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.

And he gathered up {H6908} all the food {H400} of the seven {H7651} years {H8141}, which were in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and laid up {H5414} the food {H400} in the cities {H5892}: the food {H400} of the field {H7704}, which was round about {H5439} every city {H5892}, laid he up {H5414} in the same {H8432}.

He collected all the food of these seven years in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities - the food grown in the fields outside each city he stored in that city.

During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he laid up the food from the fields around it.

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.

Commentary

Genesis 41:48 describes the meticulous execution of Joseph's divinely inspired plan for famine preparation in Egypt during the seven years of abundance. This verse highlights the practical, large-scale operation of gathering and storing vast quantities of grain to sustain the nation through the impending lean years.

Context

This verse follows Joseph's accurate interpretation of Pharaoh's prophetic dreams, which foretold seven years of unparalleled plenty followed by seven years of severe famine across the land (Genesis 41:25-36). Recognizing Joseph's wisdom and the Spirit of God within him, Pharaoh elevated Joseph to the second-highest position in Egypt, entrusting him with the monumental task of managing this national crisis (Genesis 41:41-44). Verse 48 details the systematic process Joseph implemented: collecting the surplus food from the fields surrounding each city and storing it within those very cities, ensuring efficient distribution when the famine arrived.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Wisdom and Foresight: Joseph's plan was not merely good governance but a divinely revealed strategy to save Egypt and surrounding nations, including his own family, from starvation. This passage underscores the importance of seeking and applying God's wisdom in leadership and planning for the future.
  • Diligent Stewardship: The phrase "gathered up all the food" and "laid up the food in the cities" emphasizes Joseph's comprehensive and diligent management of Egypt's resources during the years of plenty. He ensured that no harvest was wasted, demonstrating faithful stewardship over the abundance God provided. This proactive approach is a powerful example of responsible management.
  • Preparation for Crisis: The primary purpose of this massive undertaking was to prepare for the inevitable famine (Genesis 41:53-54). Joseph's actions illustrate the biblical principle of preparing in times of prosperity for potential future hardships, rather than waiting until a crisis is upon you.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "gathered up" is qabats (קָבַץ), meaning "to collect, assemble." This emphasizes the comprehensive and systematic nature of the collection effort, indicating that Joseph ensured all available surplus was brought in. "Laid up" comes from yatsar (יָצַר), which implies "to store, to lay up," highlighting the deliberate and careful preservation of the grain. The repetition of "food" (אֹכֶל - okel) throughout the verse underscores the central focus and the immense quantity of provisions being accumulated.

Practical Application

  • Prudent Planning: Joseph's example encourages us to exercise foresight and wisdom in our personal, family, and communal lives. Just as he prepared for a known future crisis, we are called to manage our resources—time, finances, and talents—responsibly, preparing for future needs and unforeseen challenges.
  • Responsible Stewardship: The passage teaches us to be diligent and faithful stewards of the blessings and resources God provides during times of abundance. Wasting prosperity can lead to hardship later. This applies to spiritual resources as well, as we are called to be prepared for the Lord's return (Matthew 25:13).
  • Trust in God's Provision: While Joseph meticulously planned and executed, his ultimate trust was in God's overarching plan. This narrative reminds us that God often uses human diligence and effort to accomplish His purposes, even in challenging circumstances like the subsequent famine which led to the reunion with his family (Genesis 45:7-8).
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 41:34 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 41:36 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 47:21 (1 votes)

    And as for the people, he removed them to cities from [one] end of the borders of Egypt even to the [other] end thereof.