Definition: Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give [us] seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic verse from Genesis 47:19, and it deals with a really significant moment in the beginning of human history. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a terrifying situation where humanity is facing imminent death – not just from natural causes, but from their own actions and the environment they’ve created. It’s essentially saying, “We’re going to die here, and we're going to die quickly.” Let's unpack it word by word: “Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes…” : This is a huge statement of impending doom. "Before thine eyes" means immediately – it’s not a gradual decline; it’s a guaranteed, immediate death. It’s a stark warning about the consequences of our choices. “both we and our land” : This highlights that this isn't just about one person or group. It's a collective threat – humanity as a whole is in danger. And it refers to our land , meaning the Earth itself. “…buy us and our land for bread…” : This is the core of the problem. The Bible says that humans are being offered a deal: they’ll be given something – food, resources – in exchange for their lives and the land they control. It's a very low price – just enough to sustain them, but not enough to truly live. “…and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh…” : This is where it gets really unsettling. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is offering to enslave the humans. He’ll use them as a workforce. Essentially, they're being forced into a position of servitude – a life of constant labor and confinement. “…and give [us] seed, that we may live, and not die…” : This is the crucial part! The Bible promises that God will provide them with the "seed" – meaning the ability to reproduce and continue their lineage. This is a huge offer of hope – it suggests a chance for survival through offspring. “…that the land be not desolate.” : Finally, this emphasizes the importance of ensuring the land doesn’t become barren or lifeless because of the humans' actions. What’s the Big Message? The verse is essentially warning about the dangers of: Uncontrolled Environment: The Bible suggests that humanity wasn't perfectly responsible for its own environment. They were acting in a way that was disrupting the natural world and causing harm. Lack of Stewardship: It highlights a failure to care for the Earth, leading to a negative consequence – our impending demise. In essence, Genesis 47:19 is a foundational story about the consequences of our choices and our relationship with God and the environment. It’s a call to humility, responsibility, and a recognition that we are not masters of the world but part of it. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or biblical figure (like Noah)? Discuss what this verse might be hinting at about humanity's future?