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

GENESIS 41:57KJV
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Genesis 41:57 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:57 mean?

Genesis 41:57 describes how people from every country traveled to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was extremely severe everywhere. The verse highlights Egypt’s unique position as the only place with food during a widespread crisis.

Pharaoh had put Joseph in charge of storing food during years of plenty, and now, during the famine, people from many lands came to Egypt for help. This verse shows how Joseph’s leadership affected not just Egypt, but the entire surrounding world, making Egypt a center of survival during the famine.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:57

  • "countries" (אֶרֶץ, ’erets): This word is often translated as "land" or "country." Here, it emphasizes that the famine was not just local but affected many different regions.
  • "famine" (רָעָב, ra‘av): This word means a severe shortage of food. The verse uses it to explain why people from all lands were desperate enough to travel to Egypt.
  • "sore" (חָזָק, chazaq): This word means "strong" or "severe." The famine is described as being especially intense, underlining the desperate situation.

Why Genesis 41:57 matters

  • Genesis 41:57 shows the far-reaching impact of Joseph’s actions, connecting his personal story to the fate of many nations.
  • The verse clarifies that the famine was not just an Egyptian problem, but a regional crisis, making Joseph’s role in Egypt even more significant.
  • This sets up the next part of the story, where Joseph’s own family comes to Egypt, which will have major consequences for the rest of Genesis.

Where else these words appear

“buy” Hebrew H7666 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 41:56 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.
  • Genesis 42:10 And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.
  • Genesis 47:14 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.

“famine” 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.