Genesis 47:19-21

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 47:19 tn After the imperative, the prefixed verbal form with vav here indicates consequence.
2. Genesis 47:19 sn Pharaoh’s slaves. The idea of slavery is not attractive to the modern mind, but in the ancient world it was the primary way of dealing with the poor and destitute. If the people became slaves of Pharaoh, it was Pharaoh’s responsibility to feed them and care for them. It was the best way for them to survive the famine.
3. Genesis 47:19 tn After the imperative, the prefixed verbal form with vav here indicates purpose or result.
4. Genesis 47:19 tn The disjunctive clause structure (vav plus subject plus negated verb) highlights the statement and brings their argument to a conclusion.
5. Genesis 47:20 tn The Hebrew text connects this clause with the preceding one with a causal particle (כִּי, ki). The translation divides the clauses into two sentences for stylistic reasons.
6. Genesis 47:20 tn The Hebrew text adds “upon them.” This has not been included in the translation for stylistic reasons.
7. Genesis 47:21 tn Heb “and he”; the referent (Joseph) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
8. Genesis 47:21 tc The MT reads “and the people he removed to the cities,” which does not make a lot of sense in this context. Smr and the LXX read “he enslaved them as slaves.”