And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

GENESIS 45:11KJV
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Genesis 45:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 45:11 mean?

Genesis 45:11 records Joseph telling his brothers that he will provide for them in Egypt because five more years of famine are coming, and without his help, they and everything they own would fall into poverty. Joseph is assuring his family that he will take care of their needs during the ongoing crisis.

Joseph is speaking to his brothers after revealing his identity to them in Egypt. The family has been suffering from famine in Canaan, and Joseph, now a powerful leader in Egypt, invites them to settle near him so he can support them. This verse shows Joseph’s practical concern for their survival, not just emotional reunion.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 45:11

  • The word “nourish” (כּוּל, kul) means to sustain or provide for someone’s needs. Joseph is promising more than just food—he is offering ongoing care and support.
  • The word “poverty” (יָרַשׁ, yarash) often means to be dispossessed or to lose one’s possessions. Joseph is warning that without his help, his family could lose everything, not just go hungry.

Why Genesis 45:11 matters

  • This verse highlights Joseph’s forgiveness and sense of responsibility, showing that he is not seeking revenge but wants to protect his family.
  • The mention of “five years of famine” gives a concrete sense of the crisis’s duration, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for decisive action.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of God’s provision through Joseph, showing how past suffering led to a position where Joseph could save his family.

Where else these words appear

“nourish” Hebrew H3557 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 47:12 And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families.
  • 1 Kings 8:64 The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that was before the LORD was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.
  • Psalms 112:5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

“famine” Hebrew H7458 · used in 88 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
  • Jeremiah 32:24 Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it.