TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Joseph opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The famine was severe in the land of Egypt.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When the famine was vpon all the land, Ioseph opened all places, wherein the store was, and solde vnto the Egyptians: for the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
Young's Literal Translation
And the famine has been over all the face of the land, and Joseph openeth all places which have corn in them, and selleth to the Egyptians; and the famine is severe in the land of Egypt,
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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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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 41:56 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 41:56 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. 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. 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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) 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). 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).