Genesis 41:54 kjv

And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

Genesis 41:54 nkjv

and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

Genesis 41:54 niv

and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food.

Genesis 41:54 esv

and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

Genesis 41:54 nlt

Then the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had predicted. The famine also struck all the surrounding countries, but throughout Egypt there was plenty of food.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 54 Meaning

Genesis 41:54 marks the commencement of the global famine, precisely as Joseph had foretold based on Pharaoh's dream. It highlights a critical distinction: while hunger devastated surrounding nations, Egypt, under Joseph’s provident administration, retained an abundant supply of food, underscoring divine wisdom and provision in preserving life amidst widespread catastrophe.

Genesis 41 54 Context

Genesis chapter 41 vividly describes Pharaoh’s two disturbing dreams, which no one in Egypt could interpret. Joseph, through divine inspiration, not only interpreted the dreams as seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine but also wisely advised Pharaoh to appoint an administrator to store surplus grain during the years of plenty. Pharaoh, recognizing God's wisdom in Joseph, appointed him as second in command over all Egypt. This verse (Gen 41:54) directly follows the completion of the seven years of abundant harvest (v. 53), signifying the critical shift from prosperity to scarcity. Historically, ancient Egypt, due to its dependence on the Nile River’s annual inundation, was particularly vulnerable to periods of drought and subsequent famine. The surrounding "lands" likely refer to neighboring regions like Canaan, Syria, and Mesopotamia, which also relied on rain-fed agriculture and were prone to similar climate cycles, but without Egypt's unique administrative foresight. The famine's universal impact underscores God's control over nature and Joseph's pivotal role in preserving not only Egypt but also indirectly the surrounding nations, including his own family.

Genesis 41 54 Word analysis

• and the seven years: Signifies a completed, distinct period of time. "Seven" (Hebrew: sheva) is a number often associated with completeness or divine perfection in the Bible.
• of famine: Hebrew: ra'av (רָעָב), meaning hunger, starvation, or scarcity of food. This word emphasizes a profound lack of provisions, causing suffering and death. Famines were frequent and catastrophic in the Ancient Near East, making their avoidance a primary concern for any ruler.
• began to come: Hebrew: lavo' (לָבוֹא) used with a sense of "to enter," "to come upon," or "to commence." It suggests not an immediate, sudden onslaught, but a process unfolding, even though the onset was precise as prophesied. It implies the full force of the famine would develop and spread.
• just as Joseph had said: Hebrew: ka'asher diber Yosef (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יוֹסֵף). This phrase directly connects the reality to Joseph's earlier interpretation and prediction (Gen 41:29-31), powerfully validating his God-given insight and God’s faithfulness to His revealed word. It eliminates any doubt about the divine source of the prophecy.
• And there was famine in all lands: Hebrew: va'yihi ra'av b'chol-ha'aratsot (וַיְהִי רָעָב בְּכָל־הָאֲרָצוֹת). "All lands" (Hebrew: kol-ha'aratsot) indicates a widespread, even global (from the perspective of the Ancient Near East) calamity, extending beyond Egypt’s borders. This highlights the severity and magnitude of the famine and demonstrates God's sovereignty over entire regions, not just one nation.
• but in all the land of Egypt: This phrase introduces a stark contrast, highlighting Egypt’s unique situation. It emphasizes God's specific grace and provision extended through Joseph's wisdom, distinguishing Egypt from the rest of the world suffering.
• there was bread: Hebrew: lechem (לֶחֶם), typically translated as "bread" but often used as a metonymy for food or grain in general. This single word succinctly encapsulates Egypt's abundant provision, stored during the years of plenty due to Joseph's prudent management, confirming the efficacy of divine guidance and human diligence.

• "and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said.": This clause emphasizes divine precision and the accurate fulfillment of prophecy. It confirms Joseph was truly a mouthpiece for God, as the unfolding events matched his foretelling exactly. This immediate fulfillment would solidify Joseph's authority and God's power in Pharaoh's eyes and for all of Egypt.
• "And there was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.": This striking contrast underscores God's providential care and foresight. It highlights Egypt's strategic preparation orchestrated by Joseph under divine guidance, which led to their unique resilience amidst a devastating, widespread catastrophe. This sets the stage for other nations, including Joseph's family, to come to Egypt for survival, advancing God's larger redemptive plan.

Genesis 41 54 Bonus section

The famine described here was not a localized phenomenon but impacted a vast region, potentially indicating significant climate changes beyond just the Nile basin. This underlines the profound wisdom and divine intervention required to navigate such an extensive crisis successfully. Joseph's role here positions him as a saviour figure, not just for Egypt, but for the wider region, and most importantly, for his own family, thereby preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. This act of preservation by God through Joseph foreshadows the ultimate provision and salvation offered through Christ, who similarly stores up spiritual sustenance for all who come to Him.

Genesis 41 54 Commentary

Genesis 41:54 is a pivotal verse marking the transition from a period of prosperity to one of severe crisis, demonstrating the unerring accuracy of God's word conveyed through Joseph. The fulfillment of the famine prophecy, exactly "as Joseph had said," serves as a powerful testament to Joseph’s divine calling and the reliability of God's sovereign control over nature and nations. The contrast between "all lands" experiencing devastating famine and "the land of Egypt" having "bread" showcases divine grace and the immense value of wise, God-inspired leadership. It validates the intricate plan laid out by Joseph for resource management during abundance. This scene sets the stage for the narrative's next major development: the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, which is integral to the covenantal promise to Abraham. Practically, this verse illustrates the biblical principles of wise stewardship, preparation for future hardships, and God's faithfulness to preserve His people even in the direst global circumstances.