Genesis 41:36

Verse

This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And the food shall be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

Bible in Basic English

And let that food be kept in store for the land till the seven bad years which are to come in Egypt; so that the land may not come to destruction through need of food.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And let it be in readiness, against the famine of seven years to come, which shall oppress Egypt, and the land shall not be consumed with scarcity.

Free Bible Version

This will be a food reserve for the country during the seven years of famine so that the people won't die of starvation.”

Geneva Bible 1599

So the foode shall be for the prouision of the lande, against the seuen yeeres of famine, which shalbe in the lande of Egypt, that the land perish not by famine.

King James (Authorized) Version

And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

One Unity Resource Bible

The food will be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt [Abode of slavery]; that the land not perish through the famine.”

Translation for Translators

This grain should be stored so that it can be eaten during the seven years when there will be a famine here in Egypt, so that the people in this country will not die from hunger.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

The food will be a supply for the land for the seven years of famine which will be in the land of Egypt. In this way the land will not be devastated by the famine.”

Noah Webster Bible

And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land may not perish through the famine.

World English Bible

The food will be to supply the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; so that the land will not perish through the famine.”

Young's Literal Translation

and the food hath been for a store for the land, for the seven years of famine which are in the land of Egypt; and the land is cut off by the famine.'

Context

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams

³⁵Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities.³⁶This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.”

Summary

In this verse, Joseph's wisdom and discernment are highlighted as he interprets Pharaoh's dream and proposes a plan to prepare for the upcoming famine. Joseph's ability to foresee the future events and provide a strategic solution showcases his God-given gift of administration and leadership. This verse demonstrates how God can use individuals to bring about His divine purposes, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Joseph's faithfulness and obedience to God's guidance ultimately lead to the preservation of many lives during the time of scarcity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's providence and following His direction in all situations.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,.... After his servants had agreed to his being the man: at least Pharaoh had declared his mind that he should be the person; which if any of them disliked, as probably might be the case of some through envy, and as desirous of the post themselves, yet durst not make any opposition to it: forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this; the interpretation of his dreams, what would be hereafter for fourteen years to come, what was advisable to be done for the good of the nation, and had proposed a plan so well contrived and formed: there is none so discreet and wise as thou art; and consequently none so fit for this business, since he was so divinely qualified; and Justin, the Heathen writer (r), observes that he had such knowledge and experience of things, that his answers seemed to be given not from men, but from God. (r) E. Trogo, l. 36. c. 32.