King James Version

What Does Genesis 41:57 Mean?

Genesis 41:57 in the King James Version says “And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 41:57 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Genesis 41 full chapter

Commentary

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

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How should this truth about Famine Preparation shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְכָל1 of 12
H3605

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃2 of 12

“And all countries”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בָּ֣אוּ3 of 12

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִצְרַ֔יְמָה4 of 12

“into Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לִשְׁבֹּ֖ר5 of 12

“for to buy”

H7666

to deal in grain

אֶל6 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹסֵ֑ף7 of 12

“to Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

כִּֽי8 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָזַ֥ק9 of 12

“was so sore”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

הָֽרָעָ֖ב10 of 12

“corn because that the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

בְּכָל11 of 12
H3605

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃12 of 12

“And all countries”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 41:57 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 41:57 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 42:1Genesis 42:5Genesis 41:56Genesis 41:54Deuteronomy 9:28Psalms 105:16-17

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Genesis 41 →

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 41 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes