Genesis 47:16 - Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 47:16" mean?
This verse from Genesis 47:16 describes a stage in Joseph's management of Egypt during a severe famine. The famine had lasted long enough that the people of Egypt had run out of money to buy food from the royal granaries, which Joseph controlled.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Joseph said, 'Give me your livestock...": Joseph, as the vizier (essentially prime minister) of Egypt, was overseeing the distribution of food. When the people's money was exhausted, he offered them an alternative: their livestock (cows, sheep, goats, etc.).
"...and I will give you food for your livestock...": In exchange for their animals, Joseph promised to provide enough food to keep the animals alive. This was crucial because without livestock, people wouldn't have a means of plowing fields, transporting goods, or providing meat and dairy once the famine ended.
"...if your money is gone.": This clause clarifies the condition. The livestock trade was only offered to those who had already depleted their financial resources to purchase food.
In essence, Joseph was implementing a strategic bartering system to prevent widespread starvation. He was trading food for the people's assets, ensuring their survival and maintaining the vitality of the Egyptian economy in the long run. It demonstrates his pragmatic approach and foresight in managing a crisis. Importantly, the livestock was valuable to the Egyptians and this ensured people still had a way to produce when the famine subsided. It also positioned the crown as the ultimate owner of the people's assets.
Genesis 47:16 - Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”
What does "Genesis 47:16" mean?
This verse from Genesis 47:16 describes a stage in Joseph's management of Egypt during a severe famine. The famine had lasted long enough that the people of Egypt had run out of money to buy food from the royal granaries, which Joseph controlled.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Joseph said, 'Give me your livestock...": Joseph, as the vizier (essentially prime minister) of Egypt, was overseeing the distribution of food. When the people's money was exhausted, he offered them an alternative: their livestock (cows, sheep, goats, etc.).
"...and I will give you food for your livestock...": In exchange for their animals, Joseph promised to provide enough food to keep the animals alive. This was crucial because without livestock, people wouldn't have a means of plowing fields, transporting goods, or providing meat and dairy once the famine ended.
"...if your money is gone.": This clause clarifies the condition. The livestock trade was only offered to those who had already depleted their financial resources to purchase food.
In essence, Joseph was implementing a strategic bartering system to prevent widespread starvation. He was trading food for the people's assets, ensuring their survival and maintaining the vitality of the Egyptian economy in the long run. It demonstrates his pragmatic approach and foresight in managing a crisis. Importantly, the livestock was valuable to the Egyptians and this ensured people still had a way to produce when the famine subsided. It also positioned the crown as the ultimate owner of the people's assets.