Acts 7:11

Verse

Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food.

American Standard Version (1901)

Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Now there was no food to be had in all Egypt and Canaan, and there was great trouble: and our fathers were not able to get food.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Now there came a famine upon all Egypt and Chanaan, and great tribulation; and our fathers found no food.

Free Bible Version

Now a famine occurred throughout Egypt and Canaan. It caused terrible misery, and our forefathers had no food.

Geneva Bible 1599

Then came there a famine ouer all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance.

King James (Authorized) Version

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Plain English Version

After a long time there was a dry time for all those countries. There was no rain, so no food grew in Egypt. And there was no food in Canaan, the country that our grand-fathers were living in. They had no food, and they were very hungry.

Translation for Translators

“While Joseph was doing that work, there was a time ◄when there was very little food/of famine► throughout Egypt and also throughout Canaan. People did not have enough food to eat. People were suffering. At that time Jacob and his sons in Canaan also could not find enough food.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our fathers could find no food.

Noah Webster Bible

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction; and our fathers found no sustenance.

World English Bible

Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction. Our fathers found no food.

Young's Literal Translation

'And there came a dearth upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great tribulation, and our fathers were not finding sustenance,

Context

Joseph Sold into Egypt

¹⁰and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.¹¹Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food.¹²When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.

Summary

In Acts 7:11, Stephen recounts the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. This event foreshadows the future redemption and exaltation of Joseph, who will later save his family during a time of famine. It serves as a reminder that even in times of betrayal and hardship, God's plan of restoration and deliverance is at work. Joseph's story ultimately points to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who was also betrayed and suffered but ultimately brought salvation and reconciliation to all who believe.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan,.... This dearth, or famine, is said to be in all lands, Gen 41:54 though only Egypt and Canaan are mentioned here, because the history is concerned with no other. The Jewish writers (p) speak of three lands particularly, which were affected with it, Phenicia, Arabia, and Palestine; and this famine in the land of Israel, they say (q), which lasted seven years, was on account of the selling of Joseph into Egypt, as before observed. The Heathen writers make mention of this famine, particularly Justin (r), who speaking of Joseph says, that he foresaw many years before the barrenness of the fields; and all Egypt would have perished with famine, had not the king, through his advice, ordered by an edict, that corn should be laid up for many years: this was the fifth of the ten famines, the Jews say have been, or shall be in the world (s): and great affliction; meaning the famine, which was very severe, and lasted a long time, even seven years: want of eating is called "affliction", by the Jews (t); by which they mean fasting, which is a voluntary want of eating, or abstinence from it; and if that is an affliction, then much more want of food, or abstinence through necessity; compare Ti1 5:10. And our fathers found not sustenance; Jacob and his family could not get sufficient provision for them in the land of Canaan, where they then were, but were obliged to go to Egypt for it. (p) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 90. fol. 78. 1. (q) Pirke Eliezer, c. 38. (r) Ex Trogo, l. 36. c. 2. (s) Targum in Ruth i. 1. (t) Moses Kotsensis Mitzvot Tora pr. Affirm. 32.