What does Genesis 47:19 mean?
“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.” — Genesis 47:19
Genesis 47:19 (KJV) states, "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."
This verse occurs in the context of Joseph's interaction with the people of Egypt during a severe famine. Joseph, who had risen to a position of power and authority in Egypt, had implemented a plan to store up grain during years of plenty in order to prepare for years of famine. As a result, when the seven years of famine struck, Egypt had enough food to survive. However, the famine also affected the surrounding lands, and the people of Canaan came to Egypt in search of food.
The verse speaks to the desperate situation faced by the people of Canaan, who were on the verge of starvation. They came to Joseph and offered to sell themselves and their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food and seed to sow their land. This act of selling themselves and their land was a last resort to avoid certain death. It reflects the extreme measures people are willing to take in times of crisis in order to survive.
The theme of survival and sacrifice is central to this verse. The people of Canaan were facing a life-or-death situation, and they were willing to give up their freedom and livelihood in order to ensure their survival. This speaks to the primal instinct to preserve life, even at great personal cost. It also highlights the power dynamics at play, as the people were essentially offering themselves as servants to Pharaoh in exchange for sustenance.
The verse also underscores the concept of providence and the role of divine intervention in times of need. From a theological perspective, this passage demonstrates how God provided for the people of Egypt and Canaan through Joseph's foresight and stewardship. It illustrates the idea that God can use human agency to fulfill His purposes and provide for His people, even in the midst of adversity.
Symbolically, this verse can be interpreted as a representation of the broader theme of redemption and deliverance. The people of Canaan were in a state of bondage to hunger and famine, and their plea for food and seed can be seen as a cry for deliverance from their desperate circumstances. In a spiritual sense, this can be related to humanity's need for deliverance from sin and spiritual famine, and the role of a savior or redeemer in providing for our needs and offering a way out of bondage.
In conclusion, Genesis 47:19 (KJV) conveys a powerful message about the instinct to survive, the willingness to sacrifice for survival, and the providence of God in times of need. It reflects the human experience of grappling with adversity and the search for redemption and deliverance. This verse continues to resonate with readers as a timeless reminder of the challenges and triumphs of the human condition.
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Artwork for Genesis 47:19
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 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." - Genesis 47:19
Genesis 24-47
Genesis 31:47 - "And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed."
Genesis 41:47 - "And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls."
Genesis 47:10 - "And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:8 - "And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?"
Genesis 47:2 - "And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh."
Luke 19:47 - "And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,"
Genesis 47:12 - "And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families."
Genesis 47:16 - "And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail."
Genesis 47:27 - "¶ And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly."
Genesis 47:7 - "And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:5 - "And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:"
"And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed." - Genesis 31:47
Genesis 47:28 - "And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years."
Genesis 47:21 - "And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof."
Genesis 47:13 - "¶ And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine."
Genesis 47:31 - "And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head."
Ezekiel 47:19 - "And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward."
Genesis 47:25 - "And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants."
"And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls." - Genesis 41:47
Genesis 47:11 - "¶ And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded."
Genesis 47:14 - "And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house."
Genesis 19-19
"And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh." - Genesis 47:10
Genesis 47:3 - "And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers."
"And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?" - Genesis 47:8
Genesis 47:30 - "But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said."
Genesis 47:23 - "Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land."