Genesis 47:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joseph offers to trade grain for livestock when the people's money is gone.
The Context of Genesis 47:16
Joseph proposes trading livestock for grain when money is exhausted.
What Does Genesis 47:16 Mean?
Joseph proposes a new exchange mechanism: cattle for grain. When monetary currency fails, Joseph shifts to barter, accepting livestock as payment for food. This pragmatic response keeps the people alive while consolidating assets under Pharaoh's control through another channel.
Joseph's proposal is a fair trade in the context of famine—he ensures the people receive sustenance while preserving Pharaoh's resources. The shift from currency to animals shows Joseph's flexibility in managing survival economics and his determination to keep the population alive by any viable means.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 47:16
What does Genesis 47:16 mean?
Joseph offers to trade grain for livestock when the people's money is gone.
What is the context of Genesis 47:16?
Joseph proposes trading livestock for grain when money is exhausted.