Genesis 42:5

Translation
King James Version
And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And the sons H1121 of Israel H3478 came H935 to buy H7666 corn among H8432 those that came H935: for the famine H7458 was in the land H776 of Canaan H3667.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The sons of Isra'el came to buy along with the others that came, since the famine extended to the land of Kena'an.
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Berean Standard Bible
So the sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan.
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American Standard Version
And the sons of Israel came to buy among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
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World English Bible Messianic
The sons of Israel came to buy among those who came, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And the sonnes of Israel came to bye foode among them that came: for there was famine in the land of Canaan.
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Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel come to buy in the midst of those coming, for the famine hath been in the land of Canaan,
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See also
Acts 7:11Genesis 12:10Genesis 41:57Genesis 26:1Acts 11:28
See on the biblical-era map
All Genesis Sites (Canaan)
All Genesis Sites (Canaan) View full PDF
All Genesis Sites (Middle East)
All Genesis Sites (Middle East) View full PDF
Genesis 37:12-36, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 42:1-26, Genesis 42:27-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-27, Genesis 46:28-47:12, Genesis 47:27-31, Genesis 49:29-50:14, Genesis 50:15-21, Genesis 50:22-25
Genesis 37:12-36, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 42:1-26, Genesis 42:27-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-27, Genesis 46:28-47:12, Genesis 47:27-31, Genesis 49:29-50:14, Genesis 50:15-21, Genesis 50:22-25 View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 1,258 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 42:5 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Joseph and his family, detailing the arrival of ten of Jacob's sons in Egypt to purchase grain. Unbeknownst to them, the powerful Egyptian overseer from whom they seek sustenance is their long-lost brother, Joseph. This desperate journey, compelled by a severe regional famine, serves as a divinely orchestrated catalyst, initiating the complex process of family reunion, repentance, and reconciliation, ultimately setting the stage for Israel's descent into Egypt—a crucial event in God's redemptive plan for His covenant people.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Genesis 42 opens a new chapter in the Joseph narrative, immediately following the account of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and his meticulous preparations for the prophesied famine (Genesis 41). The previous chapters detail Joseph's dreams, his brothers' betrayal, his enslavement, and his eventual elevation to second-in-command over all Egypt. This verse directly follows Jacob's decision to send his sons to Egypt upon hearing of its available grain, setting in motion the long-awaited reunion and the complex series of events that will test the brothers' character and lead to their humbling. It bridges the gap between Joseph's past suffering and his future role as the family's deliverer, fulfilling earlier prophetic dreams (Genesis 37).
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The ancient Near East was highly susceptible to famine, often caused by drought affecting the annual Nile floods in Egypt or rainfall in Canaan. Egypt, with its unique agricultural reliance on the Nile, was often a granary for the region, especially during widespread droughts. The practice of storing grain in years of plenty was a common and essential survival strategy, though Joseph's scale of storage was unprecedented. Travel between Canaan and Egypt was arduous but not uncommon for trade or, as in this case, seeking provisions. People from various lands would indeed converge on Egypt during such crises, making the scene of Jacob's sons arriving "among those that came" a historically plausible depiction of widespread regional distress and Egypt's unique position as a source of relief.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Foremost is Divine Providence, demonstrating God's sovereign hand orchestrating seemingly disparate events—Joseph's enslavement, his rise to power, and the widespread famine—to fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, particularly concerning the preservation and growth of their lineage. The theme of Reconciliation and Forgiveness is also introduced, as the famine forces the estranged brothers into a situation where confrontation and potential restoration become inevitable. Furthermore, it highlights God's Provision in times of scarcity, showcasing how He uses human agents (Joseph) and natural phenomena (famine) to sustain His people and move them towards their destiny as a nation, echoing earlier instances of God's care for His people, such as His provision for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness (Genesis 21:14-21) or His covenant promise to provide for Abraham's descendants in the land of Canaan.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • sons (Hebrew, bên, H1121): This word, derived from a root meaning "to build," signifies a son as a "builder of the family name." Here, it refers to the direct male descendants of Jacob, emphasizing their familial connection and their collective identity as the nascent "Israel." The term underscores their role in carrying forward the patriarchal lineage and covenant promises, even as they are now compelled by dire circumstances to seek sustenance.
  • Israel (Hebrew, Yisrâʼêl, H3478): This is the symbolic name given to Jacob by God after his wrestling match at Peniel, meaning "he will rule as God" or "struggles with God." Its use here, "the sons of Israel," is significant, indicating that these are not merely Jacob's children but the foundational members of the nation that will bear this name. It carries the weight of God's covenant and future destiny for this family.
  • came (Hebrew, bôwʼ, H935): This primitive root verb signifies "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications. In this context, it denotes a purposeful journey, a physical movement driven by necessity. The repetition of this root later in the verse ("among those that came") underscores the widespread nature of the migration due to the famine, highlighting that Jacob's sons were part of a larger, desperate movement of people seeking survival.
  • famine (Hebrew, râʻâb, H7458): This noun denotes "hunger" or "dearth," specifically indicating a severe and widespread lack of food. Its presence is the direct cause of the sons' journey, emphasizing the dire circumstances that have forced them out of their homeland and into a foreign land where their destiny, unbeknownst to them, awaits.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And the sons of Israel came to buy [corn]": This clause identifies the protagonists—Jacob's ten elder sons—and their immediate objective. Their journey from Canaan to Egypt was not for trade or leisure, but a desperate mission to acquire grain (often translated as "corn" in the KJV, referring to any cereal grain like wheat or barley, not maize) essential for their family's survival. This act of seeking sustenance underscores the severity of the famine and their vulnerability.
  • "among those that came": This phrase reveals the widespread nature of the famine. Jacob's sons were not unique in their plight; they were part of a larger multitude of people from various surrounding regions who were also converging on Egypt, the only known source of food. This detail emphasizes Egypt's strategic importance and Joseph's foresight in preparing for the crisis, further highlighting God's providential hand in the events.
  • "for the famine was in the land of Canaan": This final clause provides the explicit reason for their journey. The dire circumstances in their homeland, Canaan, left them with no alternative but to seek provisions elsewhere. This detail underscores the immediate pressure on Jacob's family and sets the stage for their encounter with Joseph, who, through divine wisdom, had prepared Egypt to be the sole source of relief for the entire region.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several literary devices. Narrative Economy is evident in its concise yet impactful delivery of crucial information: who went, where they went, why they went, and the context of their journey. The phrase "among those that came" uses Synecdoche, where a part (Jacob's sons) is presented as belonging to a larger whole (all those seeking grain), effectively conveying the widespread nature of the famine. There is also profound Irony and Foreshadowing embedded in this seemingly simple act of survival. The brothers are unknowingly journeying to the very brother they betrayed and sold into slavery, who is now their only hope for survival. This sets the stage for a dramatic reversal of fortunes and the eventual fulfillment of Joseph's prophetic dreams (Genesis 37:5-11), where his brothers would bow down to him.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 42:5 powerfully illustrates God's intricate and sovereign orchestration of events, even through human sin and natural disaster, to fulfill His divine purposes. The famine, a seemingly random act of nature, becomes a precise instrument in God's hand to bring Jacob's family to Egypt, setting the stage for their growth into a nation and the eventual fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham. This passage underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His chosen lineage and providing for His people, even when they are unaware of His guiding hand.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 42:5 offers a profound spiritual lesson: even in the midst of life's most challenging and desperate circumstances, God remains actively at work, orchestrating events for His ultimate glory and our good. The famine, a period of severe scarcity and uncertainty for Jacob's family, was not an abandonment by God but a divinely appointed pathway to reconciliation, growth, and the fulfillment of His promises. This encourages believers to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in God's providence, especially when faced with personal "famines"—periods of hardship, loss, or confusion. What appears to be a crisis may, in fact, be a necessary step in God's unfolding plan, a catalyst for spiritual transformation, or a means by which He draws us closer to His intended purpose for our lives. Our desperate needs can often lead us to unexpected sources of divine provision and deeper encounters with His faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does this passage encourage you to trust God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire or chaotic?
  • Can you identify a "famine" in your own life that God used to lead you to an unexpected place of provision or growth?
  • In what ways might God be using difficult situations today to bring about reconciliation or to fulfill a larger purpose in your life or community?

FAQ

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

Answer: Jacob sent ten of his sons to Egypt, deliberately keeping his youngest son, Benjamin, with him. This decision stemmed from his deep grief and protective instincts. Having already lost Joseph, whom he believed to be dead, Jacob was exceptionally protective of Benjamin, as Benjamin was the only other son of his beloved wife Rachel. He feared that Benjamin might suffer a similar fate on the perilous journey or in the foreign land, and he could not bear the thought of losing another son from Rachel (Genesis 42:4).

What does "corn" in the King James Version of this verse refer to?

Answer: In the King James Version, the term "corn" (Hebrew: bar) is a general term for any type of grain or cereal, such as wheat or barley. These were the staple crops grown and consumed in the ancient Near East. It does not refer to maize, which is what modern Americans typically call "corn," as maize was unknown in the Middle East until after the European discovery of the Americas. The sons of Israel were seeking these essential cereal grains to make bread and sustain their families.

How did Egypt have food when the rest of the region was experiencing famine?

Answer: Egypt had abundant food supplies while surrounding regions suffered from famine due to Joseph's divinely inspired wisdom and meticulous administration (Genesis 41). Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, foretold seven years of abundant harvests followed by seven years of severe famine. Under Joseph's guidance, Egypt systematically collected and stored a massive portion of the harvest during the years of plenty, creating vast reserves in storehouses throughout the land. This strategic foresight allowed Egypt to not only sustain its own population but also to sell grain to other nations, including Canaan, during the subsequent famine.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Genesis 42:5, depicting the sons of Israel's desperate journey to Egypt for life-sustaining grain, profoundly foreshadows humanity's inherent spiritual hunger and the ultimate provision found only in Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, once rejected, betrayed, and sold into slavery by his brothers, became the unexpected source of their physical salvation and provision, so too Christ, rejected by His own people and crucified, became the ultimate "Bread of Life" (John 6:35) for a spiritually famished world. The widespread famine compelling the brothers to seek sustenance in Egypt mirrors humanity's pervasive spiritual barrenness and desperate need apart from God, compelling us to seek the One who alone can satisfy our deepest longings. Their journey, culminating in reconciliation, forgiveness, and new life in Egypt under Joseph's care, prefigures the believer's journey to Christ, finding forgiveness, restoration, and true spiritual nourishment in Him, who gathers His scattered people and brings them into His abundant and eternal kingdom (John 10:10). This narrative ultimately points to Christ as the one who was "sent before" us (Genesis 45:5) to preserve life and secure our future.

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Commentary on Genesis 42 verses 1–6

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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