Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 45:11. It’s a really important passage about Jesus’ plan! Here’s the simple explanation: Basically, God is preparing a long period of hardship for the Jewish people, and He’s giving them a specific goal to help them survive. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And there will I nourish thee…” - This means God is going to provide for them. He’s going to take care of their needs – food, shelter, and protection. “…for yet [there are] five years of famine…” - This is the key part. It's a long period of time (five years) where there will be a severe shortage of food and resources. Think about it like a really tough winter. “lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.” - This is the consequence of this famine. It’s saying that if this hardship lasts long enough, they could lose everything – their homes, their possessions, even their lives. So, what's God trying to do? God is setting up a plan to help the Jewish people endure a difficult time. He’s giving them a reason to be resilient and focused on survival. It’s a test of faith and a way for God to show His care for his people. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a preparation for Jesus' arrival in the world. It’s a foreshadowing of the suffering and eventual resurrection that will happen later. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like me to explore other aspects of Genesis 45? For example, we could talk about: The reason for the famine What Jesus is doing during this time The significance of the word “nourish”