Genesis 45:11
New International Version
I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’

New Living Translation
I will take care of you there, for there are still five years of famine ahead of us. Otherwise you, your household, and all your animals will starve.’”

English Standard Version
There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’

Berean Standard Bible
And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’

Berean Literal Bible
And I will provide for you there, for there are still five years of famine, lest you come to poverty—you and your house and all that is yours.’

King James Bible
And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

New King James Version
There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.” ’

New American Standard Bible
There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, and you and your household and all that you have would be impoverished.”’

NASB 1995
“There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, and you and your household and all that you have would be impoverished."’

NASB 1977
“There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, lest you and your household and all that you have be impoverished.”’

Legacy Standard Bible
There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, lest you and your household and all that you have be impoverished.”’

Amplified Bible
There I will provide for you and sustain you, so that you and your household and all that are yours may not become impoverished, for there are still five years of famine to come.”’

Berean Annotated Bible
And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.

Christian Standard Bible
There I will sustain you, for there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you, your household, and everything you have will become destitute.” ’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
There I will sustain you, for there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you, your household, and everything you have will become destitute."’

American Standard Version
and there will I nourish thee; for there are yet five years of famine; lest thou come to poverty, thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast.

Contemporary English Version
I will take care of you there during the next five years of famine. But if you don't come, you and your family and your animals will starve to death."

English Revised Version
and there will I nourish thee; for there are yet five years of famine; lest thou come to poverty, thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will provide for you in Egypt, since there will be five more years of famine. Then you, your family, and all who belong to you won't lose everything.'"

Good News Translation
If you are in Goshen, I can take care of you. There will still be five years of famine; and I do not want you, your family, and your livestock to starve.'"

International Standard Version
I'll provide for you there, since there are still five years of famine left to go, and you, your households, and everything you own would have otherwise become impoverished.

NET Bible
I will provide you with food there because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise you would become poor--you, your household, and everyone who belongs to you."'

New Heart English Bible
There I will provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, otherwise you and your household and all that you have would become destitute.

Webster's Bible Translation
And there will I nourish thee, (for yet there are five years of famine,) lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, should come to poverty.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’

World English Bible
There I will provide for you; for there are yet five years of famine; lest you come to poverty, you, and your household, and all that you have.”’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I have nourished you there—for yet [are] five years of famine—lest you become poor, you and your household, and all that you have.

Berean Literal Bible
And I will provide for you there, for there are still five years of famine, lest you come to poverty—you and your house and all that is yours.’

Young's Literal Translation
and I have nourished thee there -- for yet are five years of famine -- lest thou become poor, thou and thy household, and all that thou hast.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I nourished thee there (for yet five years of famine), lest thou shalt be poor, thou and thy house, and all which is to thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there I will feed thee, (for there are yet five years of famine remaining,) lest both thou perish, and thy house, and all things that thou hast.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And there I will pasture you, (for there are still five years of famine remaining) lest both you and your house perish, along with all that you possess.’

New American Bible
I will provide for you there in the five years of famine that lie ahead, so that you and your household and all that are yours will not suffer want.’

New Revised Standard Version
I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And there I will provide for you; for the famine will yet last five years more; lest you, your household, and all that you have perish.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall support you there, because the famine remains five years more, lest you and your household be destroyed, and everything that you have.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and there will I sustain thee; for there are yet five years of famine; lest thou come to poverty, thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will nourish thee there: for the famine is yet for five years; lest thou be consumed, and thy sons, and all thy possessions.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph Sends for His Father
10You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. 11And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’ 12Behold! You and my brother Benjamin can see that I, Joseph, am the one speaking with you.…

Cross References
And there I will provide for you

Genesis 47:12
Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.

Genesis 50:21
Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.

Genesis 41:57
And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.

because there will be five more years of famine

Genesis 41:29-31
Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, / but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land. / The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe.

Genesis 41:54
the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:56
When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.

Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’

Genesis 43:8-9
And Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and we will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children. / I will guarantee his safety. You may hold me personally responsible. If I do not bring him back and set him before you, then may I bear the guilt before you all my life.

Genesis 47:15-19
When the money from the lands of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? For our funds have run out!” / “Then bring me your livestock,” said Joseph. “Since the money is gone, I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock.” / So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their flocks and herds, and their donkeys. Throughout that year he provided them with food in exchange for all their livestock. …

Ruth 1:1-5
In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab. / The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there. / Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons, …
Exodus 1:6-7
Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, / but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.

Acts 7:11-14
Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. / When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. / On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. …

Psalm 37:19
In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.

Psalm 33:18-19
Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion / to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

Psalm 105:16-17
He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. / He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.


Treasury of Scripture

And there will I nourish you; for yet there are five years of famine; lest you, and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty.

Genesis 47:6,12
The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle…

Matthew 15:5,6
But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; …

Mark 7:9-12
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition…

Jump to Previous
Bad Belong Care Destitute Family Famine Five Household Impoverished Maintain Need Nourish Nourished Order Otherwise Poor Poverty Provide Sustain
Jump to Next
Bad Belong Care Destitute Family Famine Five Household Impoverished Maintain Need Nourish Nourished Order Otherwise Poor Poverty Provide Sustain
Genesis 45
1. Joseph makes himself known to his brothers.
5. He comforts them in God's providence.
9. He sends for his father.
16. Pharaoh confirms it.
21. Joseph furnishes then for their journey.
25. Jacob is revived with the news.












And there I will provide for you
Joseph, speaking to his brothers, assures them of his provision in Egypt. This reflects God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham about his descendants. Joseph, a type of Christ, foreshadows Jesus' provision for His people. The land of Goshen, where Joseph intends to settle his family, is fertile and suitable for their livestock, symbolizing God's abundant care.

because there will be five more years of famine
The famine, which Joseph predicted through Pharaoh's dreams, is a divine orchestration to bring Israel to Egypt. This period of scarcity emphasizes God's sovereignty over nature and history. The number five, often associated with grace, suggests God's grace in preserving His chosen people through Joseph's leadership.

Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.
Joseph warns of the severe consequences of the famine, highlighting the necessity of his family's relocation. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's deliverance from impending judgment. The mention of "household" and "everything you own" underscores the comprehensive nature of God's salvation, preserving both people and their possessions. This mirrors the spiritual destitution humanity faces without Christ's redemptive work.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
- The son of Jacob who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. He is the one speaking in this verse, offering provision for his family during the famine.

2. Jacob (Israel)
- The father of Joseph and his brothers, who is living in Canaan during the time of famine. Joseph is inviting him and his household to come to Egypt for sustenance.

3. Egypt
- The land where Joseph has become a ruler and where he invites his family to come for refuge from the famine.

4. Famine
- A severe shortage of food affecting the region, which Joseph had predicted and prepared for by storing grain in Egypt.

5. Household of Jacob
- Refers to Jacob's entire family, including his sons and their families, who are at risk of becoming destitute due to the famine.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Provision
Joseph's ability to provide for his family during the famine is a testament to God's sovereignty and provision. Despite the evil intentions of his brothers, God used Joseph's circumstances for good, ensuring the survival of His chosen people.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Joseph's invitation to his family to come to Egypt is an act of forgiveness and reconciliation. Believers are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us, fostering unity and healing.

Faith in God's Plan
Joseph's life exemplifies faith in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. Trusting in God's timing and purpose can bring peace and assurance in difficult times.

Family Responsibility
Joseph's concern for his family's well-being highlights the importance of caring for one's family. Believers are encouraged to provide for and support their families, reflecting God's love and care.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 45:11?

2. How does Genesis 45:11 demonstrate God's provision during times of famine?

3. What does Joseph's care for his family teach about forgiveness and reconciliation?

4. How does Genesis 45:11 connect to God's covenant promises to Abraham?

5. How can we trust God's provision in our own times of need?

6. What role does family unity play in fulfilling God's plans, as seen here?

7. How does Genesis 45:11 reflect God's provision during times of famine and hardship?

8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 45:11?

9. How does Genesis 45:11 demonstrate Joseph's forgiveness and reconciliation with his family?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 45?

11. What role did Egyptians play in biblical narratives?

12. Who was Benjamin in the Bible?

13. Why does the biblical account mention widespread famine, yet no contemporary Egyptian records confirm such an event (Genesis 45:6,11)?

14. What actions are considered immoral in the Bible?
What Does Genesis 45:11 Mean
And there I will provide for you

Joseph assures his brothers that Goshen will be a place of tangible care. His promise echoes God’s own provision throughout Scripture.

• Joseph is God’s appointed steward; earlier he said, “God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:7).

• The same pattern appears when God sent manna (Exodus 16:4) and later fed Elijah by ravens (1 Kings 17:4-6).

• Paul applies the principle universally: “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

By speaking, Joseph becomes a living picture of Christ, who invites, “Come to Me, all you who are weary… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).


because there will be five more years of famine

The statement is not guesswork but divinely revealed certainty, rooted in the dreams Pharaoh received (Genesis 41:25-32).

• God alone knows tomorrow (Isaiah 46:9-10), and He let Joseph in on the plan so that faith could translate into action.

• Like Joseph, the early church listened to Agabus’s prophecy of famine and responded by storing and sending aid (Acts 11:28-30).

Amos 3:7 reminds us, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets”.

Therefore, preparation is an act of obedience, not panic.


Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.

Joseph soberly names the consequence of ignoring God’s warning.

• Destitution is more than empty cupboards; it threatens the covenant family through whom Messiah will come (Genesis 12:3).

Proverbs 27:12 observes, “The prudent see danger and take cover,” while 1 Timothy 5:8 insists anyone who fails to provide “has denied the faith.”

• Jesus contrasts the thief’s destruction with His provision of abundant life (John 10:10).

Joseph’s urgency pushes his brothers beyond sentimental reunion into decisive trust: move, submit, and live.


summary

Genesis 45:11 shows Joseph acting as God’s chosen provider: inviting his family to a place of safety, grounding the invitation in a sure word about the future, and warning of real loss if they delay. It spotlights God’s faithfulness to sustain His people through obedient servants who heed His revelation and act for the welfare of others.

(11) Thy household.--As the famine had lasted only two years, and as Jacob had preserved his flocks and herds, so probably he had lost few or none of the large number of men-servants and women-servants who belonged to him. He would thus go down to Egypt as head of a large tribe, who would be called Israelites after him, just as the Ishmaelites, to whom Joseph was sold (Genesis 37:25), bore Ishmael's name, not because they were lineally descended from him, but because he had made them subject to his authority and that of his race. In Genesis 45:18 Joseph speaks of "their households," showing that each of the patriarchs had now his own body of dependants, besides the still larger clan which belonged to Jacob.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And there
שָׁ֔ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

I will provide
וְכִלְכַּלְתִּ֤י (wə·ḵil·kal·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain

for you,
אֹֽתְךָ֙ (’ō·ṯə·ḵā)
Direct object marker | second person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there will be five
חָמֵ֥שׁ (ḥā·mêš)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 2568: Five

more
ע֛וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

years
שָׁנִ֖ים (šā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141: A year

of famine.
רָעָ֑ב (rā·‘āḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7458: Famine, hunger

Otherwise,
פֶּן־ (pen-)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

you
אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

and your household
וּבֵֽיתְךָ֖ (ū·ḇê·ṯə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

and everything
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you own
לָֽךְ׃ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

will come to destitution.’
תִּוָּרֵ֛שׁ (tiw·wā·rêš)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin


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OT Law: Genesis 45:11 There I will nourish you (Gen. Ge Gn)
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