Genesis 42:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?

Complete Jewish Bible:

Now Ya'akov saw that there was grain in Egypt; so Ya'akov said to his sons, "Why are you staring at each other?

Berean Standard Bible:

When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?”

American Standard Version:

Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Now when Jacob^{H3290} saw^{H7200} that there was^{H3426} corn^{H7668} in Egypt^{H4714}, Jacob^{H3290} said^{H559} unto his sons^{H1121}, Why do ye look^{H7200} one upon another?

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 42:1

Genesis 42:1 is set within the broader narrative of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel), whose story is a prominent part of the Book of Genesis. This verse marks a critical moment in the Joseph narrative, reflecting themes of familial conflict, divine providence, and the consequences of past actions.

In the historical context, the verse is situated during a time of severe famine in Canaan, where Jacob and his family reside. Egypt, under the leadership of Joseph, who has risen to a position of power after being sold into slavery by his brothers, has successfully stored grain during the seven years of plenty that preceded the famine. This foresight has not only saved Egypt from starvation but also positioned it as the only source of grain in the region.

The verse itself captures Jacob's realization that the only viable source of food for his starving family is in Egypt, which is both ironic and poignant given that his son Joseph, whom he believes to be dead, is actually the reason for Egypt's abundant resources. Jacob's question to his sons, "Why do ye look one upon another?" suggests a sense of urgency and perhaps frustration or confusion as to why they are hesitating or seemingly paralyzed in the face of their dire situation. It reflects the tension and unresolved issues among the brothers, who are unaware that the brother they wronged is the one they will have to confront to secure the grain they need.

This moment sets the stage for the brothers' journey to Egypt, where they will encounter Joseph without recognizing him, leading to a series of events that will test their integrity and ultimately bring about a family reconciliation. The verse hints at the unfolding drama of repentance, forgiveness, and God's hand in guiding human affairs, as the family's past sins and current plight converge in Egypt, setting up the climax of Joseph's story and the preservation of the Israelite line.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3290
   There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
   Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
   Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
   Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3426
   There are 129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יֵשׁ
   Transliteration: yêsh
   Pronunciation: yaysh
   Description: perhaps from an unused root meaning to stand out, or exist; entity; used adverbially or as a copula for the substantive verb (הָיָה); there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection); (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7668
   There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁבֶר
   Transliteration: sheber
   Pronunciation: sheh'-ber
   Description: the same as שֶׁבֶר; grain (as if broken into kernels); corn, victuals.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4714
   There are 602 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִצְרַיִם
   Transliteration: Mitsrayim
   Pronunciation: mits-rah'-yim
   Description: dual of מָצוֹר; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt; Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim.
   
6. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.