Genesis 47:15 (KJV)

What does Genesis 47:15 mean?

Genesis 47:15 describes a moment during a severe famine when the people of Egypt and Canaan run out of money and come to Joseph, asking him for bread so they will not die. The verse shows the desperation of the people, as they have nothing left to buy food with and must rely on Joseph’s authority to survive.

In this scene, all the Egyptians approach Joseph, who is in charge of distributing food during the famine, and plead for help because their money is gone. The verse highlights the depth of the crisis: both Egypt and Canaan are affected, and the people are completely dependent on Joseph’s decisions for their survival.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 47:15

• The word for “money” is כֶּסֶף (kesef), which refers to silver or currency. Its repetition in the verse emphasizes that the usual means of exchange have run out, making the famine even more dire.
• The word translated “failed” is תָּמַם (tamam), meaning to be completed, finished, or used up. This word shows that the people’s resources are not just low—they are entirely exhausted.
• The word for “bread” is לֶחֶם (lechem), which can mean both literal bread and food in general. Here, it represents the basic necessity for survival.

Why Genesis 47:15 matters

• This verse makes clear just how severe the famine was: not only was there no food, but even the money that might have been used to buy food was gone.
• The verse sets up the next stage of the story, where Joseph must decide how to manage Egypt’s resources and the people’s needs now that their money is gone.
• It highlights Joseph’s unique position of authority and trust, as both Egyptians and people from Canaan come to him, showing the far-reaching impact of the famine and the central role Joseph plays in the survival of many.