Genesis 41:35 kjv

And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

Genesis 41:35 nkjv

And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

Genesis 41:35 niv

They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food.

Genesis 41:35 esv

And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it.

Genesis 41:35 nlt

Have them gather all the food produced in the good years that are just ahead and bring it to Pharaoh's storehouses. Store it away, and guard it so there will be food in the cities.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 35 Meaning

Genesis 41:35 outlines a strategic plan proposed by Joseph to Pharaoh for preparing Egypt for a future famine. It directs the gathering and storing of a substantial portion of the abundant grain produced during the seven prosperous years, placing this entire operation under the centralized authority of Pharaoh and securing the reserves within the cities. This foresightful action is intended to ensure sustenance for the nation during the impending severe scarcity.

Genesis 41 35 Context

Genesis 41:35 appears immediately after Joseph interprets Pharaoh's two prophetic dreams (fat cows/lean cows, good grain/blighted grain) as foretelling seven years of abundant harvests followed by seven years of severe famine. Having revealed the meaning, Joseph proceeds to offer a divine solution, emphasizing proactive and comprehensive measures. This verse specifically details the first and primary administrative step: the systematic gathering and storage of food.

Historically, ancient Egypt was uniquely dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile for its agricultural prosperity. Floods that were too high or too low could lead to catastrophic famine. While local storage by farmers was common, Joseph's plan proposed a radical, centralized, national strategy. Pharaoh's subsequent acceptance of this plan (Gen 41:37-40) elevates Joseph to the second highest position in Egypt, underscoring the urgency and strategic brilliance perceived in his counsel. This episode implicitly highlights the supremacy of the God of Israel, Yahweh, whose revelation provided a concrete and effective solution to a crisis that no Egyptian deity or diviner could anticipate or address. It stood in stark contrast to reliance on cultic practices or divination without real substance, affirming divine wisdom applied practically.

Genesis 41 35 Word analysis

• And let them gather (וְיִקְבְּצוּ - v'yikbetzu): From the root קָבַץ (qabats), meaning "to gather, collect, assemble." It denotes a purposeful, organized collection, indicating that this would not be haphazard but a coordinated effort across the land, suggesting administrative capacity.
• all the food (אֹכֶל - okhel): Broadly refers to "food" or "provision." In this agricultural context, it specifically means grain, the staple food source. The inclusion of "all" signifies thoroughness and completeness, not just a partial collection.
• of those good years that come (הַשָּׁנִים הַטֹּבוֹת הַבָּאֹת - ha-shanim ha-tovot ha-ba'ot): Refers to the seven years of abundant harvests as revealed in Pharaoh's dream. This specifies the source and timeframe for the surplus to be collected.
• and lay up grain (וְיִצְבְּרוּ בָּר - v'yitzberu bar):
  • lay up (יִצְבְּרוּ - yitzberu): From צָבַר (tsabar), meaning "to heap up, store up, accumulate." This is a strong verb indicating large-scale, systematic accumulation and warehousing, beyond mere gathering. It suggests a process of stacking and storing immense quantities.
  • grain (בָּר - bar): Refers specifically to cultivated grain, differentiated from general "food" (okhel). It highlights the primary commodity for storage and its nature as a non-perishable food staple when properly stored.
• under the hand of Pharaoh (תַּחַת יַד פַּרְעֹה - takhat yad Par'oh): Literally, "under the hand of Pharaoh." "Hand" (yad) often symbolizes authority, control, and power. This phrase critically denotes that the entire grain storage program would be a state-controlled, centralized endeavor, not left to private individuals. This nationalized approach ensured resources were available for the entire populace, especially the poor and needy during the famine. It establishes a powerful governmental role in providing for its citizens.
• and let them keep food (וְשָׁמְרוּ אֹכֶל - v'shamru okhel): From שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to keep, guard, preserve." This signifies not just collecting, but careful custodianship to prevent spoilage, theft, or misuse. It implies ongoing management of the stored provisions. The re-use of "food" (okhel) here encompasses the broader scope of provisions.
• in the cities (בֶּעָרִים - ba'arim): Specifies the location for storage. This suggests a distributed network of granaries or storage facilities throughout the populated areas, facilitating access during the famine. Centralized collection with distributed storage ensured accessibility for the whole kingdom.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And let them gather all the food of those good years that come": This phrase emphasizes the breadth and specific timing of the collection. It highlights an aggressive and comprehensive gathering during the predicted years of abundance, leveraging the surplus before it's lost. This reflects divine wisdom anticipating future needs.
• "and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh": This crucial instruction outlines the methodology and the governing authority. The large-scale "laying up" (storing) of grain implies significant infrastructure and labor. Placing it "under the hand of Pharaoh" stresses that this would be a nationally organized and state-controlled enterprise, demonstrating governmental responsibility for national welfare. It prefigures modern strategic reserves.
• "and let them keep food in the cities": This reinforces the concept of careful management and distribution. "Keep food" speaks to preservation and safeguarding the reserves, while "in the cities" points to practical, accessible storage points, ensuring efficient distribution when the famine hits.

Genesis 41 35 Bonus section

Joseph's instruction in Gen 41:35 and its subsequent implementation can be seen as a type (foreshadowing) of Christ. Just as Joseph stored up literal food to save a physical nation from perishing by famine, Jesus Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, stored up "spiritual food" (eternal life, truth, grace) to save all who believe from spiritual famine and death. Joseph provided literal bread for the world; Jesus is the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35). The systematic, state-controlled storage highlights an orderly, administrative approach to salvation and sustenance, a concept paralleled in God's divine ordering of salvation history. Furthermore, the passage underscores the power of divinely revealed wisdom in governance, establishing a precedent for righteous leadership to steward national resources for the well-being of the populace, recognizing God as the ultimate provider and revealer of truth.

Genesis 41 35 Commentary

Genesis 41:35 presents the foundational command of Joseph's divinely inspired economic plan. It is a testament to the foresight and wisdom God bestows upon His servants, enabling them to navigate even the most dire circumstances. The instruction for a centralized, comprehensive grain collection and storage system was revolutionary for its time, transcending traditional agricultural practices to create a national strategic reserve.

The verse emphasizes preparedness, demonstrating that faith in God's revelations should lead to diligent, practical action. Joseph's plan, which Pharaoh immediately adopted, transformed Egypt from a potential famine-stricken land into a global breadbasket during a time of universal distress (Gen 41:57). It showcases God's Providence not just for His people, but also how His wisdom can be mediated through them to bless wider humanity. This verse is a masterclass in wise stewardship, illustrating how divine guidance combines with human initiative for effective resource management. It’s a biblical endorsement of preparing for difficult times, whether physically or spiritually.