Genesis 41:56

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Genesis 41:56 (KJV)

Genesis 41:56: "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."

Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Joseph, following the seven years of abundant harvest in Egypt. Joseph, having accurately interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, was appointed second-in-command, a vizier, over all of Egypt. His divinely-given wisdom enabled him to implement a vast grain storage program during the years of plenty (Genesis 41:48-49). Genesis 41:56 describes the onset and severity of the prophesied famine and Joseph's response to it, demonstrating the foresight and preparation that saved not only Egypt but also surrounding regions from utter desolation. The famine was not localized but affected "all the face of the earth," indicating its widespread impact beyond Egypt's borders.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Foresight: The verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work. The famine, though devastating, was foretold, and God provided the means for survival through Joseph's wisdom and administrative skill. This foresight ensured that life could continue, even amidst widespread disaster.
  • Stewardship and Preparation: Joseph's diligent stewardship of Egypt's resources during the years of plenty is highlighted. His actions of collecting and storing grain were crucial, emphasizing the importance of wise management and preparation for future challenges.
  • Joseph's Role as Deliverer: Joseph transitions from a prisoner to a powerful administrator who literally holds the keys to survival. By opening the storehouses and selling grain, he becomes the instrument of salvation for Egypt and ultimately for his own family, fulfilling God's greater plan.
  • Severity of the Famine: The phrase "the famine waxed sore" emphasizes the increasing intensity and hardship of the crisis, underscoring the vital necessity of Joseph's preparations.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "the famine waxed sore" uses archaic language. "Waxed" here means 'grew' or 'became,' and "sore" means 'severe' or 'intense.' So, "the famine waxed sore" simply means the famine became increasingly severe or intense. This emphasizes the dire circumstances that necessitated Joseph's actions.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for contemporary life:

  • Preparedness: Just as Joseph prepared for the lean years during times of plenty, we are called to exercise wisdom and foresight in our own lives, preparing for future challenges, whether financial, spiritual, or relational.
  • Trust in God's Plan: Even in times of crisis, this narrative reminds us that God is actively working, often through unexpected individuals and circumstances, to bring about His purposes. We are encouraged to trust in His divine providence.
  • Wise Leadership: Joseph's example serves as a model for effective and compassionate leadership, demonstrating how God-given wisdom can be used to serve and save many.
  • Interdependence: The global nature of the famine highlights how societies and individuals are interconnected, and how one person's actions (like Joseph's) can have far-reaching positive impacts. The subsequent arrival of Jacob's family in Egypt (Genesis 42:1-3) further illustrates this interdependence.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 42:6 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Acts 17:26 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.