Genesis 47:18 - When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands.
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What does "Genesis 47:18" mean?
This verse from Genesis 47:18 describes a dire situation for the Egyptians under the rule of Joseph. Let's break it down:
"When that year was ended, they came to him the second year...": This sets the scene. This is the second year of a severe famine that Joseph had foreseen and prepared for by storing grain. The people had already survived one year by purchasing food from Joseph.
"...and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent...": The Egyptians are being honest with Joseph (whom they view as their lord due to his high position). They've run out of money to buy grain.
"...and the herds of livestock are my lord’s.": In the previous year (mentioned in Genesis 47:16-17), the Egyptians had used their livestock as payment for food. Now, their livestock is already gone – in Joseph's (and therefore Pharaoh's) possession.
"There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands.": This is the crucial point. They have nothing of value remaining except their own persons (meaning their labor and freedom) and their land. They are acknowledging that without help, they will starve and lose their property.
In essence, the verse depicts a moment of utter desperation. The Egyptians, having exhausted all their resources due to the famine, are now faced with the prospect of selling themselves into slavery and relinquishing their land to survive. They are completely dependent on Joseph and Pharaoh's mercy.
This situation sets the stage for the subsequent events in Genesis 47 where the Egyptians propose to give their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food, effectively becoming his tenants or serfs. It illustrates Joseph's cleverness (or ruthlessness, depending on perspective) in managing the crisis and consolidating power for Pharaoh.
Genesis 47:18 - When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands.
What does "Genesis 47:18" mean?
This verse from Genesis 47:18 describes a dire situation for the Egyptians under the rule of Joseph. Let's break it down:
"When that year was ended, they came to him the second year...": This sets the scene. This is the second year of a severe famine that Joseph had foreseen and prepared for by storing grain. The people had already survived one year by purchasing food from Joseph.
"...and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent...": The Egyptians are being honest with Joseph (whom they view as their lord due to his high position). They've run out of money to buy grain.
"...and the herds of livestock are my lord’s.": In the previous year (mentioned in Genesis 47:16-17), the Egyptians had used their livestock as payment for food. Now, their livestock is already gone – in Joseph's (and therefore Pharaoh's) possession.
"There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands.": This is the crucial point. They have nothing of value remaining except their own persons (meaning their labor and freedom) and their land. They are acknowledging that without help, they will starve and lose their property.
In essence, the verse depicts a moment of utter desperation. The Egyptians, having exhausted all their resources due to the famine, are now faced with the prospect of selling themselves into slavery and relinquishing their land to survive. They are completely dependent on Joseph and Pharaoh's mercy.
This situation sets the stage for the subsequent events in Genesis 47 where the Egyptians propose to give their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food, effectively becoming his tenants or serfs. It illustrates Joseph's cleverness (or ruthlessness, depending on perspective) in managing the crisis and consolidating power for Pharaoh.