And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families.

GENESIS 47:12KJV
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Genesis 47:12 (KJV)

What does Genesis 47:12 mean?

Genesis 47:12 describes how Joseph provided food for his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household, making sure each family had enough bread to meet their needs. The verse emphasizes Joseph’s care and responsibility for his entire extended family during a time of famine in Egypt.

Joseph, who had become a powerful leader in Egypt, is shown here taking practical steps to support his relatives after they moved to Egypt to escape the famine. The verse highlights Joseph’s role as a provider, ensuring that not only his immediate family but all those connected to his father were cared for with daily necessities.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 47:12

  • The word "nourished" (כּוּל, kul) means to sustain or provide for, showing that Joseph did more than just give a one-time gift—he continually supplied what was needed.
  • "Bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem) often stands for food in general, not just literal bread, so the verse is describing Joseph meeting all their basic needs.
  • "According to their families" uses the word "families" (טַף, taf), which refers to dependents or children, highlighting that Joseph’s provision was tailored to each household’s size and needs.

Why Genesis 47:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Joseph’s care extended beyond his immediate brothers to the whole household, including servants and children, showing a broad sense of responsibility.
  • The detail about providing “according to their families” shows Joseph’s wisdom and fairness, making sure no one was left out or given too little.
  • Genesis 47:12 connects to the larger story of God’s provision for Jacob’s family in a foreign land, setting the stage for their growth into a nation within Egypt.

Where else these words appear

“nourished” Hebrew H3557 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 45:11 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.
  • 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.

“families” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 31:9 And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
  • Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;