Genesis 41:35

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And let them gather {H6908} all the food {H400} of those good {H2896} years {H8141} that come {H935}, and lay up {H6651} corn {H1250} under the hand {H3027} of Pharaoh {H6547}, and let them keep {H8104} food {H400} in the cities {H5892}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following Pharaoh's disturbing dreams of fat and lean cows, and full and withered ears of corn, which Joseph, by divine revelation, interprets as seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of devastating famine throughout Egypt ([Genesis 41:29-31](/genesis/41-29-31 "Joseph's Interpretation of Pharaoh's Dreams")). Recognizing the profound wisdom and divine origin of Joseph's insights, Pharaoh elevates him from prison to the second most powerful position in Egypt, entrusting him with the implementation of a comprehensive national food security plan ([Genesis 41:39-44](/genesis/41-39-44 "Joseph's Elevation to Power")). Verse 35 specifically details the practical, proactive first step of Joseph's strategic proposal: the systematic gathering and centralized storage of grain during the impending years of plenty. This immediate directive underscores the urgency and foresight required to avert future catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society whose prosperity was entirely dependent on the annual inundation of the Nile River. A consistent, predictable flood brought fertile silt, ensuring bountiful harvests. However, variations in the flood levels could lead to either excessive or insufficient water, resulting in famine or superabundance. The concept of storing grain in granaries was well-established in the ancient Near East, a common practice for managing agricultural cycles. Pharaoh, as the divine king, held absolute authority over the land and its resources, making a centralized, top-down approach to food management both feasible and necessary for a national crisis of this scale. The "cities" mentioned would have included established administrative centers and potentially purpose-built granaries, reflecting the logistical infrastructure required for such an immense undertaking.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:35 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly orchestrates events and uses human agents, even in pagan nations, to accomplish His purposes, ultimately preserving the lineage of Abraham. The verse also highlights **Wisdom and Foresight**, showcasing Joseph's divinely granted ability to not only interpret God's revelation but also to devise a practical, actionable plan for national survival. Furthermore, it underscores the principle of **Stewardship and Resource Management**, emphasizing the responsible handling of abundance as preparation for future scarcity. This proactive approach is a recurring biblical theme, seen in various contexts, such as the instructions for the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "The Laws of the Sabbath Year and Jubilee"). Finally, the passage exemplifies the critical role of **Effective Leadership** in times of crisis, as Pharaoh's willingness to heed Joseph's counsel and Joseph's own administrative prowess were essential for the plan's success.

### 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
* **gather (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** From H6908, meaning "to grasp, i.e. collect; assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, surely, take up." This word emphasizes a deliberate, comprehensive collection effort, not merely casual harvesting. It implies bringing together what is dispersed into a unified whole, highlighting the national and centralized nature of the task.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, meaning "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun... beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease... pleasant, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured)." This adjective describes the quality of the years, signifying not just adequate harvests but extraordinarily abundant, prosperous seasons, making the collection of surplus feasible and significant.
* **under the hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, meaning "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)... dominion, power, under." This phrase is an idiom signifying authority, control, and direct supervision. Placing the corn "under the hand of Pharaoh" means it was to be gathered and managed directly by the royal administration, ensuring a centralized, national effort rather than leaving it to individual farmers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let them gather all the food of those good years that come":** This initial clause establishes the imperative for immediate and comprehensive action. "All the food" signifies the totality of the surplus, emphasizing that no part of the abundance should be wasted or overlooked. The phrase "those good years that come" highlights the foresight and proactive nature of the plan, stressing that the period of prosperity is not merely for immediate consumption but for strategic preparation for the future. This command underscores the principle of utilizing present blessings for future security.
* **"and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh":** This clause specifies the nature of the commodity and the authority under which it is to be managed. "Corn" in the King James Version refers broadly to any cereal grain, such as wheat or barley, which were staple crops in ancient Egypt. The directive to "lay up" (from H6651 tsâbar, meaning "to aggregate, heap up") indicates systematic storage, not just temporary holding. Crucially, "under the hand of Pharaoh" signifies a centralized, governmental initiative. This was not a task for individual farmers but a unified national effort, overseen by the highest authority, ensuring efficiency, equity, and the necessary scale for a national crisis. Joseph, as Pharaoh's chief administrator, would be the architect and executor of this vast logistical undertaking.
* **"and let them keep food in the cities":** This final clause specifies the strategic locations for storage and preservation. By "cities," it implies established urban centers with existing infrastructure or the capacity to build large granaries. Storing food in multiple, accessible locations would facilitate equitable distribution during the famine, preventing localized shortages and ensuring that the entire nation could be sustained. The verb "keep" (from H8104 shâmar, meaning "to guard, protect, preserve") emphasizes the long-term preservation of the stored food, indicating measures to protect it from spoilage, pests, and theft. This detail reveals a well-conceived plan for both collection and future dissemination.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "The Wisdom of the Ant")
* [Proverbs 21:20](/proverbs/21-20 "The Wise Store Up Choice Food")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### 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](/proverbs/30-25 "The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer"). 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
* **In what areas of my life (financial, spiritual, relational) am I currently experiencing "good years" or abundance?**
* **How can I apply the principle of "gathering and laying up" in these areas to prepare for potential future challenges or to bless others?**
* **What does it mean to exercise "wise stewardship" over the resources God has entrusted to me, beyond just material possessions?**
* **How might my community or nation benefit from greater foresight and proactive planning, inspired by Joseph's example?**

### 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](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph attributes wisdom to God")). Furthermore, he clarifies that "the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass" ([Genesis 41:32](/genesis/41-32 "God has fixed the time")). 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](/genesis/41-38 "Spirit of God in Joseph")). 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](/john/6-35 "Jesus is the Bread of Life")), who came that we "might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus came to give abundant life")). In Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge")), 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](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace")). He is the ultimate keeper of our souls, safeguarding us in His divine "cities" of refuge and hope.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 41:56

And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:48

And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which [was] round about every city, laid he up in the same.

Genesis 41:49

And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for [it was] without number.

Genesis 45:6

For these two years [hath] the famine [been] in the land: and yet [there are] five years, in the which [there shall] neither [be] earing nor harvest.

Genesis 45:7

And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

Exodus 4:13

And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand [of him whom] thou wilt send.