Genesis 47:12
Genesis 47:12 in Multiple Translations
Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread, according to their families.
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread, according to their families.
And Joseph took care of his father and his brothers and all his father's people, giving them food for the needs of their families.
He also provided food for all of them—his father, his brothers, and his father's whole household—depending on family size.
And Ioseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his fathers houshold with bread, euen to the yong children.
and Joseph nourisheth his father, and his brethren, and all the house of his father [with] bread, according to the mouth of the infants.
Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all of his father’s household with bread, according to the sizes of their families.
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread according to their families.
And he nourished them, and all his father’s house, allowing food to every one.
Joseph also provided food for all his father’s family. The amounts that he gave them were according to how many children each of them had.
And Joseph gave food to his father, and his brothers, and the rest of his father’s family. He made sure that each brother always had enough food for their whole family.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 47:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 47:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְכַלְכֵּ֤ל
יוֹסֵף֙
אֶת
אָבִ֣י/ו
וְ/אֶת
אֶחָ֔י/ו
וְ/אֵ֖ת
כָּל
בֵּ֣ית
אָבִ֑י/ו
לֶ֖חֶם
לְ/פִ֥י
הַ/טָּֽף
וַ/יְכַלְכֵּ֤ל
kûwl
H3557
to sustain
Conj | V-l-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹסֵף֙
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֶחָ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לֶ֖חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
לְ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
הַ/טָּֽף
ṭaph
H2945
child
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 47:12
וַ/יְכַלְכֵּ֤ל
kûwl
H3557
"to sustain"
Conj | V-l-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
יוֹסֵף֙
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶחָ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לֶ֖חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
לְ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
הַ/טָּֽף
ṭaph
H2945
"child"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a child or a group of children, often used to describe little ones or families. It appears in passages like Matthew 18:10 and Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus teaches about children. Jesus loves them.
Definition: children, little children, little ones
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (little) children (ones), families. See also: Genesis 34:29; Deuteronomy 1:39; Jeremiah 40:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 47:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 47:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 47:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 47:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 47:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 47:12
- Sermons on Genesis 47:12
Context — Jacob Settles in Goshen
10Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and departed from his presence.
11So Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
12Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.
13There was no food, however, in all that region, because the famine was so severe; the lands of Egypt and Canaan had been exhausted by the famine. 14Joseph collected all the money to be found in the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan in exchange for the grain they were buying, and he brought it into Pharaoh’s palace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 45:11 | And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’ |
| 2 | 1 Timothy 5:8 | If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. |
| 3 | Genesis 47:1 | So Joseph went and told Pharaoh: “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 5:4 | But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. |
| 5 | Ruth 4:15 | He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” |
| 6 | 1 Thessalonians 2:7 | On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. |
| 7 | Exodus 20:12 | Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. |
| 8 | Mark 7:10–13 | For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.” |
| 9 | 1 Timothy 4:8 | For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. |
| 10 | Matthew 15:4–6 | For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. |
Genesis 47:12 Summary
[Genesis 47:12 shows us that Joseph took care of his family by giving them food, which is a basic need that we all have. This reminds us that God wants us to take care of each other, just as He takes care of us (Matthew 25:40). Joseph's actions were a way of showing love and responsibility for his family, and we can learn from his example. By trusting in God's provision, just as Joseph did (Genesis 45:5), we can provide for our own families and communities, and experience the joy of being a blessing to others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Joseph to provide for his family in Genesis 47:12?
Joseph's actions were motivated by his love and responsibility for his family, as seen in his earlier actions in Genesis 45:11 and Genesis 46:31, where he promised to provide for them and ensured their safe passage to Egypt.
How did Joseph's provision for his family reflect God's care for them?
Joseph's provision for his family reflects God's care for them, as God had promised to bless and provide for the Israelites in Genesis 28:15 and Genesis 46:3-4, and Joseph was an instrument of that provision.
What can we learn from Joseph's example of providing for his family in Genesis 47:12?
We can learn the importance of family and the responsibility to care for one another, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:8, where it is written that those who do not provide for their relatives have denied the faith.
How does Genesis 47:12 relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the book of Genesis?
Genesis 47:12 shows how God's sovereignty is at work even in the smallest details of human life, as Joseph's provision for his family was part of God's larger plan to preserve the Israelites during the famine, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can provide for my own family, just as Joseph did, and how can I trust God to guide me in this responsibility?
- How can I balance my own needs and desires with the needs of my family, and what does Genesis 47:12 teach me about prioritizing their well-being?
- In what ways am I like Joseph, being called to care for others in my life, and how can I seek God's wisdom and guidance in this role?
- What are some times in my life when I have experienced God's provision, just as Joseph's family did, and how can I express gratitude for these blessings?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:12
And. Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and his father's household, with bread,.... For though there might be in Rameses pasture sufficient for their cattle, yet not corn for their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:12
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 47:12
Or, according to the mouth of the family; mouth being put for their will or desire, as it is , as much as every one desired, without any restraint; or, according to the manner of a little child, he put their meat into their very months; it was brought to them without any more care or pains of theirs than an infant takes for its food.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:12
Genesis 47:12 And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’ s household, with bread, according to [their] families.Ver. 12. And Joseph nourished his father.] For which end he was "sent before" by God: and for whose sake so many thousands were preserved, that else would have perished. What fools, then, are they that hunt out the saints, their only safeguard! and hate them to whom they owe all the good they have! This is, with the foolish deer, to eat up the leaves that hide them from the huuter.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 47:12
(12) According to their families.—Heb., according to the “taf” This, as we have seen above, means “according to the clan or body of dependants possessed by each one.” Dan, with his one child, would have been starved to death if the allowance for himself and his household had depended upon the number of his “little ones,” which is the usual translation of this word in the Authorised Version. (See margin.)
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 47:12
12. according to their families] The margin, according to the number of their little ones, gives the literal rendering. Delitzsch comments, “little children being mentioned because they would require much food, and also because people would be less willing to see them in want.” Cf. Genesis 45:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 47:12
12. According to their families — Hebrews, for the mouth of the little ones; that is, bread for the mouths of these. Thus Joseph became a nourishing father to his aged father’s household, as well as to Pharaoh and all Egypt.
Sermons on Genesis 47:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) 60 - Consternation, Mediation and Reconciliation by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon on the book of Genesis, the commentator highlights the powerful and sincere speech delivered by Judah, one of Joseph's brothers. The commentator praises the depth of |
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Destroying Pop-Christian Views of Marital Bliss - Part 1 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a man loving his wife as God loves her. He highlights how many great preachers and missionaries often neglect their wives, |
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Be My Witnesses (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a difference in the world and not living a self-consumed life. They urge listeners to not let the sun go down withou |
|
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New Life Baptist Church - Part 7 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a boy who disrespects his mother and the consequences he faces. The preacher emphasizes the importance of treating women, |
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01 Welcome by Brother Denny and Sister Jackie Kenaston by Denny Kenaston | Brother Denny and his wife Jackie introduce the Godly Home series, sharing the unexpected journey of how it began and the impact it has had over the years. They highlight the impor |
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God Is Good by Ralph Sexton | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's blessings and mercy in our lives, warning about the consequences of neglecting Him and the potential for His anger. It ca |
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(Matthew) ch.14:22-16:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the miracle of Peter walking on water towards Jesus as a parable for our lives. He emphasizes that just as Jesus overcame the law of gravity |