◄ Genesis 41:57 ►
And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.
Study Bible
And every nation
This phrase indicates the widespread impact of the famine, affecting not just Egypt but surrounding regions. The Hebrew word for "nation" is "goy," which often refers to Gentile nations or peoples outside of Israel. This highlights the universal nature of the crisis and sets the stage for Joseph's role as a savior figure, prefiguring Christ's universal offer of salvation.

came to Egypt
Egypt, in the ancient world, was a powerful and resource-rich civilization. The act of coming to Egypt signifies a journey towards hope and sustenance. Archaeological evidence supports Egypt's prominence in agriculture and trade during this period, making it a logical destination for those seeking relief from famine.

to buy grain
Grain, a staple food, symbolizes life and sustenance. The Hebrew word "sheber" can mean both "grain" and "hope," suggesting that the nations were not just seeking physical sustenance but also hope for survival. This dual meaning enriches the narrative, portraying Joseph as a provider of both physical and spiritual nourishment.

from Joseph
Joseph, whose name in Hebrew means "He will add," is a central figure in this narrative. His rise from slavery to a position of power in Egypt is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. Joseph's role as a provider foreshadows Christ, who provides for the spiritual needs of all nations.

because the famine was severe
The severity of the famine underscores the desperation and need that drove nations to seek help. The Hebrew word "kaved" for "severe" also means "heavy" or "burdensome," emphasizing the weight of the crisis. This context highlights God's sovereignty in using such circumstances to fulfill His purposes through Joseph.

over all the earth
This phrase emphasizes the global scale of the famine, affecting "kol ha'aretz" or "all the earth." It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the universal need for God's provision. The narrative invites readers to reflect on God's ability to use global events to bring about His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. He was given wisdom by God to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and manage the resources of Egypt during the famine.

2. Egypt
The land where Joseph was taken as a slave and later became a ruler. It became a place of refuge and provision during the widespread famine.

3. Famine
A severe shortage of food that affected "all the earth," prompting nations to seek sustenance from Egypt.

4. Nations
Various peoples and countries that came to Egypt to buy grain, highlighting the widespread impact of the famine and the central role of Egypt as a provider.

5. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who appointed Joseph to oversee the storage and distribution of grain, recognizing the wisdom and spirit of God in him.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Provision
God orchestrates events for His purposes, using Joseph to save many lives. Trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

Wisdom and Leadership
Joseph's wise management of resources during the famine is a model for godly leadership. Seek God's wisdom in times of crisis.

Global Impact of Local Obedience
Joseph's faithfulness had a worldwide impact. Our obedience to God can have far-reaching effects beyond what we can see.

Preparation and Stewardship
Joseph's preparation during the years of plenty ensured survival during the famine. Be diligent in preparing and stewarding resources wisely.

Unity and Cooperation
The nations coming to Egypt for grain illustrates the importance of cooperation and unity in times of need. Work together to support and provide for one another.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's account in Genesis 41:57 demonstrate God's sovereignty and provision in times of crisis?

2. In what ways can we apply Joseph's example of wise leadership and stewardship in our own lives today?

3. How does the theme of famine and provision in Genesis 41:57 connect to other instances in the Bible where God provides during times of need?

4. What can we learn from the cooperation between Egypt and the surrounding nations during the famine, and how can this inform our approach to global challenges today?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a difficult situation. How can this encourage you to trust Him in future challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:10
This verse describes a previous famine that led Abram to go down to Egypt, showing a recurring theme of Egypt as a place of refuge during times of famine.

Acts 7:11-12
Stephen recounts the history of Israel, including the famine that led Jacob's family to Egypt, connecting Joseph's account to the broader account of God's provision and plan for His people.

Psalm 105:16-22
This passage reflects on God's sovereignty in sending Joseph ahead of Israel to preserve life during the famine, emphasizing God's providential care.
Sermons
Christ the Only Source of SupplyGeorge Lawson, D. D.Genesis 41:53-57
Christ's StorehouseGenesis 41:53-57
Egypt's Indebtedness to JosephM. Doris, D. D.Genesis 41:53-57
Joseph Opening the Store. HousesSpurgeon, Charles HaddonGenesis 41:53-57
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 41:53-57
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 41:53-57
Riches in ChristSpurgeon, Charles HaddonGenesis 41:53-57
Spiritual Blessings by ChristRalph Robinson.Genesis 41:53-57
The Seven Years of FamineT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:53-57
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Buy, Corn, Countries, Distressing, Egypt, Famine, Grain, Grievous, Joseph, Lands, Moreover, Severe, Sore
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:57

     5242   buying and selling
     5415   money, uses of

Genesis 41:53-57

     4823   famine, physical

Genesis 41:55-57

     5054   responsibility, examples

Genesis 41:56-57

     4816   drought, physical
     8848   worldliness

Library
The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 41:57 NIV
Genesis 41:57 NLT
Genesis 41:57 ESV
Genesis 41:57 NASB
Genesis 41:57 KJV

Genesis 41:57 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 41:56
Top of Page
Top of Page