Genesis 47:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 47:13 mean?

Genesis 47:13 describes a time when there was no food in the land because the famine was extremely severe, causing both Egypt and Canaan to suffer greatly. The verse emphasizes how widespread and intense the famine was, affecting entire regions and leaving people without basic necessities.

In the story, this verse comes as Joseph is managing Egypt’s resources during a long famine. The verse sets the scene for why people from both Egypt and Canaan are desperate and coming to Joseph for help. It highlights the seriousness of the crisis, showing that the famine was not just local but affected neighboring lands as well.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 47:13

• The word for "bread" is לֶחֶם (lechem), which often means food in general, not just literal bread. This shows that all basic food supplies were gone, not just one type.
• The word for "fainted" is לָהַה (lahah), which means to be weak or to languish. This word paints a vivid picture of the people and the land being worn out and exhausted by the famine.
• The word for "famine" is רָעָב (ra’av), which refers to a severe shortage of food. Its repetition in the verse underlines just how dire the situation was.

Why Genesis 47:13 matters

• Genesis 47:13 helps the reader understand the scale of the crisis Joseph was managing, showing that his actions were necessary for survival, not just wise administration.
• The verse connects the stories of Egypt and Canaan, reminding the reader that the famine’s impact was broad and that Joseph’s family in Canaan was also affected.
• By describing the land and people as "fainting," the verse emphasizes the human cost and suffering caused by the famine, setting up the urgency of the events that follow.