TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
Complete Jewish Bible
Now Ya'akov saw that there was grain in Egypt; so Ya'akov said to his sons, "Why are you staring at each other?
Berean Standard Bible
When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?”
American Standard Version
Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
World English Bible Messianic
Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Iaakob saw that there was foode in Egypt, and Iaakob said vnto his sonnes, Why gaze ye one vpon an other?
Young's Literal Translation
And Jacob seeth that there is corn in Egypt, and Jacob saith to his sons, `Why do you look at each other?'
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Commentary on Genesis 42 verses 1–6
1 ¶ Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
2 And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
3 And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.
4 But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
5 And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
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.
Though Jacob's sons were all married, and had families of their own, yet, it should seem, they were still incorporated in one society, under the conduct and presidency of their father Jacob. We have here,
I. The orders he gave them to go and buy corn in Egypt, Gen 42:1, Gen 42:2. Observe, 1. The famine was grievous in the land of Canaan. It is observable that all the three patriarches, to whom Canaan was the land of promise, met with famine in that land, which was not only to try their faith, whether they could trust God though he should slay them, though he should starve them, but to teach them to seek the better country, that is, the heavenly, Heb 11:14-16. We have need of something to wean us from this world, and make us long for a better. 2. Still, when there was famine in Canaan, there was corn in Egypt. Thus Providence orders it, that one place should be a succour and supply to another; for we are all brethren. The Egyptians, the seed of accursed Ham, have plenty, when God's blessed Israel want: Thus God, in dispensing common favours, often crosses hands. Yet observe, The plenty Egypt now had was owing, under God, to Joseph's prudence and care: if his brethren had not sold him into Egypt, but respected him according to his merits, who knows but he might have done the same thing for Jacob's family which now he had done for Pharaoh, and the Egyptians might then have come to them to buy corn? but those who drive away from among them wise and good men know not what they do. 3. Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt; he saw the corn that his neighbours had bought there and brought home. It is a spur to exertion to see where supplies are to be had, and to see others supplied. Shall others get food for their souls, and shall we starve while it is to be had? 4. He reproved his sons for delaying to provide corn for their families. Why do you look one upon another? Note, When we are in trouble and want, it is folly for us to stand looking upon one another, that is, to stand desponding and despairing, as if there were no hope, no help, - to stand disputing either which shall have the honour of going first or which shall have the safety of coming last, - to stand deliberating and debating what we shall do, and doing nothing, - to stand dreaming under a spirit of slumber, as if we had nothing to do, and to stand delaying, as if we had time at command. Let it never be said, "We left that to be done tomorrow which we could a well have done today." 5. He quickened them to go to Egypt: Get you down thither. Masters of families must not only pray for daily bread for their families, and food convenient, but must lay out themselves with care and industry to provide it.
II. Their obedience to these orders, Gen 42:3. They went down to buy corn; they did not send their servants, but very prudently went themselves, to lay out their own money. Let none think themselves too great nor too good to take pains. Masters of families should see with their own eyes, and take heed of leaving too much to servants. Only Benjamin went not with them, for he was his father's darling. To Egypt they came, among others, and, having a considerable cargo of corn to buy, they were brought before Joseph himself, who probably expected they would come; and, according to the laws of courtesy, they bowed down themselves before him, Gen 42:6. Now their empty sheaves did obeisance to his full one. Compare this with Isa 60:14 and Rev 3:9.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Joseph the Patriarch
And Jacob said to his sons, “Why are you idle? Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy food for us.” This is not something Jacob said one time; he says it daily to his sons who come to Christ’s grace too late, “Why are you idle? Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt.” From this grain there comes the grain that rises again. And so whoever suffers famine ought to attribute it to his own laziness. “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt.” Generally, indeed, younger men hear of something more quickly than their elders, for many of the former travel about and are engaged out of doors. But an old man is the first to hear of this business matter, yet an old man who has lived to a great age in faith, an old man whose old age is worthy of respect, and the time of his old age is a spotless life.
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 42:1 opens a pivotal chapter in the patriarchal narrative, revealing Jacob's family in Canaan facing a severe famine while news of available grain in Egypt reaches them. Jacob, observing his sons' passive despair, challenges their inaction and commands them to journey to Egypt for sustenance, thereby initiating the divinely orchestrated reunion with Joseph and the preservation of God's chosen lineage.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant Literary Devices. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question, "Why do ye look one upon another?" Jacob's question is not seeking information but rather serves as a sharp rebuke, designed to provoke action and shame his sons out of their passive despair. It highlights their inertia in contrast to the pressing need. There is also a subtle Irony at play: the sons are staring helplessly at each other, unaware that the very source of their salvation—their long-lost brother Joseph—is in the land where they must go. Furthermore, the verse functions as a narrative Catalyst, initiating the journey to Egypt that will lead to the dramatic reunion and the unfolding of God's overarching plan for the preservation of Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 42:1 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous Divine Providence, even through human inaction and exasperation. The famine, a natural disaster, becomes a divinely appointed mechanism to move Jacob's family into Egypt, where they will be preserved and grow into a great nation, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob's observation and subsequent command, while seemingly a pragmatic response to a crisis, are integral steps within God's larger, sovereign plan, demonstrating that human responsibility and divine orchestration work in concert.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our own lives, facing overwhelming circumstances can often lead to paralysis, much like Jacob's sons "looking one upon another." This verse serves as a potent reminder that while we trust in God's sovereign provision, we are also called to active, Spirit-led initiative. We are not to be passive observers of our difficulties but proactive seekers of God-ordained solutions. Jacob's rebuke challenges us to move beyond despair, blame, or inaction, and to engage with our circumstances with wisdom and courage. It encourages us to discern where God might be providing "corn" in our "Egypts"—unexpected resources, opportunities, or guidance—and to step out in faith and obedience, even when the path is uncertain. This proactive stance, rooted in trust, allows us to participate in God's unfolding plan for our lives and for the world around us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "corn" mean in Genesis 42:1?
Answer: In the King James Version, "corn" is an archaic term referring broadly to grain, such as wheat or barley, which were staple crops in the ancient Near East. It does not refer to maize (what modern English speakers typically call "corn"), which originated in the Americas and was unknown in that region at the time. The Hebrew word used is sheber (שֶׁבֶר), meaning "grain" or "victuals." Jacob's observation that there was "corn in Egypt" meant there was a supply of food available there.
Why did Jacob's sons "look one upon another"?
Answer: Jacob's rhetorical question, "Why do ye look one upon another?" (Hebrew: lammah titra'u), conveys a sense of mutual helplessness, idleness, or even a silent, unproductive exchange of glances in the face of the severe famine. It expresses Jacob's exasperation with their passive despair and lack of initiative. He was urging them to cease their unproductive staring and instead consider a practical course of action to find food, which was readily available in Egypt.
Does Jacob's question imply a lack of faith?
Answer: Jacob's question is primarily an expression of practical leadership and a call to action rather than a sign of a lack of faith. While he undoubtedly relied on God's providence, he also understood the necessity of human effort and initiative in response to a crisis. His question challenges his sons' inertia, prompting them to take the necessary steps to secure food, which ultimately aligns with God's larger plan to preserve his family and bring them into Egypt. It highlights the biblical principle that faith often requires corresponding action.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 42:1, though a scene of earthly need and human response, subtly foreshadows the ultimate provision found in Christ. Joseph, the one who stored up grain and became the savior of his family and the nations, stands as a profound type of Christ, who is the true "bread of life" (as declared in John 6:35), offering eternal sustenance to a spiritually famished world. Just as Jacob's sons had to journey to Egypt to receive physical nourishment from Joseph, humanity must come to Christ to receive spiritual life and salvation. The entire narrative of Jacob's family being preserved and brought to Egypt, a place of refuge and growth, ultimately points to God's meticulous plan to preserve the lineage through which the Messiah would come (see Matthew 1:1-17), ensuring that the promised Redeemer would be born to bring everlasting provision and deliverance to all who believe (as seen in John 3:16).