Genesis 42:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 42:2 mean?

Genesis 42:2 describes Jacob telling his sons that he has heard there is grain available in Egypt, and instructing them to go there and buy some so that the family can survive the famine. Jacob’s words show his concern for his family’s survival during a time of severe shortage.

In this verse, Jacob is speaking to his sons during a famine in Canaan. He has learned that food can be purchased in Egypt, so he urges his sons to travel there and buy grain. The verse highlights the desperation of the situation and Jacob’s practical response to ensure his household does not starve.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 42:2

• "Corn" (שֶׁבֶר, shever) in the original Hebrew does not mean corn as we think of it today, but rather "grain" or "provisions." This clarifies that Jacob is sending his sons to buy staple food, not specifically maize.
• "Buy" (שָׁבַר, shavar) carries the sense of purchasing or obtaining something in exchange for payment, emphasizing that Jacob expects his sons to engage in trade rather than seek charity.
• "Live" (חָיָה, chayah) and "die" (מוּת, muth) are straightforward words for survival and death, but their use here underlines the seriousness of the famine—Jacob sees this as a matter of life and death.

Why Genesis 42:2 matters

• This verse clears up the misconception that "corn" in older English Bibles refers to maize; in the context, it means grain in general, which was the main food source.
• The verse sets up the journey that will eventually reunite Joseph with his brothers, a turning point in the story of Joseph and his family.
• Jacob’s instruction shows the practical steps families in ancient times took to survive famine, and it highlights the interconnectedness of regions like Canaan and Egypt during crises.