Genesis 42:1

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

Now when Jacob {H3290} saw {H7200} that there was {H3426} corn {H7668} in Egypt {H4714}, Jacob {H3290} said {H559} unto his sons {H1121}, Why do ye look {H7200} one upon another?

Now Ya'akov saw that there was grain in Egypt; so Ya'akov said to his sons, "Why are you staring at each other?

When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, โ€œWhy are you staring at one another?โ€

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

Commentary

Genesis 42:1 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Jacob and his family, setting the stage for the dramatic reunion with Joseph in Egypt. The verse opens with Jacob's realization of a crucial piece of information amidst a severe famine.

Context

This verse is situated during the seven years of famine that swept across the known world, as foretold by Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41:25-36). While Jacob and his family in Canaan were suffering from the widespread scarcity of food, news had reached them that there was "corn" (meaning grain or sustenance) available in Egypt. This situation highlights the dire circumstances faced by Jacob's household, compelling them to look beyond their immediate surroundings for survival. It also sets the stage for God's overarching plan to bring Jacob's family into Egypt, where they would be preserved and grow into a great nation, ultimately fulfilling the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: Even amidst a devastating famine, God's foresight and planning are evident. Joseph's earlier arrival and rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 37:28, Genesis 41:40) ensured a place of refuge and provision for his family, demonstrating God's ability to work through difficult circumstances for His ultimate purposes.
  • Leadership and Initiative: Jacob's sharp question, "Why do ye look one upon another?", confronts the paralysis and inaction of his sons. It serves as a call to move beyond passive observation of their predicament and take practical steps towards a solution. This highlights the importance of proactive leadership, even in desperate times.
  • Scarcity and Provision: The verse starkly contrasts the famine in Canaan with the abundance of grain in Egypt, a result of Joseph's wise management during the years of plenty. This theme underscores God's ability to provide for His people, often in unexpected ways and places.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "corn" in this verse refers to grain in general, specifically wheat or barley, which were staple crops in the ancient Near East, not the maize we commonly associate with "corn" today. The Hebrew word used is bar (ื‘ืจ), which broadly means "grain." 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 accusation of their collective inaction. It's an expression of exasperation, urging them to cease their unproductive staring and instead consider a course of action.

Practical Application

Genesis 42:1 offers timeless lessons for believers today. In times of crisis or difficulty, it's easy to become overwhelmed, passive, or to simply "look one upon another" in despair. Jacob's example reminds us of the need for decisive action and seeking solutions, rather than being paralyzed by circumstances. It encourages us to look for God's provision, which may appear in unexpected places or through unlikely means, much like the grain stored in Egypt. This verse also speaks to the importance of leadership within families and communities, prompting proactive engagement with challenges and seeking practical, God-honoring solutions.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 7:12 (5 votes)

    But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

  • Joshua 7:10 (3 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?

  • Exodus 5:19 (2 votes)

    And the officers of the children of Israel did see [that] they [were] in evil [case], after it was said, Ye shall not minish [ought] from your bricks of your daily task.

  • Genesis 42:2 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Galatians 2:7 (2 votes)

    But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;

  • Exodus 20:18 (2 votes)

    ยถ And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off.

  • Genesis 41:54 (2 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.