TRV
Translation
King James Version
And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
Complete Jewish Bible
They should gather all the food produced during these good years coming up and set aside grain under the supervision of Pharaoh to be used for food in the cities, and they should store it.
Berean Standard Bible
Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities.
American Standard Version
And let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it.
World English Bible Messianic
Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also let them gather all the foode of these good yeeres that come, and lay vp corne vnder the hand of Pharaoh for foode, in the cities, and let them keepe it.
Young's Literal Translation
and they gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and heap up corn under the hand of Pharaoh--food in the cities; and they have kept it ,
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In the KJVVerse 1,231 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 33–45
33 ¶ Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Here is, I. The good advice that Joseph gave to Pharaoh, which was, 1. That in the years of plenty he should lay up for the years of famine, buy up corn when it was cheap, that he might both enrich himself and supply the country when it would be dear and scarce. Note, Fair warning should always be followed with good counsel. Therefore the prudent man foresees the evil, that he may hide himself. God has in his word told us of a day of trial and exigence before us, when we shall need all the grace we can get, and all little enough, "Now, therefore, provide accordingly." Note, further, Times of gathering must be diligently improved, because there will come a time of spending. Let us go to the ant, and learn of her this wisdom, Pro 6:6-8. 2. Because that which is everybody's work commonly proves nobody's work, he advises Pharaoh to appoint officers who should make it their business, and to select some one person to preside in the affair, Gen 41:33. Probably, if Joseph had not advised this, it would not have been done; Pharaoh's counsellors could no more improve the dream than his magicians interpret it; therefore it is said of him (Psa 105:22) that he taught the senators wisdom. Hence we may justly infer with Solomon (Ecc 4:13), Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king.
II. The great honour that Pharaoh did to Joseph. 1. He gave him an honourable testimony: He is a man in whom the Spirit of God is; and this puts a great excellency upon any man; such men ought to be valued, Gen 41:38. He is a nonsuch for prudence: There is none so discreet and wise as thou art, Gen 41:39. Now he is abundantly recompensed for the disgrace that had been done him; and his righteousness is as the morning light, Psa 37:6. 2. He put him into an honourable office; not only employed him to buy up corn, but made him prime-minister of state, comptroller of the household - Thou shalt be over my house, chief justice of the kingdom - according to thy word shall all my people be ruled, or armed, as some read it, and then it bespeaks him general of the forces. Him commission was very ample: I have set thee over all the land of Egypt (Gen 41:41); without thee shall no man life up his hand or foot (Gen 41:44); all the affairs of the kingdom must pass through his hand. Nay (Gen 41:40), only in the throne will I be greater than thou. Note, It is the wisdom of princes to prefer those, and the happiness of people to have those preferred, to places of power and trust, in whom the Spirit of God is. It is probable that there were those about the court who opposed Joseph's preferment, which occasioned Pharaoh so often to repeat the grant, and with that solemn sanction (Gen 41:44), I am Pharaoh. When the proposal was made that there should be a corn-master-general nominated, it is said (Gen 41:37), Pharaoh's servants were all pleased with the proposal, each hoping for the place; but when Pharaoh said to them, "Joseph shall be the man," we do not read that they made him any answer, being uneasy at it, and acquiescing only because they could not help it. Joseph had enemies, no doubt, archers that shot at him, and hated him (Gen 49:23), as Daniel, Dan 6:4. 3. He put upon him all the marks of honour imaginable, to recommend him to the esteem and respect of the people as the king's favourite, and one whom he delighted to honour. (1.) He gave him his own ring, as a ratification of his commission, and in token of peculiar favour; or it was like delivering him the great seal. (2.) He put fine clothes upon him, instead of his prison garments. For those that are in kings' palaces must wear soft clothing; he that, in the morning, was dragging his fetters of iron, before night was adorned with a chain of gold. (3.) He made him ride in the second chariot to his own, and ordered all to do homage to him: "Bow the knee, as to Pharaoh himself." (4.) He gave him a new name, to show his authority over him, and yet such a name as bespoke the value he had for him, Zaphnathpaaneah - A revealer of secrets. (5.) He married him honourably to a prince's daughter. Where God had been liberal in giving wisdom and other merits, Pharaoh was not sparing in conferring honours. Now this preferment of Joseph was, [1.] An abundant recompense for his innocent and patient suffering, a lasting instance of the equity and goodness of Providence, and an encouragement to all good people to trust in a good God. [2.] It was typical of the exaltation of Christ, that great revealer of secrets (Joh 1:18), or, as some translate Joseph's new name, the Saviour of the world. The brightest glories of the upper world are put upon him, the highest trust is lodged in his hand, and all power is given to him both in heaven and earth. He is gatherer, keeper, and disposer, of all the stores of divine grace, and chief ruler of the kingdom of God among men. The work of minsters is to cry before him, "Bow the knee; kiss the Son."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 33–45. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 41:35 presents Joseph's divinely inspired counsel to Pharaoh, outlining a meticulous strategy for national food security. This verse mandates the systematic collection and centralized storage of surplus grain during the seven predicted years of abundance, establishing a critical reserve designed to sustain Egypt and its inhabitants through the subsequent seven years of severe famine. Joseph's foresight and administrative genius, guided by God, were instrumental in preserving the nation from widespread devastation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:35 presents the practical core of Joseph's divinely inspired strategy for Egypt's survival. The verse is a direct command, outlining a proactive and systematic approach to resource management.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and strategic message. The pervasive use of the Imperative Mood ("let them gather," "lay up," "let them keep") underscores the urgency and authoritative nature of Joseph's counsel, presented as a direct command from Pharaoh to his people. The Repetition of "food" (using H400 'ôkel) at the beginning and end of the verse emphasizes the central concern: sustenance for the nation. Symbolism is present in the phrase "under the hand of Pharaoh," where "hand" symbolizes the king's absolute power, authority, and direct control over the national resources. This phrase also functions as a form of Metonymy, where "hand" stands in for the entire governmental apparatus. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a form of Foreshadowing, hinting at the severity of the coming famine by detailing the extraordinary measures required for preparation, thereby building narrative tension and highlighting the divine wisdom behind the plan.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:35 serves as a profound illustration of God's sovereign providence working through human wisdom and diligence. While the plan for national survival originated from God's revelation to Joseph, its successful execution required immense human administrative skill, foresight, and disciplined effort. This dynamic highlights a core biblical truth: God often achieves His purposes and provides for His people not through miraculous intervention alone, but by empowering and guiding human agents in their prudent actions. The verse thus underscores the vital principle of wise stewardship of resources, teaching that periods of abundance are not solely for immediate consumption but are divine opportunities for responsible management, saving, and investment for future needs, reflecting a long-term perspective that trusts in God's overarching plan while exercising human responsibility.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principles embedded in Genesis 41:35 remain profoundly relevant for individuals, families, and nations today, offering timeless wisdom for navigating life's unpredictable seasons. Personally, this verse encourages financial prudence and the building of reserves during times of prosperity, whether for unexpected emergencies, future investments, or supporting others in need. It aligns with the wisdom found in Proverbs 30:25. Spiritually, it calls for cultivating a deep walk with God and building spiritual resilience during peaceful times, recognizing that seasons of trial are inevitable. Just as Joseph prepared for a physical famine, we are called to prepare for spiritual droughts or periods of testing by diligently storing up God's Word, nurturing our faith, and strengthening our relationship with Him. On a societal level, the verse serves as a timeless blueprint for governments, organizations, and communities to engage in strategic long-term planning, responsible resource management, and disaster preparedness, ensuring collective well-being and stability in an unpredictable world. It reminds us that true leadership involves foresight and proactive action for the common good.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "corn" mean in the King James Version of Genesis 41:35?
Answer: In the 1611 King James Version, "corn" (H1250, bâr) is a general term referring to any type of cereal grain, such as wheat or barley, which were staple crops in ancient Egypt. It does not refer specifically to maize, which is what "corn" often signifies in modern American English. This distinction is crucial for understanding the agricultural context of Joseph's plan, as maize was not native to the Old World until after the discovery of the Americas.
Was Joseph's plan purely human wisdom, or was it divinely inspired?
Answer: Joseph explicitly states that both his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and the subsequent strategic plan came directly from God. He tells Pharaoh, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace" (Genesis 41:16). Furthermore, he clarifies that "the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass" (Genesis 41:32). Pharaoh himself recognized the divine origin of Joseph's wisdom, asking, "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" (Genesis 41:38). While the execution required immense human wisdom and administrative skill, the foundational insight and the understanding of the impending crisis were divinely revealed, underscoring God's active involvement in human affairs.
Why was the food to be gathered "under the hand of Pharaoh"?
Answer: The phrase "under the hand of Pharaoh" (H3027, yâd) signifies that the collection and storage of food would be a centralized, national effort directed and controlled by the highest governmental authority. This was essential for such a massive undertaking, ensuring uniform standards, efficient logistics, and equitable distribution across the entire land, rather than leaving it to individual, uncoordinated efforts. It prevented hoarding, ensured fair access, and allowed for the strategic allocation of resources necessary to sustain the entire population during the severe famine. Joseph, as Pharaoh's appointed administrator, would effectively wield this authority.
How does this verse apply to modern life beyond just food storage?
Answer: The principles of Genesis 41:35 extend far beyond literal food storage. It teaches foresight, wise stewardship of all resources—financial, time, spiritual, emotional, and even relational. It calls for proactive planning for future challenges, rather than reactive crisis management. For individuals, it encourages building savings, investing in education, and cultivating strong character during times of ease. For societies, it serves as a model for strategic planning, responsible governance, disaster preparedness, and sustainable resource management, ensuring collective well-being and stability in an unpredictable world. The core message is to use periods of abundance wisely to prepare for inevitable periods of scarcity or difficulty.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, through his divinely given wisdom and administrative foresight, became the savior of Egypt and, crucially, of his own family, preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. In this, Joseph serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Joseph gathered and stored provision during years of plenty to sustain life during famine, so Christ, through His abundant grace and the spiritual riches He offers, provides eternal sustenance for humanity. He is the true "bread of life" (John 6:35), who came that we "might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). In Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3), enabling us to navigate the "famines" of sin and spiritual death. Through His sacrificial act, Christ has laid up an inexhaustible store of grace and salvation, freely offered to all who believe, ensuring eternal life and provision that transcends any earthly need or spiritual famine (Ephesians 1:7-8). He is the ultimate keeper of our souls, safeguarding us in His divine "cities" of refuge and hope.