Genesis 47:12

12 And he nourished them, and all his father’s house, allowing food to every one.

Genesis 47:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 47:12

And. Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and his
father's household, with bread
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" F1; he nourished them like infants, he put as it were the bread into their mouths, and fed them with as much care and tenderness as infants are fed; and they had no more care to provide food for themselves than children have, such a full and constant supply was handed forth to them: in this Joseph was an eminent type of Christ, who supplies the wants of his people.


FOOTNOTES:

F1 (Pjh ypl) "ad os parvuli", Montanus, Schmidt.

Genesis 47:12 In-Context

10 And blessing the king, he went out.
11 But Joseph gave a possession to his father and his brethren in Egypt, in the best place of the land, in Ramesses, as Pharao had commanded.
12 And he nourished them, and all his father’s house, allowing food to every one.
13 For in the whole world there was want of bread, and a famine had oppressed the land, more especially of Egypt and Chanaan;
14 Out of which he gathered up all the money for the corn which they bought, and brought it in to the king’s treasure.
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