Genesis 42:6

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.

And Joseph {H3130} was the governor {H7989} over the land {H776}, and he it was that sold {H7666} to all the people {H5971} of the land {H776}: and Joseph's {H3130} brethren {H251} came {H935}, and bowed down {H7812} themselves before him with their faces {H639} to the earth {H776}.

Yosef was governor over the land; it was he who sold to all the people of the land. Now when Yosef's brothers came and prostrated themselves before him on the ground,

Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

And Joseph was the governor over the land; he it was that sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves to him with their faces to the earth.

Commentary

Genesis 42:6 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Joseph, illustrating the dramatic reversal of fortune and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. Here, Joseph, once betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers, stands as the powerful governor of Egypt, while those very brothers unknowingly come to him, bowing in submission.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse takes place during a severe, seven-year famine that afflicted not only Egypt but also the surrounding lands, including Canaan where Jacob and his family resided. Joseph had previously interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, predicting the famine and advising the storage of grain during seven years of abundance. His wisdom led to his appointment as second-in-command over all Egypt. The brothers' journey to Egypt for food, as described in Genesis 42:3, was a direct consequence of this widespread hardship, providentially bringing them face-to-face with the brother they had wronged.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: The most striking theme is God's overarching control. Despite the brothers' cruel actions in selling Joseph into slavery, God used their evil for a greater good—to preserve their family and the nascent nation of Israel. Joseph himself later articulates this profound truth in Genesis 50:20, stating, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good."
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This scene is a direct fulfillment of the dreams Joseph had as a young man, where his brothers' sheaves of grain and the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him (Genesis 37:7, Genesis 37:9). Their bowing "with their faces to the earth" vividly illustrates the complete, humble submission predicted decades earlier.
  • Humility and Reversal of Fortune: The brothers, who once held power over Joseph and scorned his dreams, are now utterly dependent on him. Their prostration signifies a profound shift in power dynamics, albeit one they do not yet comprehend.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bowed down themselves before him [with] their faces to the earth" uses the Hebrew verb shachah (שָׁחָה), which denotes a deep act of prostration or homage. It is the same word often used for worship or profound reverence. In this context, it signifies complete submission and respect for authority, precisely fulfilling Joseph's prophetic dreams.

Practical Application

Genesis 42:6 offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even through periods of injustice, suffering, or apparent setbacks, God remains in control, working His purposes. Joseph's story encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to orchestrate events for our good and His glory, even when circumstances seem bleak. It also highlights the theme of humility, as God often uses unexpected means to bring about His will and reveal His plan, sometimes in ways that humble the proud and elevate the lowly.

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

Cross-References

  • Genesis 18:2 (2 votes)

    And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

  • Genesis 37:7 (2 votes)

    For, behold, we [were] binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.

  • Genesis 37:10 (2 votes)

    And he told [it] to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What [is] this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?

  • Genesis 45:26 (2 votes)

    And told him, saying, Joseph [is] yet alive, and he [is] governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.

  • Genesis 44:14 (2 votes)

    And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he [was] yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.

  • Genesis 45:8 (2 votes)

    So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

  • Acts 7:10 (2 votes)

    And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.