King James Version

What Does Genesis 42:2 Mean?

Genesis 42:2 in the King James Version says “And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.”

Genesis 42:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?

2

And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.

3

And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.

4

But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.

Read Genesis 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us ... 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 theological truths about Brothers' First Journey emerge from this passage?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 15

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֣ה2 of 15
H2009

lo!

שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי3 of 15

“Behold I have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כִּ֥י4 of 15
H3588

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

יֶשׁ5 of 15

“that there is”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

שֶׁ֖בֶר6 of 15

“corn”

H7668

grain (as if broken into kernels)

בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם7 of 15

“in Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

רְדוּ8 of 15

“get you down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

שָׁ֙מָּה֙9 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְשִׁבְרוּ10 of 15

“thither and buy”

H7666

to deal in grain

לָ֣נוּ11 of 15
H0
מִשָּׁ֔ם12 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְנִֽחְיֶ֖ה13 of 15

“for us from thence that we may live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וְלֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָמֽוּת׃15 of 15

“and not die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 42:2 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 42:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 43:8Genesis 43:2Matthew 4:4Isaiah 38:1Psalms 118:17Genesis 45:9

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Genesis 42 →

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