TRV
Translation
King James Version
And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Complete Jewish Bible
Moreover all countries came to Egypt to Yosef to buy grain, because the famine was severe throughout the earth.
Berean Standard Bible
And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.
American Standard Version
And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was sore in all the earth.
World English Bible Messianic
All countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And all countries came to Egypt to bye corne of Ioseph, because the famine was sore in all landes.
Young's Literal Translation
and all the earth hath come to Egypt, to buy, unto Joseph, for the famine was severe in all the earth.
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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 36:2
If this famine had been only in Egypt, Egypt would have had no fear, because of the grain Joseph [had stored up]. However, there was famine throughout the entire world, and because the entire earth stood in need of [the grain in] Egypt, the grain supply quickly dwindled and became expensive even for the Egyptians. The Egyptians would have consumed the grain at little expense, because of its abundance, if the entire earth had not come down to buy grain there. To make known that the entire earth hungered, [Moses] said, “The entire world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph.”
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Joseph the Patriarch
And all the regions came into Egypt to Joseph to buy; for famine had obtained. For all hunger, whom Christ did not feed. Therefore, let us buy food, with which we can repel hunger. Let no one be discouraged by contemplating his poverty, let no one be afraid who does not have money. Christ does not seek silver, but faith, which is more precious than silver. Finally, Peter bought it, who did not have money. Silver and gold, I do not have, but what I have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk. And the prophet Isaiah says: You who thirst, go to the water; and you who do not have silver, go, buy, and drink, and eat: buy wine and fat without silver and price. For he did not seek a price from us, who paid the price of his own blood for us; for he redeemed us not with gold and silver, but with precious blood. Therefore, you must pay the price for what you have bought; and even if he does not always demand it, you still must. Therefore, buy Christ for yourself not because few have him, but because everyone has him. Everyone has him by nature, few offer themselves out of fear. What Christ requires from you is what is rightfully his. He himself gave life to everyone, he himself offered his death for everyone. Pay for the author what you are obligated to pay by law. This contract is not insignificant. Not everyone easily sees him. Finally, those virgins in the Gospel whom the coming bridegroom excluded were left outside because they did not buy the available oil. Therefore, it is said to them: Rather, go to the sellers and buy for yourselves. And the merchant is rightly praised, who sold all his possessions and bought a pearl.
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 41:57 serves as the narrative climax of the global famine, powerfully illustrating how the severe scarcity of food compelled people from "all countries" to journey to Egypt. This verse underscores the unparalleled severity of the crisis and highlights Egypt's unique and divinely-orchestrated position as the world's sole provider of sustenance, administered by Joseph.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse marks the culmination of Joseph's divinely orchestrated rise to power and his strategic preparation for a prophesied global famine. It follows the detailed account of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams in Genesis 41:25-36, which foretold seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph, elevated to second-in-command, meticulously implemented a massive grain storage program during the years of plenty (Genesis 41:47-49). As the famine intensified and spread "over all the face of the earth" (Genesis 41:56), Egypt, under Joseph's wise and divinely-guided administration, became the singular beacon of hope and the only source of sustenance for the surrounding nations. This verse, therefore, marks the fulfillment of the prophetic warning and the successful execution of Joseph's strategic plan, setting the stage for the eventual reunion with his family.
Historical & Cultural Context: Famines were a recurring and devastating threat in the ancient Near East, often caused by unpredictable rainfall patterns or natural disasters. However, the famine described in Genesis 41 was unprecedented in its global scope and severity, impacting "all lands." Egypt, uniquely sustained by the annual flooding of the Nile River, possessed a more stable agricultural system compared to rain-dependent regions. This geographical advantage, combined with Joseph's divinely-inspired foresight and administrative genius, positioned Egypt as the only nation capable of weathering such a prolonged and widespread crisis. The act of "buying corn" implies a functioning economic system, even amidst widespread scarcity, where Egypt could leverage its stored surplus. The arduous journey of people from "all countries" highlights the desperate measures taken by nations facing starvation, signifying Egypt's unparalleled status as a granary for the world.
Key Themes: Genesis 41:57 encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Genesis and Joseph's narrative. Foremost is Divine Providence, demonstrating God's sovereign control over seemingly chaotic events, using a natural disaster to orchestrate His redemptive purposes, particularly the preservation of Jacob's family (as seen in Genesis 50:20). The theme of Wisdom and Stewardship is also prominent, as Joseph's God-given ability to interpret dreams and implement a strategic plan averted widespread death, showcasing responsible leadership in times of abundance and scarcity. Furthermore, the verse highlights God's Universal Provision, extending His care beyond the covenant people to all nations, even if through indirect means. Finally, it sets the stage for the Formation of Israel, as the famine ultimately compels Jacob and his family to migrate to Egypt, a crucial step in the growth of the chosen nation, as detailed in Genesis 46.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:57 succinctly captures the widespread impact of the famine, emphasizing the global reach of the crisis and the unique role Egypt played in providing relief. The verse states that "all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn]; because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands." This highlights not only the severity of the scarcity but also the renown of Joseph's provision.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 41:57 employs several literary devices to underscore the magnitude of the famine and Joseph's pivotal role. The most prominent is Repetition, with the phrase "all countries" appearing twice and "all lands" once, creating a sense of universal impact and emphasizing the unparalleled scope of the famine. This repetition serves to highlight the dire necessity that drove people from every corner to Egypt. While "all countries" might be a form of Hyperbole to convey the widespread nature rather than literal global coverage, it powerfully communicates the unprecedented severity of the crisis. The verse also functions as a moment of Dramatic Irony, as Joseph, who was once sold into slavery by his brothers and seemingly abandoned, now stands as the world's sole provider, holding the power of life and death over those who once sought his demise. Furthermore, the narrative itself, culminating in this verse, serves as Foreshadowing for the eventual arrival of Jacob's family in Egypt, setting the stage for the growth of the Israelite nation and implicitly pointing to a greater deliverer.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:57 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth of Divine Providence and Sovereignty. God's meticulous foresight is evident in His orchestrating of events—from Pharaoh's dreams to Joseph's elevation and the subsequent famine—all to fulfill His overarching purposes, including the preservation of life and the eventual growth of the Israelite nation. This verse demonstrates that even in the midst of a global catastrophe, God is actively working behind the scenes, using human agency, specifically Joseph's divinely-inspired wisdom and stewardship, to bring about His will. It highlights God's universal provision, showcasing His care not only for His chosen people but for all humanity, providing sustenance even for those outside the immediate covenant, thereby demonstrating His boundless grace and compassion. The crisis itself becomes a catalyst for God's redemptive plan, setting the stage for future blessings.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:57 offers profound insights for contemporary life, encouraging us to cultivate a posture of foresight and responsible stewardship in all areas—personal finances, community resources, and global challenges. Joseph's example teaches that even in times of abundance, wisdom dictates preparation for future uncertainties, recognizing that God often works through our diligent efforts. This verse also calls us to consider the nature of true leadership, which, like Joseph's, is characterized by integrity, selflessness, and a commitment to the common good, especially in times of crisis. It reminds us that our resources, talents, and positions are ultimately gifts from God, to be managed wisely for His glory and the benefit of others. Furthermore, the narrative instills trust in divine provision: even when faced with seemingly insurmountable global challenges or personal scarcities, we can rest in the assurance that God is sovereignly at work, orchestrating circumstances to meet needs and fulfill His purposes, often through unexpected channels and individuals. It challenges us to be open to how God might use us as instruments of His provision in a needy world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did people come "to Joseph" specifically, rather than just "to Egypt"?
Answer: While people certainly came to Egypt, the text's specific phrasing "to Joseph" (Hebrew: 'el Yoseph) is a crucial detail emphasizing his unique and central role as the sole administrator and dispenser of the grain supply. Pharaoh had vested Joseph with absolute authority over the entire land of Egypt and its resources, explicitly stating, "Only in the throne will I be greater than you" (Genesis 41:40). Joseph was not merely a bureaucrat; he was the visible and effective agent through whom God's provision was channeled. Thus, coming "to Joseph" meant coming to the very source of sustenance, the one person empowered to distribute the life-saving grain. This highlights his personal authority and the direct link between his divinely-given wisdom and the preservation of life for "all countries" (Genesis 41:57).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's extraordinary role in Genesis 41:57, where "all countries came" to him for life-sustaining "corn" during a global famine, serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Joseph, elevated by Pharaoh, became the world's physical savior from starvation, so too is Jesus Christ the ultimate Savior to whom all humanity must come for spiritual life and eternal sustenance. In a world spiritually starving due to the pervasive famine of sin, Jesus declares Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35), the one who provides true and lasting nourishment that satisfies the deepest human hunger. He is the "living bread that came down from heaven" (John 6:51), offering eternal life to all who believe. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ offers an inexhaustible supply of grace and salvation, drawing people from "all lands" and "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9) to Himself for redemption and true spiritual vitality. Joseph's provision was temporary and physical; Christ's provision is eternal and spiritual, fulfilling the deeper human need.