Genesis 41:57

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn]; because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands.

And all countries {H776} came {H935} into Egypt {H4714} to Joseph {H3130} for to buy {H7666} corn; because that the famine {H7458} was so sore {H2388} in all lands {H776}.

Moreover all countries came to Egypt to Yosef to buy grain, because the famine was severe throughout the earth.

And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was sore in all the earth.

Commentary

Genesis 41:57 describes the global impact of the severe famine during Joseph’s time in Egypt, emphasizing how people from all surrounding regions were compelled to seek sustenance from him.

Context

This verse concludes a pivotal chapter in the story of Joseph. Having interpreted Pharaoh's prophetic dreams of seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of devastating famine (Genesis 41:25-36), Joseph was elevated to a position of immense power, second only to Pharaoh. His divinely-inspired wisdom led him to implement a strategy of storing vast quantities of grain during the years of plenty. When the famine began, as foretold, it was not confined to Egypt but spread across "all lands," making Egypt the sole source of relief. Genesis 41:56 notes that the famine was "over all the face of the earth," forcing people to come to Joseph for food.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Foresight: The verse highlights God's meticulous plan, using Joseph's dreams and administrative skills to prepare for a global crisis. This demonstrates God's sovereignty, turning a potential disaster into a means of preserving life, as later affirmed by Joseph in Genesis 50:20.
  • Joseph's Wisdom and Leadership: Joseph's divinely-given wisdom enabled him to implement an effective grain storage program, making Egypt the world's breadbasket during the famine. His administrative foresight saved countless lives.
  • Egypt as a Global Provider: During this period, Egypt became the central hub for food distribution, drawing people from "all countries" (KJV) who were desperate for "corn" (grain).
  • Severity of the Famine: The phrase "famine was so sore in all lands" underscores the extreme and widespread nature of the crisis, emphasizing the dire circumstances that led people to travel great distances for food.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "corn" here refers broadly to grain, not specifically maize (which was unknown in the ancient Near East at this time). The phrase "all countries" and "all lands" emphasizes the universal reach of the famine and the unparalleled scope of Egypt's provision under Joseph's management. This global impact highlights the magnitude of God's plan working through Joseph.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:57 reminds us of several timeless truths:

  • God's Preparatory Hand: Even in times of abundance, God often prepares for future challenges. We are called to be wise stewards of resources, whether personal or communal, preparing for unforeseen circumstances.
  • Leadership and Stewardship: Joseph's example teaches the importance of wise and ethical leadership, especially in managing resources for the greater good of humanity.
  • Trust in Divine Provision: In times of scarcity or crisis, this verse offers reassurance that God often orchestrates circumstances, even difficult ones, to provide for His people and fulfill His purposes.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 41:54 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 41:56 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 42:5 (3 votes)

    And the sons of Israel came to buy [corn] among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.

  • Deuteronomy 9:28 (2 votes)

    Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.

  • Psalms 105:16 (2 votes)

    Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.

  • Psalms 105:17 (2 votes)

    He sent a man before them, [even] Joseph, [who] was sold for a servant:

  • Genesis 42:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?