Genesis 41:55

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:55 captures the escalating severity of the famine across Egypt, compelling its desperate populace to appeal to Pharaoh for sustenance. In a pivotal moment, Pharaoh unequivocally directs all Egyptians to Joseph, thereby solidifying Joseph's divinely appointed authority as the nation's chief administrator and sole dispenser of provisions. This command underscores Pharaoh's absolute trust in Joseph's wisdom and foresight, recognizing him as the indispensable instrument of God's provision and salvation for the entire land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial juncture in the unfolding narrative of Joseph, immediately following the seven years of abundant harvest and meticulous grain storage orchestrated by Joseph, as prophesied through Pharaoh's dreams. The preceding verses detail Joseph's meteoric rise from prisoner to vizier, his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine ([Genesis 41:25-32](/genesis/41-25-32 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams")), and his subsequent appointment to oversee the collection and storage of grain ([Genesis 41:37-49](/genesis/41-37-49 "Joseph's Elevation and Grain Storage")). By the time [Genesis 41:55](/genesis/41-55 "Pharaoh Directs All to Joseph") occurs, the famine has begun to manifest with such severity that the previously stored provisions are no longer sufficient for the entire populace, leading to widespread desperation and a direct appeal to the highest authority, Pharaoh himself. This sets the stage for Joseph's ultimate administrative authority to be fully exercised.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society heavily dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile River for its agricultural fertility. A prolonged famine, such as the one described, would have been an existential threat, leading to widespread starvation, societal collapse, and potentially mass migration. Pharaoh, as the divine king, was considered the ultimate provider and protector of his people. Therefore, the people's cry to Pharaoh for bread was a natural appeal to the highest earthly authority responsible for their welfare. Pharaoh's delegation of this critical responsibility to Joseph, a foreigner and former slave, highlights the extraordinary nature of Joseph's perceived divine wisdom and administrative competence, transcending typical cultural and social hierarchies. The ability to manage and distribute such vast resources would have required an incredibly sophisticated logistical infrastructure, a testament to Joseph's divinely inspired planning during the years of plenty.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 41:55](/genesis/41-55 "Pharaoh Directs All to Joseph") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and control over all circumstances, even severe natural disasters, to fulfill His redemptive purposes. God uses the famine to bring Jacob's family to Egypt, setting the stage for the formation of the nation of Israel. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Wisdom and Human Stewardship**, as Joseph's Spirit-empowered wisdom ([Genesis 41:38-39](/genesis/41-38-39 "Joseph's Wisdom Recognized")) enables him to act as a faithful steward of God's provision, saving countless lives. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Use of Unlikely Instruments**, showcasing how God elevates a former prisoner and slave to a position of immense power to accomplish His will. Finally, it foreshadows the theme of **Salvation through a Chosen Deliverer**, as Joseph becomes the sole means of sustenance and survival for Egypt and surrounding nations, a profound type of the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **famished (Hebrew, _râʻêb'_):** This word, derived from a primitive root meaning "to hunger," vividly describes a state of severe, widespread hunger. Its use here indicates that the food shortage was not merely an inconvenience but a dire, life-threatening condition affecting "all the land of Egypt," emphasizing the extremity and pervasive nature of the crisis. It conveys the physical suffering and desperation that drove the people to cry out.
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** Meaning "let him add" or "adding," this name carries prophetic significance. In this context, Joseph is not merely a name but represents the divinely appointed agent through whom God would "add" or provide life-sustaining provisions. Pharaoh's directive to "Go unto Joseph" solidifies his unique and indispensable role as the sole source of relief, highlighting his elevation and the absolute trust placed in him as God's chosen instrument.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root is broad in its application, meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense, encompassing actions like accomplishing, executing, performing, and obeying. In Pharaoh's command, "what he saith to you, do," _ʻâsâh_ conveys the imperative for immediate, unquestioning obedience. It signifies that Joseph's instructions were not merely suggestions but absolute directives, the execution of which was critical for survival. The life of the nation depended on their active compliance with Joseph's every word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when all the land of Egypt was famished":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dire context. The phrase "all the land of Egypt" emphasizes the universal and pervasive nature of the famine, indicating that no region or class was exempt from its devastating effects. The use of "famished" (Hebrew, _râʻêb_) conveys an intense, widespread hunger, painting a picture of a nation teetering on the brink of collapse due to starvation.
* **"the people cried to Pharaoh for bread":** Faced with such extreme hunger, the populace, in their desperation, turned to their supreme ruler, Pharaoh, for relief. Their "cry" (Hebrew, _tsâʻaq_) suggests a loud, urgent, and collective plea, born out of acute suffering. "Bread" (Hebrew, _lechem_), while literally referring to baked bread, often serves as a metonymy for food or sustenance in general, signifying their fundamental need for any form of provision to survive.
* **"and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph":** Pharaoh's response is swift, decisive, and revealing. Instead of personally intervening, he immediately redirects the entire nation to Joseph. This command, issued to "all the Egyptians," underscores Joseph's comprehensive authority and Pharaoh's absolute confidence in him. It signifies that Joseph was not merely an advisor but the ultimate, trusted administrator responsible for the nation's survival.
* **"what he saith to you, do":** This final, authoritative clause is a direct imperative, cementing Joseph's unparalleled power. Pharaoh's instruction for the people to "do" (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh_) whatever Joseph "saith" (Hebrew, _ʼâmar_) highlights the critical necessity of unquestioning obedience. In a time of national crisis, Joseph's word was law, and the very survival of the Egyptian people depended on their complete and immediate compliance with his directives concerning the distribution of food.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 41:55 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the land of Egypt was famished," which, while indicating widespread suffering, emphasizes the extreme and pervasive nature of the crisis, rather than suggesting literally every single person was starving at the exact same moment. This amplifies the sense of national emergency. The narrative also uses **Metonymy**, where "bread" stands for all forms of sustenance, highlighting the fundamental need for food. Furthermore, the entire narrative arc of Joseph, culminating in this verse, functions as **Foreshadowing** and **Typology**. Joseph, the chosen deliverer who provides life-sustaining "bread" to a starving world, serves as a powerful type of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Bread of Life." Pharaoh's absolute trust in Joseph and his directive for all to "Go unto Joseph" also presents an **Irony of Providence**: a former slave and prisoner, once abandoned, now holds the keys to the nation's survival, demonstrating God's ability to elevate the humble and use unlikely instruments for His grand purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:55 stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous, sovereign providence, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate human affairs, even through natural disasters and the actions of pagan rulers, to fulfill His divine purposes. The famine, while a devastating judgment, also becomes the very means through which God preserves His chosen people, Jacob's family, by bringing them to Egypt under Joseph's care. This verse underscores the theme of divine wisdom and foresight, as God empowers Joseph with the insight and administrative genius necessary to prepare for and mitigate a crisis of unprecedented scale. It also highlights the critical importance of wise leadership and the necessity of obedience to divinely appointed authority in times of crisis, where the well-being of an entire community hinges on following the path of provision.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Lives by God's Word")
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalms/105-16-17 "God Sent a Man Before Them")
* [Acts 7:9-10](/acts/7-9-10 "God Was With Joseph")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:55 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness to provide for His people, even in the most dire circumstances. Joseph's diligent preparation during the years of plenty, guided by divine wisdom, calls us to embrace responsible stewardship of the resources God entrusts to us—whether financial, temporal, or spiritual. We are encouraged to live with foresight, anticipating future needs and challenges, and to act prudently, trusting that God will bless our efforts. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the critical importance of discerning and submitting to wise, Spirit-led leadership, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis. Just as the Egyptians were commanded to "Go unto Joseph" and obey his every word for their physical survival, so too are believers called to heed the wisdom of God's Word and the guidance of His Spirit, trusting that true life and sustenance are found in obedience to Him. This verse ultimately invites us to reflect on our own areas of need and where we are seeking our "bread," challenging us to look to God, our ultimate Provider, for all our sustenance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "famine" or a sense of deep need, and to whom or what are you instinctively crying out for help?**
* **How does Joseph's diligent stewardship during the years of plenty inspire you to better manage the resources (time, talents, finances) God has entrusted to you, in preparation for future uncertainties?**
* **In what ways are you called to trust and obey God's appointed leaders or the clear directives from His Word, even when the path ahead seems challenging or counter-intuitive?**
* **How does this account of God's provision through Joseph deepen your faith in God's ability to sustain you through any crisis, demonstrating His faithfulness even when circumstances seem bleak?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh direct everyone to Joseph instead of handling the crisis himself?**

Answer: Pharaoh's directive was a profound testament to his absolute trust in Joseph's divinely-given wisdom and unparalleled administrative capabilities. Having witnessed Joseph's accurate interpretation of his dreams, which were beyond the wisdom of all his own magicians and wise men ([Genesis 41:8](/genesis/41-8 "Pharaoh's Dreams and His Wise Men")), and his subsequent successful management of the grain storage during the years of plenty ([Genesis 41:48-49](/genesis/41-48-49 "Joseph's Grain Storage")), Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was uniquely qualified and empowered by God to handle a crisis of this magnitude. Pharaoh himself acknowledged that Joseph possessed the "Spirit of God" ([Genesis 41:38](/genesis/41-38 "Joseph Has the Spirit of God")), making him the most competent and effective leader for the nation's survival. By delegating full authority to Joseph, Pharaoh wisely acknowledged a wisdom and capacity far beyond his own, ensuring the most effective response to the national emergency.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 41:55 serves as a powerful and poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ, the true "Bread of Life." Just as Joseph, a chosen deliverer, became the sole source of physical sustenance for a famished world, saving countless lives from perishing, so too does Jesus Christ present Himself as the indispensable spiritual sustenance for a humanity starving for truth, hope, and salvation. In a world spiritually famished by sin and separated from God, Christ offers Himself as the only means of eternal life, declaring, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus Declares Himself the Bread of Life")). Pharaoh's command, "Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do," echoes the divine imperative to turn to Christ alone for spiritual nourishment and eternal salvation. He is the "door" through whom we find pasture ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus is the Door")), the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), and the one who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Just as there was no other name under heaven by which the Egyptians could be saved from famine than Joseph, so "neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" than Jesus Christ ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation in No Other Name")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision, offering abundant life to all who come to Him.

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

Matthew 3:17

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

Matthew 17:5

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

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

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

Psalms 105:20

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

Psalms 105:22

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

Lamentations 4:3

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.