TRV
Translation
King James 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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
At the length all the lande of Egypt was affamished, and the people cryed to Pharaoh for bread. And Pharaoh said vnto all the Egyptians, Goe to Ioseph: what he sayth to you, doe ye.
Young's Literal Translation
and all the land of Egypt is famished, and the people crieth unto Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh saith to all the Egyptians, `Go unto Joseph; that which he saith to you--do.'
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In the KJVVerse 1,251 of 31,102
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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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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON GENESIS 36:1
Joseph went out to gather in the grain, and he stored it in every city.… Then at the end of the good years, when those of famine came, Joseph took special care of the orphans, widows and every needy person in Egypt so that there was no anxiety in Egypt.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Joseph the Patriarch
Finally, whoever was suffering from hunger, was sent to Joseph. Who are these people, if not those of whom it is said: They will turn back at evening, and suffer hunger like dogs? However, the hunger was not limited to one place, but was all over the land; because there was no one who would do good. Therefore, the Lord Jesus, having mercy on earthly fasts, opened His storehouses and revealed the hidden treasures of celestial mysteries and knowledge, so that no one would lack sustenance. For Wisdom says: Come, eat my bread. And therefore it is said of Him alone: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want, who is satisfied by Christ. Therefore, Christ opened His storehouses and sold, not for the price of money, but for the price of faith, and seeking the reward of devotion. But He sold not to a few in Judea, but He sold to all, so that He might be believed by all nations.
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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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), and his subsequent appointment to oversee the collection and storage of grain (Genesis 41:37-49). By the time Genesis 41:55 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 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) 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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), and his subsequent successful management of the grain storage during the years of plenty (Genesis 41:48-49), 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), 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). 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), the "way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), and the one who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28). 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). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision, offering abundant life to all who come to Him.