King James Version

What Does Genesis 47:16 Mean?

Genesis 47:16 in the King James Version says “And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.”

Genesis 47:16 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

16

And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.

17

And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year. fed: Heb. led them

18

When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.... 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. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 10

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹסֵף֙2 of 10

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

הָב֣וּ3 of 10

“Give”

H3051

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

בְּמִקְנֵיכֶ֑ם4 of 10

“you for your cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה5 of 10

“and I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֖ם6 of 10
H0
בְּמִקְנֵיכֶ֑ם7 of 10

“you for your cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

אִם8 of 10
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אָפֵ֖ס9 of 10

“fail”

H656

to disappear, i.e., cease

כָּֽסֶף׃10 of 10

“if money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

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 47:16 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 47:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 4:5Philippians 4:8Daniel 6:5-71 Corinthians 10:32Proverbs 12:17

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 47 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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