CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 41:56 When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/41-56.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/01_Gen_41_56.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 41:56 - The Famine Begins" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/41-56.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/41-56.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/41.htm">Chapter 41</a> > Verse 56</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/41-55.htm" title="Genesis 41:55">◄</a> Genesis 41:56 <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm" title="Genesis 41:57">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/41.htm">New International Version</a> When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. <a href="/nlt/genesis/41.htm">New Living Translation</a> So with severe famine everywhere, Joseph opened up the storehouses and distributed grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout the land of Egypt. <a href="/esv/genesis/41.htm">English Standard Version</a> So when the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/kjv/genesis/41.htm">King James Bible</a> And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/41.htm">New King James Version</a> The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/41.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When the famine was spread over the entire face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/nasb/genesis/41.htm">NASB 1995</a> When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/41.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/lsb/genesis/41.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the famine was over all the face of the land. And Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/amp/genesis/41.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When the famine was spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold [surplus grain] to the Egyptians; and the famine grew [extremely] severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/csb/genesis/41.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the famine had spread across the whole region, so Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/41.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Because the famine had spread across the whole country, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/asv/genesis/41.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine was sore in the land of Egypt. <a href="/cev/genesis/41.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The famine became bad everywhere in Egypt, so Joseph opened the storehouses and sold the grain to the Egyptians. <a href="/erv/genesis/41.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine was sore in the land of Egypt. <a href="/gwt/genesis/41.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the famine had spread all over the country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. He did this because the famine was severe in Egypt. <a href="/gnt/genesis/41.htm">Good News Translation</a> The famine grew worse and spread over the whole country, so Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. <a href="/isv/genesis/41.htm">International Standard Version</a> Joseph opened all of the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, because the famine was beginning to be severe throughout the land of Egypt. <a href="/msb/genesis/41.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/net/genesis/41.htm">NET Bible</a> While the famine was over all the earth, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. The famine was severe throughout the land of Egypt. <a href="/nheb/genesis/41.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So the famine was over all the surface of the land. Then Joseph opened all the storehouses of grain and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/wbt/genesis/41.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the famine was over all the face of the earth; and Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. <a href="/web/genesis/41.htm">World English Bible</a> The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Joseph opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The famine was severe in the land of Egypt. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/41.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the famine has been over all the face of the land, and Joseph opens all [places] which have [grain] in them, and sells to the Egyptians; and the famine is severe in the land of Egypt, <a href="/ylt/genesis/41.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the famine has been over all the face of the land, and Joseph openeth all places which have corn in them, and selleth to the Egyptians; and the famine is severe in the land of Egypt, <a href="/slt/genesis/41.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the famine was upon all the face of the earth: and Joseph will open all which in them, and he will sell to Egypt; and the famine was strong in the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/41.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the famine increased daily in all the land: and Joseph opened all the barns, and sold to the Egyptians: for the famine had oppressed them also. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/41.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the famine increased daily in all the land. And Joseph opened all of the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. For the famine had oppressed them also. <a href="/nabre/genesis/41.htm">New American Bible</a> When the famine had spread throughout the land, Joseph opened all the cities that had grain and rationed it to the Egyptians, since the famine had gripped the land of Egypt. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/41.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/41.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the famine was over all the face of the land, and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; <a href="/hpbt/genesis/41.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And famine was on the face of all the Earth, and Yoseph opened the granaries and he sold to the Egyptians, and the famine prevailed in the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/41.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the famine was over all the face of the earth; and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine was sore in the land of Egypt. <a href="/sep/genesis/41.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the famine was on the face of all the earth; and Joseph opened all the granaries, and sold to all the Egyptians. <a href="/parallel/genesis/41-56.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=10745" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm">The Famine Begins</a> …55When extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.” 56<a href="/hebrew/7458.htm" title="7458: wə·hā·rā·‘āḇ (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Famine, hunger. From ra'eb; hunger.">When the famine</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">had spread</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">land,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: way·yip̄·taḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">opened up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">the storehouses</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7666.htm" title="7666: way·yiš·bōr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To buy grain. Denominative from sheber; to deal in grain.">and sold grain</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: lə·miṣ·ra·yim (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">to the Egyptians;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7458.htm" title="7458: hā·rā·‘āḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Famine, hunger. From ra'eb; hunger.">for the famine</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">was severe</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bə·’e·reṣ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">of Egypt.</a> 57And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/42-5.htm">Genesis 42:5</a> So the sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan. <a href="/genesis/47-13.htm">Genesis 47:13-15</a> There was no food, however, in all that region, because the famine was so severe; the lands of Egypt and Canaan had been exhausted by the famine. / Joseph collected all the money to be found in the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan in exchange for the grain they were buying, and he brought it into Pharaoh’s palace. / When the money from the lands of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? For our funds have run out!” <a href="/acts/7-11.htm">Acts 7:11</a> Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. <a href="/psalms/105-16.htm">Psalm 105:16</a> He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. <a href="/genesis/12-10.htm">Genesis 12:10</a> Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. <a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Genesis 26:1</a> Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in Abraham’s time. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar. <a href="/genesis/43-1.htm">Genesis 43:1</a> Now the famine was still severe in the land. <a href="/2_kings/8-1.htm">2 Kings 8:1-2</a> Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed that a seven-year famine will come to the land.” / So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines. <a href="/ruth/1-1.htm">Ruth 1:1</a> In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab. <a href="/amos/8-11.htm">Amos 8:11</a> Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. <a href="/matthew/24-7.htm">Matthew 24:7</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. <a href="/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25</a> But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land. <a href="/luke/15-14.htm">Luke 15:14</a> After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need. <a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Acts 11:28</a> One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.) <a href="/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5-6</a> And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. / And I heard what sounded like a voice from among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.the face.<a href="/isaiah/23-17.htm">Isaiah 23:17</a> And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.<a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Zechariah 5:3</a> Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.<a href="/luke/21-35.htm">Luke 21:35</a> For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.all the storehouses.<a href="/genesis/42-6.htm">Genesis 42:6</a> 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.<a href="/genesis/47-14.htm">Genesis 47:14-24</a> And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/41-49.htm">Corn</a> <a href="/genesis/41-36.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/41-47.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/41-55.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/41-55.htm">Egyptians</a> <a href="/genesis/20-13.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/41-55.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/genesis/41-55.htm">Food</a> <a href="/genesis/41-49.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/genesis/41-49.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/41-31.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/genesis/34-29.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/genesis/41-55.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Money</a> <a href="/genesis/41-55.htm">Need</a> <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/genesis/38-29.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/genesis/36-43.htm">Places</a> <a href="/genesis/27-33.htm">Provision</a> <a href="/genesis/25-33.htm">Selleth</a> <a href="/genesis/41-31.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/genesis/41-54.htm">Short</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/genesis/34-25.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/genesis/35-21.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/genesis/41-49.htm">Store</a> <a href="/luke/12-18.htm">Storehouses</a> <a href="/luke/12-24.htm">Store-Houses</a> <a href="/genesis/11-9.htm">Surface</a> <a href="/genesis/26-13.htm">Waxed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-54.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Corn</a> <a href="/genesis/42-30.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Egyptians</a> <a href="/exodus/7-21.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Food</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/genesis/42-19.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/42-10.htm">Money</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Need</a> <a href="/genesis/42-27.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/genesis/42-27.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/genesis/42-27.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/genesis/42-9.htm">Places</a> <a href="/genesis/42-25.htm">Provision</a> <a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">Selleth</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/genesis/42-5.htm">Short</a> <a href="/genesis/42-6.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-22.htm">Store</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-8.htm">Storehouses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-8.htm">Store-Houses</a> <a href="/exodus/10-5.htm">Surface</a> <a href="/exodus/1-7.htm">Waxed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-57.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 41</div>1. <a href="/genesis/41-1.htm">Pharaoh has two dreams.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Joseph interprets them.</a> 33. <a href="/genesis/41-33.htm">He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.</a> 46. <a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">The seven years of plenty.</a> 50. <a href="/genesis/41-50.htm">He begets children.</a> 53. <a href="/genesis/41-53.htm">The famine begins.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/41.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/41.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When the famine had spread over all the land The phrase indicates a widespread and severe famine, not limited to Egypt but affecting the entire region. This aligns with the dream interpretation Joseph provided to Pharaoh, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (<a href="/genesis/41-29.htm">Genesis 41:29-30</a>). The famine's reach emphasizes the fulfillment of God's revelation through Joseph, showcasing divine sovereignty over natural events. Historically, famines were common in the ancient Near East due to reliance on agriculture and the Nile's flooding patterns. This event sets the stage for the movement of Jacob's family to Egypt, a pivotal moment in Israel's history.Joseph opened up all the storehouses Joseph's actions demonstrate his wisdom and administrative skills, as he had prepared for the famine during the seven years of plenty by storing surplus grain (<a href="/genesis/41-48.htm">Genesis 41:48-49</a>). This preparation reflects God's providence and Joseph's faithfulness in executing his duties. The storehouses symbolize God's provision and the importance of stewardship. Joseph's role as a savior figure foreshadows Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance to a world in need.and sold grain to the Egyptians Joseph's decision to sell grain rather than give it away highlights the economic strategies employed to manage resources and maintain order during the crisis. This approach ensured the sustainability of supplies and the functioning of the Egyptian economy. It also reflects the principle of work and reward, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11</a>. Joseph's actions preserved the nation and reinforced his position of authority, prefiguring Christ's role as a provider and sustainer.for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt The severity of the famine underscores the dire circumstances and the necessity of Joseph's leadership. It highlights the vulnerability of human societies to natural disasters and the need for divine intervention. The famine's impact on Egypt, a powerful and resource-rich nation, illustrates that no earthly power is immune to God's plans. This situation sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and deliverance, a key theme in the biblical narrative of redemption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. He is a key figure in this passage, responsible for managing Egypt's resources during the famine. 2. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where Joseph served under Pharaoh. It became the center of survival during the famine due to Joseph's foresight and God's providence. 3. <a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a> A severe shortage of food that affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions. It was a pivotal event that led to Joseph's family eventually coming to Egypt. 4. <a href="/topical/s/storehouses.htm">Storehouses</a> These were the places where Joseph stored the grain during the seven years of plenty, as per Pharaoh's dream interpretation. 5. <a href="/topical/e/egyptians.htm">Egyptians</a> The people of Egypt who were directly affected by the famine and relied on Joseph's management of resources for survival.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_provision.htm">God's Sovereignty and Provision</a> God orchestrates events for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's rise to power and the provision during the famine. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_preparation.htm">Wisdom in Preparation</a> Joseph's management of resources during the years of plenty teaches the importance of planning and preparation for future challenges. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Joseph remained faithful to God despite his circumstances, and God used him mightily. This encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith. <a href="/topical/c/compassion_and_stewardship.htm">Compassion and Stewardship</a> Joseph's actions during the famine demonstrate compassion and responsible stewardship, reminding us to care for others in times of need. <a href="/topical/g/god's_redemptive_plan.htm">God's Redemptive Plan</a> The famine set the stage for the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, which was part of God's larger plan for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_41.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 41</a> <a href="/q/why_no_egyptian_record_of_joseph.htm">If Joseph became a high-ranking Egyptian official, why is there no Egyptian record of him?</a> <a href="/q/why_allow_foreigners_grain_in_famine.htm">Why would Egyptian officials allow foreign travelers to buy grain amid a severe famine with no documented restrictions (Genesis 42:1–5)? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_ambition_serve_god.htm">How does ambition align with serving God?</a> <a href="/q/is_joseph_socialist_in_genesis.htm">Does Genesis depict Joseph's actions as socialist?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/41.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 56, 57. - And the famine was over all the face of the earth (vide supra, ver. 54): And Joseph opened all the storehouses, - literally, all wherein was, i.e. all the magazines that had grain in them. The granaries of Egypt are represented on the monuments. "In the tomb of Amenemha at Beni-hassan there is the painting of a great storehouse, before whose door lies a great heap of grain already winnowed. Near by stands the bushel with which it is measured, and the registrar who takes the account" (Hengstenberg's 'Egypt and the Books of Moses,' p. 36) - and sold unto the Egyptians (cf. Proverbs 2:26); - and the famine waxed sore (literally, became strong) in the land of Egypt. A remarkable inscription from the tomb at Eileythia of Barn, which Brugsch ('Histoire d'Egypte,' second ed., p. 174, seqq.) assigns to the latter part of the seventeenth dynasty, mentions a dearth of several years in Egypt ("A famine having broken out during many years, I gave corn to the town during each famine"), which that distinguished Egyptologer identifies with the famine of Joseph under Apophis, the shepherd king (vide ' Encyclopedia Britannica,' ninth edition, art. Egypt); but, this, according to Bunsen ('Egypt's Place, 3:334), is rather to be detected in a dearth of several years which occurred in the time of Osirtasen I., and which is mentioned in an inscription at Beni-hassan, recording the fact that during its prevalence food was supplied by Amenee, the governor of a district of Upper Egypt (Smith's' Dict.,' art. Joseph). The character of Chnumhotep (a near relative and favorite of Osirtasen I., and his immediate successor), and the recorded events of his government, as described in the Beni-hassan monuments, also remind one of Joseph: - "he (i.e. Chnumhotep) injured no little child; he oppressed no widow; he detained for his own purpose no fisherman; took from his work no shepherd; no overseer's men were taken. There was no beggar in his days; no one starved in his time. When years of famine occurred he ploughed all the lands of the district, producing abundant food; no one starved in it; he treated the widow as a woman with a husband to protect her" (vide 'Speaker's Commentary,' vol. 1. p. 450). And all countries (i.e. people from all the adjoining lands) came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because the famine was so sore in all lands. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/41-56.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When the famine וְהָרָעָ֣ב (wə·hā·rā·‘āḇ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7458.htm">Strong's 7458: </a> Famine, hunger had spread הָיָ֔ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be over עַ֖ל (‘al) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the פְּנֵ֣י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face land, הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land Joseph יוֹסֵ֜ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites opened up וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח (way·yip̄·taḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the storehouses and sold grain וַיִּשְׁבֹּ֣ר (way·yiš·bōr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7666.htm">Strong's 7666: </a> To deal in grain to the Egyptians; לְמִצְרַ֔יִם (lə·miṣ·ra·yim) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4713.htm">Strong's 4713: </a> Egyptian -- inhabitant of Egypt for the famine הָֽרָעָ֖ב (hā·rā·‘āḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7458.htm">Strong's 7458: </a> Famine, hunger was severe וַיֶּחֱזַ֥ק (way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer in the land בְּאֶ֥רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land of Egypt. מִצְרָֽיִם׃ (miṣ·rā·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/41-56.htm">Genesis 41:56 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/41-56.htm">OT Law: Genesis 41:56 The famine was over all the surface (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/41-55.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 41:55"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 41:55" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/41-57.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 41:57"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 41:57" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>