Genesis 41:55

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.

And when all the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} was famished {H7456}, the people {H5971} cried {H6817} to Pharaoh {H6547} for bread {H3899}: and Pharaoh {H6547} said {H559} unto all the Egyptians {H4714}, Go {H3212} unto Joseph {H3130}; what he saith {H559} to you, do {H6213}.

When the whole land of Egypt started feeling the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food, and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, "Go to Yosef, and do what he tells you to do."

When extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told all the Egyptians, β€œGo to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.”

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.

Commentary

Genesis 41:55 describes a critical moment during the severe famine that gripped ancient Egypt and surrounding regions. After seven years of abundant harvest, during which Joseph, by divine wisdom, had meticulously stored vast quantities of grain, the predicted seven years of famine began (as prophesied in Genesis 41:29). As the food reserves dwindled and starvation loomed, the desperate populace cried out to Pharaoh, their ultimate ruler, for sustenance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foresight and Provision: This verse powerfully illustrates God's meticulous planning and provision. Through Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his subsequent administrative genius, empowered by the Holy Spirit, God prepared Egypt for an unprecedented crisis. Joseph's strategic management of resources saved not only Egypt but also many neighboring peoples from utter devastation.
  • Joseph's Unquestioned Authority: Pharaoh's command, "Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do," highlights the absolute trust and authority he had vested in Joseph. Joseph was not merely an advisor but the chief administrator, second only to Pharaoh himself (see Genesis 41:40). This directive effectively made Joseph the sole dispenser of life-sustaining food, demonstrating Pharaoh's recognition of Joseph's divine wisdom and capability.
  • Obedience in Crisis: The desperate situation demanded immediate and unquestioning obedience. Pharaoh's instruction was clear: the people were to follow Joseph's directions precisely. This underscores the critical role of wise leadership and the necessity of heeding it during times of severe crisis.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "all the land of Egypt was famished" conveys the widespread and severe nature of the hunger. The Hebrew word for "famished" (Χ¨ΦΈΧ’Φ΅Χ‘ - ra'ev) emphasizes being in a state of extreme hunger, indicating that the food shortages were not localized but affected the entire nation, leading to a desperate plea for "bread" (ΧœΦΆΧ—ΦΆΧ - lechem), which often refers to food or sustenance in general, not just baked bread.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:55 offers several timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of foresight, preparedness, and responsible stewardship, both individually and collectively, for future challenges. Joseph's diligent planning during the years of plenty saved countless lives. Secondly, it illustrates the critical role of wise and Spirit-led leadership in times of adversity. Pharaoh recognized Joseph's divine wisdom and placed complete trust in his guidance, serving as a model for discerning and following capable leadership. Finally, it speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty, demonstrating His power to preserve and provide even in the face of overwhelming disaster, often through human instruments. This narrative foreshadows how God uses His chosen ones to bring salvation, much like Christ provides the true "bread of life" to a spiritually hungry world (see John 6:35).

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 3:17 (3 votes)

    And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

  • Matthew 17:5 (3 votes)

    While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

  • John 1:14 (2 votes)

    And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

  • John 1:16 (2 votes)

    And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

  • Psalms 105:20 (2 votes)

    The king sent and loosed him; [even] the ruler of the people, and let him go free.

  • Psalms 105:22 (2 votes)

    To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.

  • Lamentations 4:3 (2 votes)

    Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people [is become] cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.