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.

GENESIS 41:54KJV
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Genesis 41:54 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:54 mean?

Genesis 41:54 describes the beginning of seven years of famine, just as Joseph had predicted, affecting many lands, but Egypt still had food available. The verse highlights that while the famine was widespread, Egypt was spared from hunger because of Joseph’s earlier preparations.

In this part of Genesis, the story is focused on Joseph, who had interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams to mean that seven years of plenty would be followed by seven years of famine. Now, the famine (called "dearth" in the KJV) arrives, impacting not just Egypt but many surrounding regions. Thanks to Joseph’s foresight and planning, Egypt alone has enough bread, setting the stage for people from other lands to come to Egypt for food.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:54

  • The word for "dearth" is רָעָב (ra'av), often translated as "famine." This word emphasizes not just a shortage but a severe, life-threatening lack of food.
  • The word for "bread" is לֶחֶם (lechem), which in Hebrew can mean both literal bread and food in general. Here, it points to the basic provision of food that Egypt still had.
  • The word for "land" and "lands" is אֶרֶץ (erets), which can refer to both a specific country and the broader region. The verse uses it to show the famine’s wide impact but singles out Egypt as an exception.

Why Genesis 41:54 matters

  • Genesis 41:54 shows the accuracy of Joseph’s interpretation and the reliability of his advice, which is a turning point in his story and in Egypt’s survival.
  • The verse sets up the later events where people from other nations come to Egypt for food, highlighting Egypt’s unique position and Joseph’s role in saving many lives.
  • By mentioning that the famine was "in all lands" but not in Egypt, the verse underlines the effectiveness of wise preparation and the significance of Joseph’s leadership.

Where else these words appear

“dearth” Hebrew H7458 · used in 88 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
  • Jeremiah 32:24 Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it.

“began” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.