What number verse is Genesis 41:49 in the Bible?

Genesis 41:49 is the 1,245th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 41:49 sits at position 1,245.

41:4841:48

Genesis 41:49

Q: What is the significance of the phrase "as the sand of the sea" in the Bible?

The phrase "as the sand of the sea" (Hebrew: k'chol hayyam) is a common biblical idiom used to denote an immeasurably vast, countless, or innumerable quantity. It signifies something that is so abundant that it defies human ability to count or measure. In Scripture, it is frequently used to describe God's promises of countless descendants, such as those made to Abraham in Genesis 22:17, or to depict the immense size of armies, as seen in Judges 7:12. In Genesis 41:49, it emphasizes the overwhelming, divinely orchestrated abundance of grain collected, highlighting the magnitude of God's provision and the extraordinary success of Joseph's administration.

41:5041:50

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph ^H3130 gathered ^H6651 corn ^H1250 as the sand ^H2344 of the sea ^H3220, very ^H3966 much ^H7235, until he left ^H2308 numbering ^H5608; for it was without ^H369 number ^H4557.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef stored grain in quantities like the sand on the seashore, so much that they stopped counting, because it was beyond measure.

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Berean Standard Bible

So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure.

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American Standard Version

And Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left off numbering; for it was without number.

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World English Bible Messianic

Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped counting, for it was without number.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

So Ioseph gathered wheate, like vnto the sand of the sea in multitude out of measure, vntill he left numbring: for it was without number.

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Young's Literal Translation

and Joseph gathereth corn as sand of the sea, multiplying exceedingly, until that he hath ceased to number, for there is no number.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 41:49 describes the culmination of Joseph's diligent efforts during Egypt's seven years of abundant harvest, revealing an unprecedented collection of grain. The sheer volume amassed was so immense that it surpassed all human capacity for measurement or counting, signifying a divinely orchestrated provision that prepared Egypt and the surrounding regions for the impending severe famine, ultimately ensuring the preservation of life.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed at the climax of the seven years of plenty, immediately preceding the onset of the devastating famine described in Genesis 41:53-57. It follows Joseph's meteoric rise to power, detailed in Genesis 41:39-46, where Pharaoh entrusts him with the immense responsibility of managing Egypt's resources based on his prophetic dream interpretation. The preceding verses (Genesis 41:47-48) establish the extraordinary fruitfulness of the land, setting the stage for the immeasurable collection highlighted in verse 49. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the fulfillment of Pharaoh's dream and Joseph's faithful execution of his divinely inspired plan.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society heavily dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile River for fertile soil. Variations in the Nile's inundation directly impacted crop yields, making periods of famine a recurring threat. The concept of storing grain in granaries was a well-established practice, but the scale described in Genesis 41:49 would have been unprecedented. Pharaoh's absolute authority allowed for a centralized, national effort of this magnitude, which would have been impossible in many other contemporary societies. The "sand of the sea" idiom, common in the ancient Near East, vividly conveyed immeasurable quantities, resonating deeply with a culture familiar with vast desert landscapes and coastlines. Joseph's administrative genius, combined with the divine blessing on the land, transformed a potential disaster into a strategic advantage for Egypt.
Key Themes: Genesis 41:49 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It underscores Divine Providence, showcasing God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events—from Joseph's imprisonment to his elevation—to preserve His covenant people and indeed, all life (Genesis 50:20). The verse also highlights the theme of Wise Stewardship, as Joseph diligently manages the abundant resources, setting an example of responsible leadership during prosperity to prepare for adversity. Furthermore, it emphasizes God's Abundant Blessing, demonstrating His capacity to provide beyond human comprehension, as seen in the overflowing harvests that defy measurement. This divine provision is a recurring motif, echoing earlier promises of countless descendants to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, such as found in Genesis 22:17.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

corn (Hebrew, bâr', H1250): This term refers to grain of any kind, specifically indicating wheat or other cereals. In the context of ancient Egypt, it would primarily denote the staple crops that formed the basis of their diet and economy. The use of this word emphasizes the practical, life-sustaining nature of the commodity being collected, directly addressing the threat of famine. Its abundance signifies not just wealth, but the very means of survival for a nation and beyond.
left (Hebrew, châdal', H2308): This primitive root means "to desist," "to cease," or "to leave off." In this verse, it indicates that Joseph stopped the process of numbering the grain because the quantity had become so overwhelming that it was no longer feasible or necessary to continue counting. It marks the point where human capacity for measurement was utterly surpassed by the divine provision, highlighting the immeasurable scale of the harvest.
number (Hebrew, miçpâr', H369): Derived from a root meaning "to score with a mark" or "to enumerate," this word refers to a definite or indefinite quantity that can be counted. When used with the negative particle "without" (H369, ʼayin'), as it is here, it conveys the idea of an "innumerable" or "countless" amount. This phrase underscores the extraordinary, almost miraculous, abundance of the grain, signifying a blessing that defied human limitation and comprehension.

Verse Breakdown

"And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much,": This opening clause establishes Joseph's active role in the collection process and immediately introduces a powerful simile to convey the scale of the grain. The phrase "as the sand of the sea" is a common biblical idiom used to describe an immeasurably vast quantity, evoking images of countless grains of sand on a seashore. The addition of "very much" further emphasizes this immense abundance, reinforcing that the harvest was not merely large, but extraordinarily so, beyond typical expectations.
"until he left numbering;": This phrase marks a critical turning point in the collection process. It indicates that the volume of grain became so overwhelming that Joseph, or his administrators, ceased their attempts to keep a precise tally. This is not due to negligence, but to the sheer impossibility of the task, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the accumulation. It signifies that the quantity had surpassed all practical human means of enumeration.
"for [it was] without number.": This concluding clause provides the reason for ceasing the numbering: the grain was literally "without number," or innumerable. This reinforces the hyperbole of the preceding simile, transforming it from a mere figure of speech into a statement of fact regarding the immeasurable quantity. It highlights the divine blessing that enabled such a harvest and the diligent stewardship that ensured its effective storage, providing an abundance that defied all human capacity to quantify.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the magnitude of Joseph's grain collection. The most prominent is Simile, seen in the phrase "as the sand of the sea," which draws a direct comparison between the quantity of grain and the countless grains of sand. This is a well-established biblical idiom for immeasurable abundance, frequently used to describe God's promises of countless descendants or vast armies. The cumulative effect of this simile, combined with the reinforcing phrase "very much" and the climactic declaration "without number," creates a strong sense of Hyperbole. This exaggeration is not meant to deceive but to emphasize the extraordinary, divinely-blessed scale of the provision, which truly defied human capacity for measurement. The narrative uses this literary technique to underscore the miraculous nature of the abundance and the profound success of Joseph's administration.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 41:49 stands as a monumental testimony to God's active and sovereign involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His meticulous foresight and boundless provision. The immeasurable abundance of grain collected under Joseph's hand is a clear sign of divine favor, not merely for Egypt's prosperity, but as a strategic act of preservation within God's larger redemptive plan. This unprecedented provision ensured the survival of not only the Egyptians but also the nascent family of Jacob, who would later come to Egypt seeking sustenance, thus safeguarding the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. It powerfully illustrates that God's resources and wisdom far exceed human limitations, and He works through faithful stewards like Joseph to accomplish His purposes, even in the face of impending global crisis.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 41:49 offers profound lessons on stewardship, preparedness, and the nature of divine provision. Joseph's diligent and systematic approach to gathering and storing the grain during the years of plenty serves as a timeless model for believers today. We are called to be wise stewards of the resources—whether financial, spiritual, relational, or temporal—that God entrusts to us, not squandering times of abundance but using them strategically to prepare for future challenges and to bless others. This includes cultivating spiritual disciplines during seasons of ease, building strong relationships, and managing our finances prudently. The verse reminds us that God's provision can be "without number," exceeding our expectations and capacity to comprehend, encouraging us to trust in His boundless ability to meet our needs, even in the most dire circumstances. Ultimately, Joseph's story, culminating in this immense provision, assures us that God can turn potential disaster into an opportunity for His glory and the preservation of His people, echoing His redemptive purpose seen in Genesis 50:20.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of your life are you experiencing "years of plenty," and how are you diligently stewarding those resources for future needs or to bless others?
How does the immeasurable nature of God's provision in this verse encourage your faith regarding current or future challenges?
What practical steps can you take today to better prepare for potential "lean years," whether spiritually, financially, or relationally?

FAQ

What is the significance of the phrase "as the sand of the sea" in the Bible?

Answer: The phrase "as the sand of the sea" (Hebrew: k'chol hayyam) is a common biblical idiom used to denote an immeasurably vast, countless, or innumerable quantity. It signifies something that is so abundant that it defies human ability to count or measure. In Scripture, it is frequently used to describe God's promises of countless descendants, such as those made to Abraham in Genesis 22:17, or to depict the immense size of armies, as seen in Judges 7:12. In Genesis 41:49, it emphasizes the overwhelming, divinely orchestrated abundance of grain collected, highlighting the magnitude of God's provision and the extraordinary success of Joseph's administration.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Joseph, through divine wisdom and diligent stewardship, became the physical savior of Egypt and the surrounding nations, providing life-sustaining bread during a catastrophic famine. In this, he serves as a profound type of Christ, who is the ultimate spiritual provider and savior. Just as Joseph gathered and stored physical grain to sustain a starving world, Jesus Christ is the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35) who offers eternal spiritual sustenance, preserving humanity from eternal death. Joseph's provision was immeasurable and life-saving for his time, foreshadowing Christ's infinitely abundant grace and salvation, which are "without number" and sufficient for all who believe (John 3:16). Through His sacrifice, Christ has stored up an inexhaustible supply of forgiveness and new life, inviting all who hunger and thirst for righteousness to come and partake freely (Matthew 5:6). Just as Joseph's wisdom saved a nation, Christ's perfect wisdom and obedience secured salvation for all who trust in Him, becoming the true sustainer of our souls (Colossians 2:3).

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Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 46–57

46 ¶ And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

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.

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

50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.

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.

57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

Observe here, I. The building of Joseph's family in the birth of two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Gen 41:50-52. In the names he gave them, he owned the divine Providence giving this happy turn to his affairs, 1. He was made to forget his misery, Job 11:16. We should bear our afflictions when they are present as those that know not but Providence may so outweigh them by after-comforts as that we may even forget them when they are past. But could he be so unnatural as to forget all his father's house? He means the unkindness he received from his brethren, or perhaps the wealth and honour he expected from his father, with the birthright. The robes he now wore made him forget the coat of divers colours which he wore in his father's house. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. It had been the land of his affliction, and in some sense it was still so, for it was not Canaan, the land of promise. His distance from his father was still his affliction. Note, Light is sometimes sown for the righteous in a barren and unlikely soil; and yet if God sow it, and water it, it will come up again. The afflictions of the saints promote their fruitfulness. Ephraim signifies fruitfulness, and Manasseh forgetfulness, for these two often go together; when Jeshurun waxed fat, he forgot God his Maker.

II. The accomplishment of Joseph's predictions. Pharaoh had great confidence in the truth of them, perhaps finding in his own mind, beyond what another person could, an exact correspondence between them and his dreams, as between the key and the lock; and the event showed that he was not deceived. The seven plenteous years came (Gen 41:47), and, at length, they were ended, Gen 41:53. Note, We ought to foresee the approaching period of the days both of our prosperity and of our opportunity, and therefore must not be secure in the enjoyment of our prosperity nor slothful in the improvement of our opportunity; years of plenty will end, therefore, Whatever thy hand finds to do do it; and gather in gathering time. The morning cometh and also the night (Isa 21:12), the plenty and also the famine. The seven years of dearth began to come, Gen 41:54. See what changes of condition we are liable to in this world, and what need we have to be joyful in a day of prosperity and in a day of adversity to consider, Ecc 7:14. This famine, it seems, was not only in Egypt, but in other lands, in all lands, that is, all the neighbouring countries; fruitful lands are soon turned into barrenness for the iniquity of those that dwell therein, Psa 107:34. It is here said that in the land of Egypt there was bread, meaning probably, not only that which Joseph had bought up for the king, but that which private persons, by his example, and upon the public notice of this prediction, as well as by the rules of common prudence, had laid up.

III. The performance of Joseph's trust. He was found faithful to it, as a steward ought to be. 1. He was diligent in laying up, while the plenty lasted, Gen 41:48, Gen 41:49. He that thus gathers is a wise son. 2. He was prudent and careful in giving out, when the famine came, and kept the markets low by furnishing them at reasonable rates out of his stores. The people in distress cried to Pharaoh, as that woman to the king of Israel (Kg2 6:26), Help, my lord, O king: he sent them to his treasurer, Go to Joseph. Thus God in the gospel directs those that apply to him for mercy and grace to go to the Lord Jesus, in whom all fulness dwells; and, What he saith to you, do. Joseph, no doubt, with wisdom and justice fixed the price of the corn he sold, so that Pharaoh, whose money had bought it up, might have a reasonable profit, and yet the country might not be oppressed, nor advantage taken of their prevailing necessity; while he that withholdest corn when it is dear, in hopes it will yet grow dearer, though people perish for want of it, has many a curse for so doing (and it is not a curse causeless), blessings shall be upon the head of him that thus selleth it, Pro 11:26. And let the price be determined by that golden rule of justice, to do as we would be done by.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 46–57. 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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Cross-References

Psalms 78:27
He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:
Judges 7:12
And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.
Genesis 22:17
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
1 Samuel 13:5
And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.
Judges 6:5
For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
Job 1:3
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
Jeremiah 33:22
As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.