Genesis 42:2

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.

And he said {H559}, Behold, I have heard {H8085} that there is {H3426} corn {H7668} in Egypt {H4714}: get you down {H3381} thither, and buy {H7666} for us from thence; that we may live {H2421}, and not die {H4191}.

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!"

โ€œLook,โ€ he added, โ€œI have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.โ€

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.

Commentary

Genesis 42:2 (KJV) records Jacob (also called Israel) instructing his sons during a severe famine. He has heard that there is food available in Egypt and urges them to go there to purchase grain, emphasizing the critical need for survival: "that we may live, and not die." This verse sets in motion the dramatic reunion of Joseph with his brothers, a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative.

Context

This verse opens a crucial chapter in the story of Jacob's family, occurring many years after Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. A devastating famine, prophesied by Joseph and prepared for by Pharaoh, has gripped the entire region, including Canaan where Jacob and his large family reside. The land's resources are depleted, and their very existence is threatened. Jacob's words reflect the desperate reality of their situation and his proactive leadership in seeking a solution to avert starvation.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Need for Provision: The phrase "that we may live, and not die" powerfully conveys the dire circumstances. It highlights the basic human need for sustenance and the immediate threat of famine.
  • Divine Providence and Unseen Hand: Though Jacob is unaware, God's sovereign plan has orchestrated events for years, placing Joseph in a position of power in Egypt precisely for this moment. This journey for food is an integral step in God's overarching plan to preserve His chosen people and fulfill His covenant promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3).
  • Human Initiative in Crisis: Jacob's decision to send his sons to Egypt demonstrates practical wisdom and decisive action in the face of an existential threat. He doesn't passively wait but actively seeks a solution based on the information he has received.

Linguistic Insights

The term "corn" as used in the King James Version (KJV) in Genesis 42:2 refers to grain in general, such as wheat or barley, rather than specifically maize (which was unknown in the ancient Near East). This distinction is important for understanding the agricultural context of the time. The Hebrew word is sheber (ืฉึถืื‘ึถืจ), meaning "grain" or "corn," specifically "provisions" or "food supply" bought in the market. The urgency conveyed by "live, and not die" underscores the stark choice facing the family: find food or perish.

Practical Application

Genesis 42:2 reminds us that even in times of extreme hardship and uncertainty, God is at work, often behind the scenes, orchestrating circumstances for His purposes and the good of His people. It encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Provision: Even when circumstances seem bleak, God often provides in unexpected ways, just as He had prepared Joseph in Egypt years earlier (Genesis 41:49).
  • Take Responsible Action: While trusting God, we are also called to be proactive and responsible in addressing challenges, just as Jacob took practical steps to ensure his family's survival.
  • Recognize God's Long-Term Plan: What might seem like a desperate immediate need can be part of a much larger, divine plan unfolding over years, leading to unexpected blessings and fulfillments.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 43:8 (5 votes)

    And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, [and] also our little ones.

  • Matthew 4:4 (2 votes)

    But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

  • Genesis 45:9 (2 votes)

    Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:

  • Genesis 43:4 (2 votes)

    If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food:

  • Isaiah 38:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

  • Psalms 118:17 (2 votes)

    I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

  • Genesis 43:2 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food.