Genesis 41:56

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the famine {H7458} was over all the face {H6440} of the earth {H776}: And Joseph {H3130} opened {H6605} all the storehouses, and sold {H7666} unto the Egyptians {H4714}; and the famine {H7458} waxed sore {H2388} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The famine was over all the earth, but then Yosef opened all the storehouses and sold food to the Egyptians, since the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version

And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine was sore in the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:56 marks the critical transition from Egypt's years of abundance to the onset of the prophesied global famine. This verse vividly portrays the widespread severity of the crisis and highlights Joseph's indispensable role as Pharaoh's vizier, diligently opening the meticulously prepared storehouses to sell grain to the Egyptians. It underscores the effectiveness of divine foresight and diligent stewardship in mitigating the devastating impact of a pervasive catastrophe, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in preserving life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of the narrative detailing Joseph's rise to power and his implementation of God's divinely revealed plan. It immediately follows the seven years of unprecedented abundance, during which Joseph, guided by divine wisdom, meticulously collected and stored vast quantities of grain (as detailed in [Genesis 41:47-49](/genesis/41-47-49 "Joseph's Grain Storage Plan")). Genesis 41:56 serves as the narrative pivot, signaling the end of the years of plenty and the dramatic commencement of the predicted famine, setting the stage for the subsequent events, including the arrival of Joseph's brothers in Egypt seeking sustenance in [Genesis 42](/genesis/42 "Joseph's Brothers Come to Egypt"). It is the moment the prophetic word begins to manifest in its full, devastating reality.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt, reliant on the annual inundation of the Nile, was particularly vulnerable to periods of drought or excessive flooding, which could lead to widespread famine. The concept of storing grain in granaries was a well-established practice in the ancient Near East as a hedge against such natural disasters. However, the scale and duration of the famine described in Genesis 41, affecting "all the face of the earth" (a common ancient Near Eastern idiom for a vast, known region), suggest an event of unprecedented severity. Joseph's administrative structure, with its centralized control over resources, reflects the highly organized nature of Egyptian society and the absolute authority of Pharaoh, which Joseph now wielded. The act of "selling" rather than simply distributing the grain was a common practice, ensuring a managed and sustainable system for resource allocation, and likely contributing to the state's coffers, which would have been crucial for maintaining order and infrastructure during such a prolonged crisis.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:56 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It is a profound demonstration of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's meticulous orchestration of events—even a global calamity—to preserve His people and advance His redemptive plan, often through unexpected means and individuals like Joseph. The verse also exemplifies the theme of **Wise Stewardship and Preparation**, highlighting the importance of foresight and diligent management of resources during times of prosperity to prepare for future adversity, a principle Joseph embodies throughout [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams and Becomes Vizier"). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Joseph as a Deliverer and Preserver of Life**, establishing him as the divinely appointed agent of salvation, not only for Egypt but for "all the face of the earth," foreshadowing a greater deliverer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:56 succinctly captures the dire reality of the famine and Joseph's decisive, divinely-guided action. The verse unfolds in three distinct clauses, each contributing to the overall picture of crisis and response.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **famine (Hebrew, _râʻâb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hunger," this term (H7458) denotes a widespread scarcity of food, ranging from dearth to severe hunger. In this context, it highlights the devastating and extensive nature of the crisis gripping the land, a direct fulfillment of Pharaoh's second dream.
* **opened (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This verb (H6605) signifies a literal "opening wide" or "unloosing." Here, it refers to Joseph's decisive action of unsealing the vast storehouses, making the accumulated grain accessible to the populace. The choice of this verb emphasizes the deliberate and controlled release of the stored provisions.
* **waxed sore (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** The verb "waxed" translates the Hebrew _châzaq_ (H2388), meaning "to be strong," "to seize," or "to become firm/intense." In this context, it conveys the increasing severity and deepening grip of the famine, emphasizing its intensifying hardship and pressing nature, even within the prepared land of Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the famine was over all the face of the earth":** This opening clause establishes the global scope and severity of the crisis. The phrase "all the face of the earth" (Hebrew: _kol-pene ha'arets_) signifies that the famine was not localized to Egypt but extended far beyond its borders, impacting all the known civilized world of that time, particularly the Near East. This widespread impact underscores the unique position of Egypt, under Joseph's administration, as the only source of sustenance.
* **"And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians;":** This clause describes Joseph's pivotal and divinely-inspired response. The act of "opening all the storehouses" signifies the activation of his meticulously planned strategy for resource distribution. The detail that he "sold unto the Egyptians" indicates a structured and managed approach to resource allocation, rather than free distribution. This method likely ensured sustainability, prevented chaos, and maintained the economic stability of the nation during a prolonged crisis.
* **"and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.":** The final clause highlights the increasing intensity and hardship of the crisis, even within Egypt itself, despite Joseph's preparations. The archaic phrase "waxed sore" (meaning 'grew severe' or 'became intense') emphasizes the escalating nature of the suffering, underscoring the critical importance of Joseph's prior preparations and the ongoing need for his wise management.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the face of the earth," which, while not literally encompassing the entire globe as we know it, effectively communicates the vast, widespread nature of the famine across the known world of the time, emphasizing the unparalleled scope of the disaster. There is also a strong sense of **Narrative Progression**, as the verse marks the dramatic shift from the seven years of plenty to the years of scarcity, moving the story forward into the period of crisis and Joseph's active role as a deliverer. The **Juxtaposition** of the widespread famine with Joseph's organized response highlights the contrast between global chaos and divinely-enabled order, underscoring the effectiveness of his stewardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:56 stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous **Divine Providence**, demonstrating His sovereign hand actively orchestrating circumstances—even devastating ones like a global famine—to fulfill His overarching purposes. It showcases how God prepares His chosen instruments, like Joseph, to be agents of His will, preserving life and advancing His redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel. This verse also profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of **Wise Stewardship and Foresight**, as Joseph's diligent preparation during the years of plenty proves to be the very means of salvation during the years of scarcity, a model for believers to exercise prudence and responsibility in managing resources God has entrusted to them.

* [Genesis 41:33](/genesis/41-33 "Joseph's Advice to Pharaoh")
* [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")
* [Acts 7:11-12](/acts/7-11-12 "The Famine in Egypt and Canaan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:56 offers enduring and profound lessons for contemporary life, urging us to embrace foresight, diligent preparation, and faithful stewardship in all facets of our existence—be it financial, spiritual, or relational. Just as Joseph prepared for the lean years during times of abundance, we are called to cultivate habits of prudence and wisdom, trusting that God's provision often comes through our responsible actions. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder to trust in God's sovereign plan, recognizing that even amidst seemingly insurmountable crises and widespread suffering, He is actively at work, often through unexpected individuals and circumstances, to bring about His purposes. Joseph's example further challenges us to embody compassionate, effective, and God-centered leadership, demonstrating how divine wisdom can be leveraged to serve and save many, fostering resilience, interdependence, and hope within our communities and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's diligent preparation during the years of plenty challenge my own approach to stewardship and planning for the future?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to exercise greater foresight and preparation, trusting in His ultimate provision?**
* **How can I, like Joseph, be an instrument of God's provision and hope in times of crisis, both for my immediate community and for those beyond?**

### FAQ
**What does "the famine waxed sore" mean in Genesis 41:56?**

Answer: The King James Version's phrase "the famine waxed sore" uses archaic language. "Waxed" means 'grew' or 'became,' and "sore" means 'severe,' 'intense,' or 'grievous.' Therefore, "the famine waxed sore" means that the famine became increasingly severe, intense, and difficult, emphasizing the dire circumstances that necessitated Joseph's actions and the widespread suffering it caused, even within Egypt itself.

**Did the famine truly affect "all the face of the earth" as stated in Genesis 41:56?**

Answer: The phrase "all the face of the earth" (Hebrew: _kol-pene ha'arets_) is a common biblical idiom or hyperbole, often referring to a vast, widespread region known to the biblical authors, rather than the entire globe as we understand it today. In this context, it signifies that the famine extended far beyond Egypt's borders, impacting all the known civilized world of that time, particularly the Near East. This interpretation is consistent with later accounts of people from various lands, including Canaan, coming to Egypt for food, as seen in [Genesis 42:1-3](/genesis/42-1-3 "Jacob Sends His Sons to Egypt").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 41:56, with Joseph as the sole provider of life-sustaining sustenance in a world gripped by a devastating famine, powerfully prefigures the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, once rejected by his brothers and imprisoned, rose to become the deliverer who held the keys to physical life, so too does Christ, though rejected and crucified, become the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus is the Bread of Life")) for a humanity spiritually starving and dying in sin. Joseph's storehouses provided temporary physical nourishment, but Christ offers eternal life and spiritual sustenance to all who come to Him, declaring, "Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus is the Bread of Life")). His atoning sacrifice and resurrection are the ultimate act of divine provision, saving humanity from the spiritual famine of sin and death, fulfilling God's greater redemptive plan for all nations, making Him the true "Savior of the world" ([John 4:42](/john/4-42 "Jesus, the Savior of the World")).

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

Genesis 42:6

And Joseph [was] the governor over the land, [and] he [it was] that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him [with] their faces to the earth.

Zechariah 5:3

Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.

Isaiah 23:17

And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.

Luke 21:35

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Acts 17:26

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Genesis 47:14

And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.

Genesis 47:24

And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth [part] unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.