King James Version

What Does Genesis 47:12 Mean?

Genesis 47:12 in the King James Version says “And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their famili...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. according: or, as a little child is nourished: Heb. according to the little ones”

Genesis 47:12 · KJV

Context

10

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

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.

12

And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. according: or, as a little child is nourished: Heb. according to the little ones

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.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, accor... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about Jacob's Last Days shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיְכַלְכֵּ֤ל1 of 13

“nourished”

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

יוֹסֵף֙2 of 13

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶת3 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָבִ֑יו4 of 13

“and all his father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶת5 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶחָ֔יו6 of 13

“and his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְאֵ֖ת7 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל8 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּ֣ית9 of 13

“household”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֑יו10 of 13

“and all his father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לֶ֖חֶם11 of 13

“with bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לְפִ֥י12 of 13

“according”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

הַטָּֽף׃13 of 13

“to their families”

H2945

a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 47:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 47:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 45:111 Timothy 4:81 Thessalonians 2:7Matthew 15:4-61 Timothy 5:4Genesis 47:21

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