King James Version

What Does Genesis 41:55 Mean?

Genesis 41:55 in the King James Version says “And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egypti... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.

Genesis 41:55 · KJV


Context

53

And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

54

And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

55

And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.

56

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. all the storehouses: Heb. all wherein was

57

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַתִּרְעַב֙1 of 20

was famished

H7456

to hunger

כָּל2 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֶ֣רֶץ3 of 20

And when all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙4 of 20

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיִּצְעַ֥ק5 of 20

cried

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

הָעָ֛ם6 of 20

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶל7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֤ה8 of 20

and Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לַלָּ֑חֶם9 of 20

for bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

יֹאמַ֥ר10 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

פַּרְעֹ֤ה11 of 20

and Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לְכָל12 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙13 of 20

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְכ֣וּ14 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל15 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹסֵ֔ף16 of 20

unto Joseph

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֲשֶׁר17 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֹאמַ֥ר18 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָכֶ֖ם19 of 20
H0
תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּ׃20 of 20

to you do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 41:55 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 41:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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