Genesis 41:57

57 And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere.

Genesis 41:57 in Other Translations

KJV
57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
ESV
57 Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.
NLT
57 And people from all around came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the world.
MSG
57 Soon the whole world was coming to buy supplies from Joseph. The famine was bad all over.
CSB
57 The whole world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, for the famine was severe all over the earth.

Genesis 41:57 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 41:57

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy
[corn]
All the neighbouring nations (Syria, Arabia, Palestine, Canaan), when they heard there was corn there for money, came from all parts for it, and were glad to get it at such expense and trouble: because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands;
that there was no bread to be got for money elsewhere. It is thought by many, that for this care of Joseph in laying up provision against this time of need, and which was the preservation of the Egyptians, he was worshipped by them under various names; as the Apis, which was an ox, a sign of fruitfulness; and Serapis, sometimes figured as a young man carrying a basket of bread on his head; and Osiris, who is sometimes represented with a bushel on his head. However, this is certain, that he was an eminent type of Christ in all this, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation: as Joseph was wrongly charged by his mistress, so was Christ falsely accused by the Jews; as he was cast into prison and bound there, so Christ was taken and bound as a prisoner; as Joseph was raised to great honour and glory in Pharaoh's court, so Christ was exalted by his Father, and crowned with glory and honour; and if the new name given him, "Zaphnathpaaneah", signifies the Saviour of the world, as some interpret it, it agrees well with Christ, who was sent into the world for that purpose; and indeed, if it means a revealer of secrets, it suits with him, who hath declared his Father's mind and will, and revealed the mysteries of his grace to the sons of men: and as Joseph had all the stores of corn under his care, and the needy were bid to go to him for it, so Christ has all the treasures of grace in his hand, and all that are sensible of their need of it are directed to go to him for it; and it is from him that men of all nations and countries receive grace for grace, and have all their supplies, and spiritual sustenance and nourishment.

Genesis 41:57 In-Context

55 When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.”
56 When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt.
57 And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Genesis 42:5; Genesis 47:15
  • 2. S Genesis 12:10
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