And the famine was sore in the land.

GENESIS 43:1KJV
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Genesis 43:1 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:1 mean?

Genesis 43:1 states that the famine in the land was very severe. This verse sets the scene by making clear that the lack of food was a serious and ongoing crisis.

The verse comes as part of the story of Joseph and his brothers. At this point, Jacob and his family are still living in Canaan, and the famine that began earlier has not let up. This worsening situation forces Jacob to consider sending his sons back to Egypt for more grain, a decision that will move the story forward.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:1

  • The word for "famine" is רָעָב (ra'av), which means a shortage of food or hunger. Its use here signals a crisis that affects everyone in the region, not just one family.
  • The word translated as "sore" is כָּבֵד (kaved), which often means "heavy" or "severe." This emphasizes just how intense and burdensome the famine had become.
  • The word for "land" is אֶרֶץ (erets), which can mean the whole country or region. Here, it suggests that the famine was widespread, not limited to a small area.

Why Genesis 43:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the family’s troubles were not just personal but part of a much larger disaster affecting the whole region.
  • The severity of the famine explains why Jacob’s family cannot avoid dealing with Egypt and Joseph, setting up the next steps in the story.
  • Understanding the intensity of the famine helps explain the urgency and desperation behind the choices the characters make in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“sore” Hebrew H3515 · used in 37 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.
  • Exodus 9:24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
  • 2 Kings 6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

“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.