Genesis 47:12

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 47:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father`s household, with bread, according to their families.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father`s household, with bread, according to their families.
Genesis 47:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 47

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father`s household, with bread, according to their families.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And. Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and his father’s household, with bread, etc.] For though there might be in Rameses pasture sufficient for their cattle, yet not corn for their families, the famine still continuing; during which time Joseph, as a dutiful and affectionate son, and as a kind brother, supplied them with all necessary provision, signified by bread: according to [their] families; according to the number of them, some of his brethren having more and others less in their families; and in proportion to their number he distributed food unto them, so that there was no want: or “according to the mouth of an infant” f1844; he nourished them like infants, he put as it…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Jacob in Goshen 11. רעמסס ra‛mesês, Ra‘meses “son of the sun.” 31. מטה mı̂ṭṭāh, “bed.” מטה maṭṭeh “staff.” Arrangements are now made for the settlement of Israel in Goshen. The administration of Joseph during the remaining years of the famine is then recorded. For the whole of this period his father and brothers are subject to him, as their political superior, according to the reading of his early dreams. We then approach to the death-bed of Jacob, and hear him binding Joseph by an oath to bury him in the grave of his fathers. Genesis 47:1-12 Joseph announces to Pharaoh the arrival of his kindred. “Of the whole of his brethren,” more exactly from the end of his brethren. Five men, a…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification