Genesis 42:3

KJV

And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph's {H3130} ten {H6235} brethren {H251} went down {H3381} to buy {H7666} corn {H1250} in Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus Yosef's ten brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt,

Berean Standard Bible

So ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.

American Standard Version

And Joseph’s ten brethren went down to buy grain from Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 42:3 marks a critical juncture in the patriarchal narrative, detailing the journey of Joseph's ten elder brothers to Egypt to procure grain amidst a severe famine gripping Canaan. This seemingly ordinary act of necessity, driven by widespread scarcity, unknowingly propels them towards a dramatic and divinely orchestrated reunion with their long-lost brother Joseph, setting in motion God's intricate plan for the preservation and future formation of the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jacob's directive to his sons to journey to Egypt to acquire food, as the famine had become unbearable in Canaan, as detailed in [Genesis 42:1-2](/genesis/42-1-2 "Jacob Sends His Sons to Egypt for Food"). The narrative thread leading to this moment is intricately woven with the preceding chapters, particularly the story of Joseph's betrayal by these very brothers, who sold him into slavery in [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold into Slavery"). His subsequent rise to power as Pharaoh's second-in-command, a position achieved through divine favor and the interpretation of [prophetic dreams](/genesis/41-1-36 "Pharaoh's Dreams and Joseph's Interpretation"), enabled Egypt to prepare for the [seven years of famine](/genesis/41-29-30 "Prophecy of the Seven Years of Famine") that now afflicted the entire region. The exclusion of Benjamin, Jacob's youngest and Joseph's full brother, from this perilous journey underscores Jacob's lingering grief and protective instincts, adding a layer of poignant tension to the brothers' mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was highly susceptible to famine, as agricultural productivity was directly dependent on rainfall and the consistent flooding of rivers like the Nile. Egypt, with its predictable Nile inundation, was often a granary for the surrounding regions during times of drought. The journey from Canaan to Egypt was a significant undertaking, involving travel across arid lands, highlighting the dire circumstances that compelled Jacob's sons to venture into a foreign land. The practice of storing grain in anticipation of lean years, as Joseph wisely implemented, was a crucial survival strategy in this agricultural society. Furthermore, the concept of a powerful central authority, like Pharaoh in Egypt, controlling vital resources such as grain, was typical of the hierarchical societies of the time, making Egypt the logical destination for those seeking sustenance.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 42:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work, using even human sin and natural disaster (the famine) to orchestrate His redemptive purposes and preserve His covenant people. This aligns with Joseph's later profound theological insight that what his brothers "meant for evil, God meant for good" ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Sovereign Purpose")). The verse also introduces the theme of **Dramatic Irony**, as the brothers embark on their journey completely unaware that the powerful Egyptian official they must appeal to for survival is their long-lost brother. This sets the stage for a narrative arc of **Consequences and Reconciliation**, where the brothers will be confronted with their past actions and undergo a transformative process leading to repentance and familial restoration, crucial for the continuity of the covenant lineage established with [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 42:3, "And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt," is a compact yet profoundly significant statement that propels the narrative forward toward its climax, initiating the process of familial reconciliation and the preservation of God's covenant people.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yôwçêph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** This proper name, meaning "let him add," is crucial. The verse specifically identifies the brothers as "Joseph's ten brethren," immediately linking the current desperate journey to the past act of betrayal. It underscores the profound dramatic irony: they are going to the very brother they wronged, who now holds their lives in his hands, without recognizing him. This highlights the personal and familial stakes of their mission.
* **ʼâch (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** Translated as "brethren," this primitive word denotes a brother in the widest sense of literal relationship. Its use here emphasizes the familial bond, however strained, between Joseph and those who betrayed him. It reminds the reader that these are not strangers but family members, whose actions against one of their own have led to this moment of reckoning and potential restoration.
* **yârad (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** Rendered as "went down," this verb signifies a literal descent, as Egypt is geographically lower than Canaan. However, it also carries symbolic weight, representing a descent into a challenging, unknown, and potentially dangerous situation where the brothers will face the consequences of their past. It suggests a humbling journey, both geographically and spiritually, as they are forced to seek aid from a foreign power.
* **bâr (Hebrew, _bâr'_):** Translated as "corn" in the KJV, this word refers to grain of any kind, such as wheat or barley. It is derived from a root meaning "to winnow," indicating processed grain. This detail highlights the immediate, practical purpose of their journey: to acquire essential foodstuffs to survive the devastating famine. It underscores the dire necessity driving their actions and the fundamental need for sustenance in a time of widespread scarcity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joseph's ten brethren":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the central characters and the underlying tension. The specific mention of "Joseph's" brothers, rather than simply "Jacob's sons," serves as a poignant reminder of their past sin against him, setting the stage for the dramatic irony and the eventual confrontation. The number "ten" highlights the absence of Benjamin, underscoring Jacob's protective instincts and adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
* **"went down":** This phrase denotes both a literal geographical descent from the higher elevations of Canaan to the lower Nile Valley of Egypt, and a symbolic descent into a situation of vulnerability and dependence. It signifies a journey into the unknown, where the brothers will be stripped of their usual familial authority and forced to humble themselves before a foreign power.
* **"to buy corn":** This clause reveals the immediate, practical motivation for their journey: the desperate need for food due to the severe famine. "Corn" here refers to grain in general (e.g., wheat, barley), the staple food of the ancient world. This highlights the widespread crisis and the brothers' dire circumstances, emphasizing their reliance on external provision.
* **"in Egypt":** This specifies the destination, a land renowned for its agricultural abundance, especially during times of regional drought. Egypt represents a place of both potential salvation and potential danger for the Israelites, foreshadowing their future sojourn and exodus. It is the locus of Joseph's power and the stage for the unfolding divine drama.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of Joseph's identity and position in Egypt, while his brothers remain oblivious. This creates suspense and anticipation for their inevitable, unrecognized encounter. The phrase "went down" employs **Symbolism**, representing not only a literal geographical descent but also a metaphorical descent into a humbling and challenging situation, where the brothers will confront the consequences of their past actions. Furthermore, the entire scene acts as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future reconciliation of the family and the preservation of the covenant lineage, which will ultimately lead to the formation of the nation of Israel and their later, prolonged sojourn in Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 42:3 is a powerful testament to God's meticulous **sovereignty and redemptive purpose**, even amidst human sin and widespread suffering. The famine, a natural disaster, becomes a divinely appointed catalyst, compelling Joseph's brothers to journey to Egypt, thereby initiating the process of reconciliation and the preservation of the covenant family. This seemingly mundane act of buying grain is, in fact, a crucial step in God's overarching plan to sustain the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises despite human failings. The narrative underscores that God works through both ordinary circumstances and extraordinary events to bring about His perfect will.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Sovereign Purpose")
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalms/105-16-17 "God Sends Famine and Joseph Ahead")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 42:3 offers profound insights into God's providential care and the transformative power of His redemptive plan. It reminds us that even when our circumstances seem dire, or when we are compelled by necessity into uncomfortable or challenging situations, God is often at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for a greater, often unseen, purpose. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His sovereignty, even when the path ahead is unclear or when we are facing the consequences of past actions—whether our own or those of others. It highlights the importance of humility in acknowledging our dependence on God and others, and the potential for profound reconciliation and restoration that God can bring about in broken relationships and families. Ultimately, it calls us to look beyond immediate difficulties and recognize the larger tapestry of God's faithfulness unfolding in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of divine providence in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of suffering and difficult circumstances in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly ordinary or even desperate situations in your life to bring about a greater, redemptive purpose?**
* **What lessons can be learned from the brothers' journey regarding humility, facing consequences, and the potential for reconciliation in estranged relationships?**
* **How does this story encourage you to trust God's plan, even when you cannot see the full picture or understand His methods?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob send only ten of his sons to Egypt?**

Answer: Jacob's decision to send only ten of his sons, keeping Benjamin at home, was primarily driven by profound grief and a protective instinct. Having already lost Joseph, whom he believed to be dead, Jacob feared that harm might also befall Benjamin, his youngest son and Joseph's full brother, both born to his beloved wife Rachel. This choice reflects Jacob's deep sorrow and his desire to preserve at least one of his youngest, most cherished sons, highlighting the emotional weight of Joseph's presumed loss on the patriarch.

**What does "corn" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the term "corn" in [Genesis 42:3](/genesis/42-3 "Joseph's Brothers Go to Egypt") refers to grain in general, such as wheat or barley, which were staple crops throughout the ancient Near East. It does not denote maize, or what is commonly known as "corn" in modern American English, as maize was indigenous to the Americas and unknown in that region at this historical period. The original Hebrew word, `bâr` (H1250), accurately conveys the meaning of "grain" or "provision," indicating the brothers' purpose was to acquire essential foodstuffs for survival during the severe famine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The journey of Joseph's brothers to Egypt, initiated in [Genesis 42:3](/genesis/42-3 "Joseph's Brothers Go to Egypt"), serves as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Joseph himself stands as a remarkable type of Christ: like Joseph, Jesus was rejected and betrayed by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Rejected by His Own")), yet through His suffering and subsequent exaltation to the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation")), He became the ultimate means of salvation and reconciliation for humanity. Just as Joseph, though unrecognized by his brothers, held the power to save his family from physical famine, so Jesus, the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offers spiritual sustenance and eternal salvation to all who come to Him in faith, even those who once rejected Him. This narrative of a scattered and estranged family being brought back together and sustained through the provision of one who was once despised powerfully illustrates the spiritual reconciliation and abundant life offered to humanity through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who brings forgiveness and restoration to all who believe ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 42:13

And they said, Thy servants [are] twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest [is] this day with our father, and one [is] not.

Genesis 42:5

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