TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
This will be the land's food supply for the seven years of famine that will come over the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish as a result of the famine."
Berean Standard Bible
This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.”
American Standard Version
And the food shall be for a 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.
World English Bible Messianic
The food will be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; that the land not perish through the famine.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
So the foode shall be for the prouision of the lande, against the seuen yeeres of famine, which shalbe in the lande of Egypt, that the land perish not by famine.
Young's Literal Translation
and the food hath been for a store for the land, for the seven years of famine which are in the land of Egypt; and the land is cut off by the famine.'
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 1,232 of 31,102
Study This Verse
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.
Copy as
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.
Copy as
Continue studying Genesis 41:36 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Genesis 41:36 presents Joseph's divinely inspired strategy to mitigate a catastrophic famine, proposing a systematic collection and storage of grain during the seven years of abundant harvest. This proactive measure was designed to create a vital reserve, ensuring the land of Egypt and its inhabitants would not utterly perish when the predicted seven years of severe famine inevitably struck. It underscores God's foresight and provision, channeled through human wisdom and diligent stewardship, to preserve life in the face of impending disaster.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 41:36 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Foreshadowing is central, as the verse outlines the preventative measures based on Pharaoh's prophetic dreams, which themselves were a form of Symbolism (fat/lean cows, full/withered ears representing years of plenty and famine). The phrase "that the land perish not" utilizes a form of Hyperbole or strong emphasis, underscoring the extreme severity of the impending famine and the absolute necessity of Joseph's plan. This dramatic language highlights the life-or-death stakes involved. Furthermore, the entire narrative context surrounding this verse functions as a powerful example of Divine Providence, where God orchestrates circumstances and empowers individuals (Joseph) to achieve His purposes, ultimately preserving life and demonstrating His sovereignty.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:36 is a powerful testament to God's active and benevolent providence in human history. It demonstrates that even amidst impending disaster, God provides a way for preservation and deliverance, often working through the wisdom and actions of His chosen servants. Joseph's ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and then propose such a comprehensive and effective solution for a future crisis points to a wisdom that transcends human ingenuity, directly attributed to the Spirit of God within him. This narrative underscores the divine concern for the well-being of humanity, showcasing God's desire to sustain life and prevent utter ruin, even for nations outside the covenant people. It also serves as a timeless biblical precedent for prudent stewardship, emphasizing the moral imperative to manage resources wisely during times of abundance to prepare for periods of scarcity, a principle applicable to individuals, families, and nations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:36 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary life. On a personal level, it serves as a powerful biblical precedent for prudent preparedness. Just as Egypt prepared for famine, we are called to exercise foresight in our lives, whether through responsible financial planning, building emergency savings, or cultivating resilience for unforeseen challenges. This principle extends to spiritual preparedness, urging us to "store up" spiritual wisdom and strength during times of ease to navigate future trials. On a broader societal scale, the passage illuminates the crucial role of wise and God-fearing leadership. Joseph's counsel exemplifies leadership that foresees challenges, develops strategic solutions, and implements plans for the common good, ensuring the preservation and prosperity of the community. It challenges leaders today to prioritize long-term welfare over short-term gains, to listen for divine wisdom, and to act decisively for the benefit of all citizens. Ultimately, Joseph's story in this verse reminds us to anchor our trust in God's sovereign providence; even when facing dire predictions or uncertain futures, God provides a way for preservation and deliverance, often working through the wisdom and diligent actions of His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "store" imply about Joseph's plan, beyond simple saving?
Answer: The Hebrew word for "store" (H6487, piqqâdôwn') implies much more than casual saving. It refers to a deposit or something formally delivered to be kept or held in trust. This suggests a highly organized, systematic, and centralized national collection and preservation system, akin to a treasury or secure storehouse. Joseph's plan was not merely about individual households saving a little extra, but a meticulously managed governmental initiative to accumulate vast quantities of grain, requiring significant administrative oversight and infrastructure to ensure its security and proper distribution. It points to a sophisticated, national-level strategy for survival.
How does Joseph's plan demonstrate divine wisdom, not just human ingenuity?
Answer: Joseph's plan demonstrates divine wisdom because its origin and efficacy are explicitly attributed to God's Spirit operating through him. Pharaoh himself recognized this, stating, "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" (Genesis 41:38). Joseph's ability to not only interpret Pharaoh's complex dreams but also to propose a comprehensive, practical, and effective solution for a future crisis that no human foresight could predict, points to a wisdom that transcends mere human ingenuity. It was a direct manifestation of God's foresight and concern, channeled through Joseph, to preserve life.
Why was the famine so severe that the land might "perish"?
Answer: The Hebrew word for "perish" (H3772, kârath') is a strong verb meaning "to cut off," "to destroy," or "to consume entirely." Its use here signifies the extreme and existential threat posed by the impending famine. This was not merely a period of scarcity or hardship, but one that threatened the complete annihilation of agricultural productivity, leading to widespread death and the utter ruin of the land and its inhabitants. The severity implied by "perish" underscores the absolute necessity of Joseph's unprecedented level of preparation to prevent total devastation and ensure the survival of Egypt.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in his divinely appointed role in Genesis 41:36, stands as a profound type of Christ, providentially preserving life through his wisdom and strategic provision. Just as Joseph, through God's Spirit, stored up physical food to save a nation from perishing by famine, so Christ, the ultimate Bread of Life, has stored up spiritual sustenance and eternal life for all humanity. His ultimate act of provision on the cross, His sacrificial death and resurrection, saves not just from physical death but from eternal perishing, offering a spiritual abundance that transcends any earthly scarcity or famine of the soul. Through His divine wisdom, His perfect obedience, and His atoning sacrifice, Christ ensures that all who believe in Him "should not perish but have eternal life," as declared in John 3:16. He is the one who satisfies our deepest hunger (Matthew 4:4), fulfilling the pattern of preservation and salvation seen in Joseph's life on a cosmic and eternal scale.