Genesis 42 6

Genesis 42:6 kjv

And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.

Genesis 42:6 nkjv

Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth.

Genesis 42:6 niv

Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

Genesis 42:6 esv

Now Joseph was governor over the land. He was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.

Genesis 42:6 nlt

Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground.

Genesis 42 verses

Genesis 42 6 meaning

Genesis 42:6 describes the pivotal encounter between Joseph and his brothers. It establishes Joseph's supreme authority as governor and sole distributor of grain in Egypt during the severe famine. Simultaneously, it narrates the arrival of his brothers and their unconscious act of prostration before him, literally fulfilling the prophetic dreams Joseph had received years prior, despite their prior attempts to thwart his destiny. This verse powerfully underscores divine sovereignty, the reversal of fortunes, and the meticulous fulfillment of God's Word.

Genesis 42 6 Context

Genesis chapter 42 opens with Jacob's sons facing a severe famine that afflicted the entire region. Having heard that there was grain for sale in Egypt, Jacob dispatches ten of his sons to purchase supplies, unknowingly sending them into the domain of their long-lost brother, Joseph. The narrative of Joseph's elevation began in Genesis 41, where he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, predicted the seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine, and was subsequently appointed vizier, or prime minister, over all Egypt. His responsibility included collecting and distributing grain, making him the sole source of sustenance for any who sought aid. This verse specifically describes the dramatic moment the brothers arrive, completely unaware of Joseph's identity and position, and unknowingly fulfill the very dreams they had scoffed at and sought to prevent years earlier, by prostrating themselves before him.

Genesis 42 6 Word analysis

• Now Joseph (וְיוֹסֵף, v'yosef): The conjunction "Now" (waw-consecutive) highlights the continuity of the narrative following Joseph's promotion. Yosef signifies "he adds" or "he increases." Here, it dramatically contrasts his past status as a hated, betrayed younger brother and slave with his current elevated status, underscoring God's work in his life.

• was governor (הוּא הַשַּׁלִּיט, hu ha-shalliṭ): The term shallit (שַּׁלִּיט) implies a person of authority, power, and dominion. It denotes absolute command, second only to Pharaoh. The explicit use of "he" (hu) emphasizes Joseph's personal identity as the powerful ruler, providing a sharp contrast to his previous servile position and highlighting the divine reversal of fortunes. This word conveys immense, comprehensive authority.

• over the land (עַל־הָאָרֶץ, al-ha'aretz): Refers to the entire land of Egypt. This denotes Joseph's expansive sphere of control, signifying that his authority extended nationwide, making him an indispensable figure. This broad dominion shows the extent of God's blessing and placement of Joseph.

• and it was he who sold (וְהוּא הַמַּשְׁבִּיר, v'hu ha-mashbir): The verb mashbir (מַשְׁבִּיר) literally means "the one who causes to break" but in this context refers to "the one who distributes grain." It stems from the root shavar (שָׁבַר), implying the "breaking" of grain for distribution. This highlights Joseph's crucial administrative function during the famine, making him the sole provider of life-sustaining food. Again, "he" (hu) points to the very individual previously despised and sold.

• to all the people of the land (לְכֹל עַם־הָאָרֶץ, l'khol am-ha'aretz): Emphasizes the universal scope of Joseph's provision within Egypt. It signifies that access to grain was exclusively through Joseph, cementing his control over the populace and highlighting his vital role in sustaining life during the famine.

• And Joseph's brothers came (וַיָּבֹאוּ אֲחֵי יוֹסֵף, vayavo'u aḥei Yosef): This marks the crucial turning point. Their arrival, compelled by dire necessity (famine), brings about the dramatic fulfillment of prophecy. They approach unaware that they are about to face the very brother they wronged.

• and bowed down before him (וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ לוֹ, vayishtachawoo lo): The Hebrew verb hishtahaweh (הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה), translated here as "bowed down," indicates deep prostration—a physical act of falling on one's face as a sign of extreme respect, submission, or worship. In this context, it is an act of deferential submission to a powerful superior. It directly fulfills the dreams of sheaves and stars bowing to Joseph (Gen 37).

• with their faces to the ground (אַפַּיִם אָרְצָה, appayim artza): Lit. "nostrils to the ground." This idiom clarifies the extent of their prostration—full and complete, touching the ground with their faces. This vivid detail further emphasizes the brothers' absolute humility and unknowingly confirms the literal fulfillment of Joseph's childhood dreams.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land.": This segment definitively establishes Joseph's unparalleled authority, identifying him as the controlling figure, the single source of survival in a time of global crisis. It reveals God's divine hand in exalting Joseph to a position where he alone could fulfill His redemptive purposes, thereby preserving the lineage of Abraham and securing a future for the chosen people.
  • "And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.": This is the climax of the passage. It contrasts their past pride and hostility (Gen 37) with their current state of desperate submission. Unbeknownst to them, their act of abasement is a literal fulfillment of divine prophecy, showcasing God's sovereign control over human events and the unwavering truth of His Word, even when it involves humble beginnings or perceived injustices. This dramatic reversal highlights themes of divine irony and justice.

Genesis 42 6 Bonus section

• Divine Irony: The brothers' act of bowing is filled with profound irony. They explicitly attempted to prevent Joseph's dreams from coming true, stating, "Let us kill him... and see what will become of his dreams!" (Gen 37:20). Here, their very act of preservation by coming to Egypt to buy grain forces them into the position of fulfilling what they resisted, showcasing God's masterful overruling of human sin for His greater purposes.
• Type of Christ: Many theologians view Joseph as a type of Christ. Joseph, though rejected by his own, becomes the savior who provides "bread of life" for his family and many others. Similarly, Jesus was rejected and betrayed by His own people, yet through His suffering and death, He became the "bread of life" (John 6:35) for humanity, ultimately being exalted to a position of universal authority (Phil 2:9-11). The humble submission required to receive sustenance from Joseph parallels the spiritual humility needed to receive salvation from Christ.
• Cultural Significance of Prostration: In the ancient Near East, bowing "with their faces to the ground" (אַפַּיִם אָרְצָה) was the ultimate act of humility and submission to a superior, particularly a king or deity. It implied complete surrender, recognition of another's absolute power, and supplication. The vivid detail underscores the dramatic shift in power dynamics and the brothers' desperate situation.

Genesis 42 6 Commentary

Genesis 42:6 is a pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative, dramatically illustrating the working of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's Word. Joseph, once scorned, betrayed, and sold into slavery by his own brothers, now stands as Egypt's second-most powerful figure, holding the keys to life itself during a devastating famine. His brothers' unwitting act of prostration before him is the exact and profound fulfillment of Joseph's youthful dreams, initially derided as arrogant boasts. This scene showcases God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to pass, regardless of human opposition or the circuitous paths He uses. It underlines that suffering, betrayal, and trials were all part of God's grand design to elevate Joseph for the salvation of his family and the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel. The brothers, once proud and malicious, are humbled by circumstances orchestrated by God, preparing them, unknowingly, for future repentance and reconciliation.