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.

Wherefore shall we die {H4191} before thine eyes {H5869}, both we and our land {H127}? buy {H7069} us and our land {H127} for bread {H3899}, and we and our land {H127} will be servants {H5650} unto Pharaoh {H6547}: and give {H5414} us seed {H2233}, that we may live {H2421}, and not die {H4191}, that the land {H127} be not desolate {H3456}.

Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we and our land will be enslaved to Pharaoh. But also give us seed to plant, so that we can stay alive and not die, and so that the land won't become barren."

Why should we perish before your eyesโ€”we and our land as well? Purchase us and our land in exchange for food. Then we, along with our land, will be slaves to Pharaoh. Give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.โ€

wherefore should 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, and that the land be not desolate.

Commentary

Genesis 47:19 captures a pivotal moment during the severe famine in Egypt, illustrating the desperate measures people take to survive. The Egyptian populace, having exhausted their money and livestock, now offer their very lives and land to Pharaoh in exchange for food and the means to replant their fields.

Context

This verse is situated within the latter years of the seven-year famine that Joseph had foretold and prepared for (Genesis 41:32). Joseph, as Pharaoh's prime minister, had wisely stored vast quantities of grain during the years of plenty. By this point in the famine, the people of Egypt had first spent all their money (Genesis 47:14) and then traded their livestock for food (Genesis 47:17). With no other assets left, their plea in verse 19 represents the ultimate act of desperation: surrendering their personal freedom and ancestral land to Pharaoh to escape starvation. This policy ultimately centralized all land ownership in Egypt under Pharaoh, with the people becoming his tenants, paying a fifth of their produce as tax (Genesis 47:26).

Key Themes

  • Desperation and Survival: The verse vividly portrays the extreme desperation of people facing starvation. Their willingness to sacrifice land and personal liberty for "bread" and "seed" highlights the fundamental human drive for survival.
  • Joseph's Economic Policy: Joseph's handling of the famine, though resulting in the subjugation of the populace to Pharaoh, effectively prevented widespread death. His strategy ensured the preservation of life, albeit at a significant social and economic cost, establishing a new order in Egypt.
  • Sovereignty and Provision: Beneath the human drama, God's overarching plan to preserve the lineage of Jacob and sustain His chosen people in Egypt is evident. Even in the midst of severe hardship, God's hand was at work, providing through Joseph's stewardship (Genesis 50:20).
  • Value of Land and Life: The Egyptians' offer underscores the immense value placed on both life and the means to sustain it (seed for planting), even if it means losing traditional ownership of land.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "buy us and our land" uses the Hebrew verb qanah (ืงื ื”), which means "to acquire," "to possess," or "to buy." In this context, it signifies a complete transfer of ownership, emphasizing the people's total surrender. The term "servants" (ืขื‘ื“ื™ื - avadim) denotes a state of servitude or bonded labor, signifying a new socio-economic status where the people are bound to Pharaoh, working his land. The request for "seed" (ื–ืจืข - zera) is crucial, representing not just immediate sustenance but the hope for future life and the prevention of total desolation of the land.

Practical Application

Genesis 47:19 offers several timeless lessons:

  • The Importance of Preparation: The famine highlights the wisdom of preparing for difficult times, both individually and collectively. Joseph's foresight saved a nation.
  • Priorities in Crisis: In extreme situations, basic needs like food and survival often supersede other concerns, such as property or freedom. This can prompt reflection on what we truly value.
  • Trust in Divine Provision: While Joseph's plan was humanly devised, it was ultimately guided by God's wisdom. The narrative reminds us that even in scarcity, God can provide for His people, often through unexpected means or individuals (Philippians 4:19).
  • Stewardship: Joseph's role exemplifies responsible stewardship of resources, a principle applicable to personal finances, natural resources, and spiritual gifts.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 2:4 (4 votes)

    And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

  • Nehemiah 5:2 (4 votes)

    For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, [are] many: therefore we take up corn [for them], that we may eat, and live.

  • Nehemiah 5:3 (4 votes)

    [Some] also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.

  • Lamentations 5:6 (3 votes)

    We have given the hand [to] the Egyptians, [and to] the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.

  • Lamentations 1:11 (3 votes)

    All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.

  • Lamentations 5:9 (3 votes)

    We gat our bread with [the peril of] our lives because of the sword of the wilderness.

  • Philippians 3:8 (2 votes)

    Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,