What does Genesis 47:15 mean?
"And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth." - Genesis 47:15
Genesis 47:15 (KJV): "And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth."
This verse is a part of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, which is the first book of the Bible. In this particular verse, we see a pivotal moment in Joseph's life as he rises to power in Egypt and becomes a savior to the people during a time of famine. This verse also reflects themes of providence, faith, and the sovereignty of God.
The context of Genesis 47:15 is the culmination of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt. He had been sold into slavery by his own brothers, but through a series of events and God's favor, he had become a trusted advisor to Pharaoh and a prominent figure in the Egyptian government. The famine that struck the land of Egypt and Canaan is the backdrop for this verse, and it is during this time of crisis that Joseph's wisdom and administrative skills play a crucial role in the survival of the people.
The theme of providence is evident in this verse as it shows how God orchestrated events in Joseph's life to place him in a position to save both the Egyptians and the Israelites from starvation. Despite the hardships and betrayals Joseph experienced, God used those very circumstances to fulfill His purpose for Joseph's life. The verse also highlights the theme of faith, as the Egyptians turned to Joseph in their time of need, trusting that he would be able to provide for them in the midst of the famine. This demonstrates the importance of relying on God and seeking His provision in times of difficulty.
The symbolism in this verse is seen through the contrast between the failing money and the provision of bread. The money represents the material wealth and resources that the people had relied on, but it ultimately proved to be insufficient in providing for their needs. In contrast, the bread symbolizes the sustenance and nourishment that Joseph was able to provide for the people. This imagery can be interpreted as a reflection of the spiritual truth that earthly riches and resources are fleeting, but God's provision is enduring and life-giving.
This verse also serves as a precursor to the larger narrative of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, which becomes a central theme throughout the rest of the Old Testament. It sets the stage for the eventual enslavement of the Israelites and their deliverance by the hand of God through Moses. The events in this verse foreshadow the larger theme of God's faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of adversity and oppression.
In conclusion, Genesis 47:15 is a verse that captures the essence of Joseph's role in providing for the people during a time of famine. It serves as a testament to God's providential care, the importance of faith in seeking His provision, and the symbolism of earthly resources versus God's enduring sustenance. This verse sets the stage for the larger themes and events that unfold in the biblical narrative, making it a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and the broader themes of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
Have questions about Genesis 47:15?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Genesis 47:15 Artwork
Genesis 47:15 - "And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth."
"And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth." - Genesis 47:15
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?"
Mark 15:47 - "And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid."
1 Corinthians 15:47 - "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven."
Genesis 47:2 - "And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh."
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."
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."
Ezekiel 47:15 - "And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;"
"And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls." - Genesis 41:47
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 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."
Joshua 15:47 - "Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:"
"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."