And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.

GENESIS 42:5KJV
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Genesis 42:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 42:5 mean?

Genesis 42:5 describes how the sons of Israel traveled to Egypt to buy grain, joining others who came for the same reason, because there was a severe famine in the land of Canaan. This verse sets the scene for why Jacob’s sons left their homeland and went to Egypt during a time of crisis.

The verse takes place during a widespread famine affecting Canaan, where Jacob (also called Israel) and his family lived. The sons of Israel are Jacob’s sons, and they are going to Egypt because they have heard that food is available there. This moment is important because it leads to their encounter with Joseph, their brother, who is now a powerful official in Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 42:5

  • בָּנִים (banim, "sons"): This word refers specifically to male descendants, making it clear that it is Jacob’s sons who are traveling, not the whole family.
  • יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, "Israel"): The use of "Israel" instead of "Jacob" highlights the family’s identity as the people of Israel, connecting this story to the larger narrative of the Israelite nation.
  • רָעָב (ra'av, "famine"): This word emphasizes the seriousness of the crisis; it is not just a food shortage but a severe famine that forces people to seek help elsewhere.
  • כְּנַעַן (Kena'an, "Canaan"): Naming the land of Canaan roots the story in a real place and time, showing that the famine’s impact was widespread and not just a local problem.

Why Genesis 42:5 matters

  • This verse explains why Jacob’s sons end up in Egypt, setting in motion the events that will eventually lead to the entire family moving there.
  • The mention of others coming to buy grain shows that the famine was not limited to one family or region, but was a crisis affecting many people.
  • By using "sons of Israel," the verse connects the story of Jacob’s family to the broader story of the nation of Israel and its early history.

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.

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:25 And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father,
  • Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.