Genesis 47:18

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

When that year {H8141} was ended {H8552}, they came {H935} unto him the second {H8145} year {H8141}, and said {H559} unto him, We will not hide {H3582} it from my lord {H113}, how that our money {H3701} is spent {H8552}; my lord {H113} also hath {H413} our herds {H4735} of cattle {H929}; there is not ought left {H7604} in the sight {H6440} of my lord {H113}, but our bodies {H1472}, and our lands {H127}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When that year was over, they approached Yosef again and said to him, "We won't hide from my lord that all our money is spent, and the herds of livestock belong to my lord. We have nothing left, as my lord can see, but our bodies and our land.

Berean Standard Bible

When 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.

American Standard Version

And when that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide from my lord, how that our money is all spent; and the herds of cattle are my lord’s; there is nought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:18 starkly depicts the culmination of the Egyptian famine's devastating impact, revealing a populace utterly depleted of all financial and livestock assets. In a desperate plea for survival, they present themselves and their land to Joseph, acknowledging their complete destitution and absolute reliance on Pharaoh's administration for continued sustenance, thereby illustrating the profound depths of human vulnerability in the face of prolonged crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing famine narrative within the book of Genesis, specifically following the first year of extreme hardship. Prior to this, Joseph, as Pharaoh's vizier, had implemented a divinely inspired plan to store grain during the seven years of abundance (as detailed in [Genesis 41:48-49](/genesis/41-48-49 "Joseph's Foresight and Grain Storage")). The initial phase of the famine saw the Egyptians purchasing grain with their money, a transaction highlighted in [Genesis 47:14](/genesis/47-14 "Egyptians Purchase Grain with Money"). When their currency was exhausted, they resorted to exchanging their livestock for food, as recorded in [Genesis 47:17](/genesis/47-17 "Exchange of Livestock for Food"). Genesis 47:18 signifies the complete exhaustion of these previous resources, setting the stage for the people's ultimate surrender of their bodies and land, which in turn leads to Joseph's subsequent policy of land nationalization and a new system of taxation (see [Genesis 47:19-26](/genesis/47-19-26 "Joseph's Land Policy and Taxation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's economy was primarily agrarian, heavily dependent on the annual inundation of the Nile. A prolonged famine, like the one described, would have been catastrophic, disrupting the entire social and economic fabric. Pharaoh was considered a divine king, owning all the land and its produce in principle, though in practice, land was often held by temples, nobles, and commoners. Joseph's actions during the famine, while pragmatic and life-saving, significantly altered this traditional land tenure system. The people's willingness to surrender their bodies and land reflects the extreme desperation of a society facing mass starvation, where survival superseded all other considerations, including personal freedom and hereditary land rights. This period likely solidified the Pharaoh's absolute control over the land and its inhabitants, transforming free landholders into tenant farmers.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:18 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Providence**, as God orchestrates events, even a devastating famine, to preserve life and fulfill His covenant promises, particularly concerning the family of Jacob (Israel). The verse also highlights **Human Dependence** on divine provision and wise leadership, showcasing how human resources are finite in the face of overwhelming natural disaster. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Stewardship and Foresight**, exemplified by Joseph's prudent management of resources, which ultimately saved an entire nation. The economic and social restructuring that results from this desperate exchange also speaks to the theme of **Societal Transformation** under extreme circumstances, demonstrating how power and resources can be centralized in times of crisis.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 47:18 captures the climactic moment of the Egyptian people's destitution, where their plea to Joseph is marked by transparency and utter vulnerability. The KJV's use of "ought" (an archaic term for "anything") emphasizes that literally no asset remains to them except their physical selves and their land.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This term (H113) signifies a sovereign, master, or owner, whether human or divine. Here, it is used repeatedly to address Joseph, acknowledging his position of authority and control over the resources that mean life or death for the people. Their repeated use of "my lord" underscores their complete submission and recognition of his power.
* **money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** The word (H3701) literally means "silver" but is used by implication for "money." Its mention as "spent" highlights the exhaustion of their primary medium of exchange, signaling the collapse of the conventional economy and the dire need for an alternative solution.
* **bodies (Hebrew, _gᵉvîyâh'_):** This term (H1472) refers to a body, whether alive or dead. In this context, it signifies their physical selves, their very lives, which they are now offering as a commodity. This demonstrates the ultimate extent of their desperation, willing to surrender personal freedom and even their physical being for survival.
* **lands (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** This word (H127) refers to the soil, earth, or ground, specifically agricultural land. The offering of their "lands" signifies the surrender of their means of production, their inheritance, and their future economic independence, solidifying Pharaoh's ownership of the entire nation's agricultural base.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year":** This phrase establishes the precise temporal setting, indicating the transition from the first year of famine's severe impact to the second, even more desperate, year. It highlights the prolonged nature of the crisis and the systematic depletion of resources over time.
* **"and said unto him, We will not hide [it] from my lord":** This declaration signifies the people's complete honesty and transparency. They are not attempting to conceal their true situation but are openly laying bare their utter destitution before Joseph, appealing directly to his authority and compassion.
* **"how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle":** This clause provides a concise summary of their previous attempts to acquire food and their current lack of resources. They acknowledge that their financial assets are exhausted, and their livestock, previously exchanged for food, are now also under Pharaoh's control, leaving them with nothing else to offer.
* **"there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands":** This is the climactic statement of their desperation. The archaic "ought" emphasizes that literally nothing of value remains. Their only remaining possessions, their physical selves (bodies) and their agricultural property (lands), are now offered as their final desperate exchange for survival, underscoring their complete surrender and dependence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of the situation. **Pathos** is profoundly evident, as the people's desperate confession evokes sympathy and highlights their extreme suffering. Their direct address and stark admission ("We will not hide it... there is not ought left") create a sense of raw **Honesty and Transparency**, emphasizing their complete vulnerability. The **Repetition** of "my lord" (three times) underscores Joseph's absolute authority and their complete submission to him. The phrase "our bodies, and our lands" functions as a form of **Merism**, where two distinct but related parts are mentioned to represent the totality of their remaining possessions, signifying their complete and utter surrender of everything they have left.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 47:18 serves as a profound theological statement on humanity's ultimate dependence on God's provision and the critical role of wise stewardship in times of crisis. The utter destitution of the Egyptians, having exhausted all their earthly resources, underscores the finite nature of human wealth and the necessity of looking beyond self-sufficiency for survival. Joseph's divinely-inspired foresight and administrative skill, which provided the only means of sustenance, point to the broader truth that true provision ultimately flows from God's sovereign hand. This narrative challenges us to consider our own preparedness, not just materially but spiritually, for times of scarcity, and to recognize that even in the most dire circumstances, God can use human agents to preserve life and fulfill His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalm/37-25 "The Righteous Not Forsaken")
* [Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31-33 "Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:18 offers a poignant mirror for contemporary reflection, urging us to consider our own vulnerabilities and where we place our ultimate trust. In a world often driven by accumulation and self-reliance, this verse starkly reminds us that all earthly resources are finite, and true security ultimately rests in a source beyond ourselves. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that even our "bodies and lands"—our very existence and means of livelihood—are ultimately gifts. Furthermore, it prompts us to examine our roles as stewards, both individually and corporately, in managing resources with foresight and compassion, especially for those most vulnerable in society. The resilience and desperate honesty of the Egyptians also inspire us to face our own limitations with candor and to seek help when our own resources are depleted, trusting that provision can come through unexpected channels, often through the wise and compassionate actions of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most prone to self-reliance, and how might this verse challenge that perspective?**
* **How does the famine narrative encourage me to think about responsible stewardship and preparation for future uncertainties, both personally and communally?**
* **What does the Egyptians' willingness to surrender everything teach me about true desperation and the value of life?**
* **How can I better embody compassionate leadership or support those in authority who make difficult decisions for the common good during times of crisis?**

### FAQ
**Was Joseph's economic policy during the famine fair or exploitative?**

Answer: Joseph's economic policy, as seen in [Genesis 47:13-26](/genesis/47-13-26 "Joseph's Famine Policy"), was primarily a pragmatic and life-preserving measure in the face of an unprecedented, seven-year famine. The people willingly offered their assets—money, livestock, land, and ultimately themselves—in exchange for food, acknowledging that Joseph's administration was their only source of survival. From their perspective, it was a necessary exchange to avoid widespread starvation and death. While it resulted in a significant shift in socio-economic structure, centralizing land ownership under Pharaoh and transforming the populace into tenant farmers, it ensured the survival of the entire population. This policy, though leading to increased royal power, was a testament to Joseph's divinely-inspired foresight and administrative skill, preventing a complete societal collapse and mass fatalities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 47:18, with its vivid portrayal of humanity's utter destitution and desperate surrender for life, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual reality of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as the Egyptians, having exhausted all their earthly resources, came to Joseph for physical sustenance, so too does humanity, spiritually bankrupt and utterly unable to save itself, find ultimate provision and eternal life in Christ. Joseph, as the one who held the keys to life-giving grain, serves as a profound type of Christ, who declared Himself to be the "Bread of Life" (see [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus as the Bread of Life")). The people's willingness to surrender their bodies and lands for survival mirrors the call to complete surrender to Christ, where we are invited to "lose" our old lives and perceived self-sufficiency in order to truly find life in Him (as taught in [Matthew 16:25](/matthew/16-25 "Losing Life to Find It")). In Christ, we find not merely physical preservation but spiritual redemption, forgiveness of sins, and abundant life (see [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Brings Abundant Life")), freely given to all who, recognizing their utter spiritual need, come to Him in faith. He is the ultimate "Lord" (as in [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Confess Jesus as Lord")) to whom we surrender all, receiving in return not just survival, but eternal flourishing.

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

Jeremiah 38:9

My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for [there is] no more bread in the city.

2 Kings 6:26

And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.