, and their only hope lay in his stewardship.
* **"Give us bread:"**: This is a direct, urgent plea for the most fundamental necessity of life. The simplicity of the request belies the profound desperation behind it, as "bread" here stands for all sustenance. It signifies a complete surrender of their economic independence and an appeal for charity or direct provision.
* **"for why should we die in thy presence?"**: This poignant rhetorical question reveals the depth of their fear and vulnerability, while also appealing directly to Joseph's compassion and responsibility as their leader. It implies that their death, occurring under his watch and while he possessed the means to save them, would be a moral failure on his part, despite their own lack of resources.
* **"for the money faileth."**: This concluding phrase reiterates and reinforces the immediate cause of their destitution. The repetition of the idea that "money faileth" (using a slightly different Hebrew word, *ʼâphêç*, compared to *tâmam* for the first "failed") serves to emphasize the utter finality of their financial collapse and their complete inability to help themselves, setting the stage for Joseph's subsequent, more radical economic measures.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "money failed" (or "faileth"), which appears twice, emphasizing the complete and undeniable collapse of the economic system and the futility of wealth in the face of absolute scarcity. The rhetorical question, **"for why should we die in thy presence?"**, serves as a form of **pathos**, appealing directly to Joseph's emotions and sense of responsibility, highlighting the people's extreme vulnerability and their desperate plea for intervention. The phrase "all the Egyptians" uses **hyperbole** to convey the universal and overwhelming nature of the crisis, indicating that the famine affected every stratum of society and that Joseph was the singular focal point of hope. Finally, the entire scene functions as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the deeper economic and social transformations Joseph will implement in the subsequent verses, as the people's dependence shifts from money to direct bartering and ultimately, to servitude under Pharaoh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 47:15 serves as a profound theological statement on human limitations and divine sovereignty. It illustrates that even the most stable human systems, like a monetary economy, are ultimately fragile and susceptible to collapse in the face of overwhelming natural forces. This collapse forces humanity to confront its inherent vulnerability and dependence, not on accumulated wealth, but on a higher power. Joseph, as God's chosen instrument, embodies the principle of divine provision, demonstrating that God often works through human agents to sustain life and fulfill His purposes, even amidst widespread suffering. The crisis reveals that true security lies not in material possessions, but in God's unfailing care and the wisdom He bestows upon His chosen servants to manage resources for the common good.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Psalm 33:16-19](/psalms/33-16-19 "God Delivers Those Who Fear Him")
* [Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31-33 "Do Not Worry About Your Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:15 offers profound lessons on preparedness, stewardship, and ultimate dependence. It serves as a stark reminder that even in times of prosperity, foresight and wise planning are crucial, not only for personal finances but also for community and national resilience against unforeseen crises. Joseph's example underscores that true leadership involves not merely accumulating resources but, more importantly, equitable distribution and compassionate care for the vulnerable, especially when conventional systems fail. In our own lives, this verse challenges us to consider where our ultimate trust lies. Do we place our security in our wealth, our jobs, or our societal structures, which can "fail"? Or do we recognize that while human systems may falter, God's providential care enduring? It calls us to cultivate a spirit of generosity, to be good stewards of the resources God entrusts to us, and to extend compassion to those in need, remembering that our ultimate sustenance comes from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "monies" in my life that I rely on for security, and how might their "failure" reveal a deeper need for God's provision?**
* **How does Joseph's compassionate response to the desperate Egyptians challenge my own understanding of leadership and responsibility towards others in times of crisis?**
* **In what ways can I, like Joseph, be an instrument of God's provision and wisdom in my community or sphere of influence when conventional systems falter?**

### FAQ
**What does "when money failed" signify beyond economic collapse?**

Answer: Beyond the literal economic collapse, "when money failed" signifies the complete exhaustion of human self-sufficiency and the end of all conventional means of survival. It represents a point of absolute desperation where people could no longer rely on their own wealth or established systems, forcing them into a state of total dependence on an external provider. Theologically, it powerfully symbolizes the inadequacy of worldly resources in the face of ultimate need, pointing to a deeper, existential need for divine provision. This moment highlights that true security is not found in material possessions but in a higher, unfailing source, echoing themes found in passages like [Psalm 62:5-7](/psalms/62-5-7 "My Soul Waits in Silence for God Alone").

**How does Joseph's response in this chapter reflect God's character?**

Answer: Joseph's response throughout [Genesis 47](/genesis/47 "Joseph's Economic Policies and Family Settlement"), including his continued provision even when money failed, profoundly reflects God's character of foresight, compassion, and sovereign provision. Just as God prepared Joseph to save many lives, so too does God proactively provide for His people, often through human instruments, demonstrating His faithfulness and mercy even in times of severe judgment or hardship. Joseph's actions embody the divine attribute of sustaining life, showing that God is not distant but intimately involved in the welfare of His creation, providing for their physical needs even as He works out His greater redemptive plan. His wisdom in managing the crisis is a testament to God's guiding hand, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, as the one who held all the grain and distributed it to a dying world, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joseph was the sole source of physical sustenance in a time of famine, preventing death in Egypt and Canaan, so too is Jesus Christ the exclusive source of spiritual life and eternal bread for a world perishing in spiritual famine ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus: The Bread of Life")). The people's desperate plea to Joseph, "Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence?", echoes humanity's universal cry for salvation and life from Christ, who offers Himself freely when all other human efforts and worldly resources have failed to provide true sustenance. In Christ, the ultimate steward of God's grace, we receive not just temporary relief from earthly hunger but everlasting life, fulfilling the shadow of Joseph's earthly provision. He is the one who satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger, declaring, "[I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")". Through His sacrifice, He became the true manna from heaven, providing eternal nourishment far beyond what Joseph could offer ([John 6:48-51](/john/6-48-51 "Jesus, the Living Bread")).

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

1 Samuel 21:3

Now therefore what is under thine hand? give [me] five [loaves of] bread in mine hand, or what there is present.

Genesis 47:18

When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide [it] from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:

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.

1 Samuel 25:8

Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.

Psalms 37:3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Judges 8:8

And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered [him].

Matthew 6:11

Give us this day our daily bread.