TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
Look," he said, "I've heard that there's grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us from there, so that we can stay alive and not die!"
Berean Standard Bible
“Look,” he added, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”
American Standard Version
And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
World English Bible Messianic
He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he said, Behold, I haue heard that there is foode in Egypt, Get you downe thither, and bie vs foode thence, that we may liue and not die.
Young's Literal Translation
he saith also, `Lo, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt, go down thither, and buy for us from thence, and we live and do not die;'
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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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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 42:2 captures a moment of acute crisis for Jacob and his family, as a severe famine grips the land. Driven by the desperate need for sustenance, Jacob instructs his ten sons to journey to Egypt, having received intelligence that grain was available there. His urgent command, motivated by the stark reality "that we may live, and not die," initiates a pivotal sequence of events that will ultimately lead to the dramatic reunion with his long-lost son Joseph and the miraculous preservation of the nascent nation of Israel, all orchestrated by divine providence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Genesis 42:2 is the immediate catalyst for the dramatic events of the Joseph narrative's climax. It follows years after Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery Genesis 37:28 and his subsequent rise to power in Egypt, having interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and prepared for the seven years of famine Genesis 41:37-49. The preceding verses of chapter 42 establish the widespread and severe nature of the famine, affecting not only Egypt but also the surrounding lands, including Canaan where Jacob and his family resided. Jacob's awareness of the grain in Egypt (v. 1) and his subsequent command to his sons (v. 2) directly propel the narrative forward, setting the stage for the brothers' first encounter with Joseph, who they do not recognize. This verse is the crucial turning point, moving the story from the famine's impact to the unfolding of God's intricate plan for reunion and preservation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The ancient Near East was highly susceptible to famine due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and the unpredictable nature of annual floods (like the Nile's in Egypt). A seven-year famine, as described, would have been catastrophic, leading to widespread starvation and migration. Egypt, with its advanced agricultural practices and the predictable flooding of the Nile, was often a granary for the region, especially during times of drought elsewhere. The practice of storing grain during abundant years for lean years was a common and essential survival strategy. Jacob's decision to send his sons to Egypt reflects a practical and common response to such a crisis; people would travel to known centers of food supply. Furthermore, the patriarchal society placed a strong emphasis on the preservation of the family line, making Jacob's desperate plea to "live, and not die" a profound expression of his responsibility as the head of the household and the inheritor of God's covenant promises.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates Divine Sovereignty and Providence, as Jacob's seemingly mundane decision to seek food is, unbeknownst to him, a direct fulfillment of God's long-term plan to preserve his family through Joseph, whom God had "sent before" them Genesis 45:7. The theme of Famine and Deliverance is central, highlighting God's ability to use even devastating circumstances to achieve His redemptive purposes. It also underscores the theme of Human Responsibility and Initiative within God's plan; Jacob acts decisively, not passively, in the face of crisis. Finally, it reinforces the theme of Covenant Faithfulness, as the preservation of Jacob's family ensures the continuation of the lineage through which God's promises to Abraham—of a great nation and a blessing to all peoples Genesis 12:2-3—would ultimately be realized. The journey to Egypt is a crucial step in the unfolding of Israel's national identity, foreshadowing their future sojourn and deliverance from that land.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Dramatic Irony is paramount, as Jacob and his sons are completely unaware that the "corn" in Egypt, and indeed the entire system of provision, is under the control of their long-lost brother, Joseph. This irony deepens the narrative's tension and highlights God's hidden hand in orchestrating events. The stark Contrast between "live, and not die" powerfully emphasizes the existential threat facing the family, underscoring the urgency and desperation of their situation. This is a classic example of a Merism, where two opposing terms are used to express totality or the full range of possibilities (in this case, life or death). Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a moment of Foreshadowing, setting in motion the chain of events that will lead to the dramatic reunion of Joseph with his family and the subsequent migration of the entire Israelite clan to Egypt, thus preserving the covenant line. Jacob's words, while born of immediate necessity, unknowingly initiate a pivotal chapter in salvation history.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 42:2 is a profound illustration of God's meticulous providence, working through human circumstances and decisions to bring about His divine purposes. Jacob's desperate command, driven by the immediate threat of famine, is unknowingly a step in God's grand design to preserve the chosen family line through Joseph, who had been strategically positioned in Egypt years earlier. This passage highlights that God's sovereignty is not passive but actively orchestrates events, often using natural phenomena like famine and human responses to achieve His redemptive will. The preservation of Jacob's family is critical for the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham, ensuring the continuation of the lineage from which the Messiah would ultimately come.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 42:2 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating life's uncertainties. It reminds us that even when circumstances are dire and our vision is limited, God is actively at work, often in ways we cannot immediately perceive. Jacob, focused solely on the immediate need for survival, unknowingly stepped into a divinely orchestrated plan that would reunite his family and fulfill ancient promises. This encourages us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's sovereign providence, recognizing that His purposes often unfold through unexpected paths and even through crises. We are called not to passive resignation but to faithful action, exercising wisdom and initiative in response to challenges, much like Jacob. Yet, our actions should be rooted in the conviction that God uses our efforts, even our desperate ones, to advance His greater redemptive narrative. Ultimately, this passage invites us to look beyond the immediate "famines" in our lives—whether literal or metaphorical—and to discern God's long-term, faithful plan, trusting that He is always working for our good and the fulfillment of His promises, even when His hand is hidden.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jacob send his sons to Egypt instead of going himself?
Answer: Jacob, at this point in his life, was an elderly man, likely around 130 years old (as later indicated in [Genesis 47:9 "Jacob's age and life's journey"]). The journey from Canaan to Egypt was long, arduous, and potentially dangerous, involving significant physical demands and exposure to risks. Sending his ten able-bodied sons was a practical and responsible decision, entrusting them with the vital task of securing provisions for the entire family while he remained to oversee the household and care for the younger children, including Benjamin. This decision reflects both Jacob's age and his wise leadership in delegating a challenging but essential mission.
What is the significance of the phrase "that we may live, and not die"?
Answer: This phrase powerfully conveys the dire, life-or-death urgency of their situation. It highlights the extreme severity of the famine that had gripped the land, leaving Jacob's large family on the brink of starvation. It underscores that the journey to Egypt was not for mere convenience, profit, or luxury, but for fundamental survival. The stark contrast between "live" and "die" emphasizes the desperate need for immediate sustenance to preserve their very existence and the continuation of the family line, which was crucial for God's covenant promises.
How does this verse demonstrate God's providence, even though He is not explicitly mentioned?
Answer: Although God is not named in this specific verse, His providence is profoundly evident in the broader narrative context. The famine itself, the widespread news of grain in Egypt, and, most significantly, Joseph's prior elevation to a position of immense power and responsibility in Egypt Genesis 41:40 were all meticulously orchestrated by God years in advance. Jacob's seemingly human-driven, desperate action to send his sons for food is precisely the step God uses to bring about the reunion of Joseph with his family and to preserve the nascent nation of Israel. This demonstrates God's sovereign hand working behind the scenes, using natural events and human decisions to fulfill His covenant promises and bring about His redemptive plan for His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 42:2, with Jacob's desperate plea for "corn" "that we may live, and not die," powerfully foreshadows humanity's ultimate spiritual need and Christ's provision. Just as Joseph, through God's miraculous providence, became the unexpected savior who provided life-giving grain to his family and the world, so too is Jesus Christ the ultimate "Bread of Life" John 6:35 who offers eternal sustenance to a spiritually famished humanity. The dire threat of physical death facing Jacob's family mirrors the spiritual death that is the wages of sin for all humanity Romans 6:23. Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, provides the only means by which we "may live, and not die" spiritually, offering true and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Furthermore, the preservation of Jacob's family through Joseph ensures the unbroken lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come Matthew 1:1, demonstrating God's meticulous plan to provide salvation and life through His Son, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the deepest hunger of the human soul.