Genesis 41:57

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Genesis 41:57 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.

King James Version KJV

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

American Standard Version ASV

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was sore in all the earth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And all lands sent to Egypt, to Joseph, to get grain, for the need was great over all the earth.

Free Bible Version FBV

in fact the famine was very bad everywhere, so people from other countries all around came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And all countries came to Egypt to bye corne of Ioseph, because the famine was sore in all landes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and all the earth hath come to Egypt, to buy, unto Joseph, for the famine was severe in all the earth.

World English Bible WEB

All countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy corn; because the famine was distressing in all lands.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And all provinces came into Egypt, to buy food, and to seek some relief of their want.

Translation for Translators T4T

And people from many [HYP] nearby countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was very severe everywhere [HYP].

Plain English Version PEV

And there was no rain in other countries too. It was really bad everywhere. So the people that lived in those other countries, they went to Egypt, and they bought food from Joseph’s workers too.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:57

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 41:57 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/כָל הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ בָּ֣אוּ מִצְרַ֔יְמָ/ה לִ/שְׁבֹּ֖ר אֶל יוֹסֵ֑ף כִּֽי חָזַ֥ק הָ/רָעָ֖ב בְּ/כָל הָ/אָֽרֶץ

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

בָּ֣אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp

מִצְרַ֔יְמָ/ה Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper | Suff

לִ/שְׁבֹּ֖ר shâbar H7666 to buy grain Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יוֹסֵ֑ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

חָזַ֥ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Qal-Perf-3ms

הָ/רָעָ֖ב râʻâb H7458 famine Art | N-ms

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:57

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

בָּ֣אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

מִצְרַ֔יְמָ/ה Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper | Suff

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

לִ/שְׁבֹּ֖ר shâbar H7666 "to buy grain" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To buy or sell grain, as in trading food for survival, is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to buy or purchase grain 1a) (Qal) to buy grain 1b) (Hiphil) to sell grain Aramaic equivalent: ze.van (זְבַן "to buy" H2084)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: buy, sell. See also: Genesis 41:56; Genesis 43:20; Proverbs 11:26.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יוֹסֵ֑ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper

Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

חָזַ֥ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with

Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.

הָ/רָעָ֖ב râʻâb H7458 "famine" Art | N-ms

Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.

Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)

Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — Genesis 41:57

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 41:57 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:57
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:57
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:57
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:57
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:57
Sermons on Genesis 41:57

Context — The Famine Begins

55When extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.” 56When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.

57And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 41:54	the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt.
2	Genesis 42:5	So the sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan.
3	Genesis 41:56	When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.
4	Deuteronomy 9:28	Otherwise, those in the land from which You brought us out will say, ‘Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land He had promised them, and because He hated them, He has brought them out to kill them in the wilderness.’
5	Genesis 42:1	When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?”
6	Psalms 105:16–17	He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. He sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave.
7	Genesis 50:20	As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Genesis 41:57 Summary

Genesis 41:57 tells us that a severe famine had spread across the entire earth, and every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain because he had stored up food during the years of plenty, as seen in Genesis 41:47-49. This shows that God had given Joseph wisdom and provision to help people in need, and we can learn from his example by being good stewards of what God has given us (Matthew 25:14-30). Just as the nations came to Joseph for help, we can come to God for help in times of need, trusting in His love and provision for our lives (Psalm 23:1-4). By following God's plan and being faithful stewards, we can be a blessing to others, just as Joseph was.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the extent of the famine mentioned in Genesis 41:57?

The famine was severe over all the earth, indicating a global crisis that prompted every nation to seek help from Joseph in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:57.

Why did every nation come to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain?

Every nation came to Joseph because the famine was severe over all the earth, and Joseph had grain to sell, as stated in Genesis 41:57, a testament to God's provision and Joseph's wise stewardship.

How did Joseph's role in Egypt contribute to the nations coming to him for grain?

As the one in charge of the storehouses in Egypt, Joseph's role, established by Pharaoh in Genesis 41:40-41, allowed him to sell grain to the Egyptians and other nations, demonstrating God's sovereignty and provision in times of need.

What can we learn from the nations' response to the famine in Genesis 41:57?

The nations' response to the famine shows that in times of crisis, people will seek help from those who have the resources to provide it, highlighting the importance of being good stewards of what God has given us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:42-48.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond to times of crisis or need in my own life, and what can I learn from the nations' response to the famine in Genesis 41:57?
In what ways can I be a blessing to others, just as Joseph was a blessing to the nations that came to him for grain?
What are some ways that God provides for His people in times of need, and how can I trust in His provision for my life?
How can I use my own resources and gifts to serve others, just as Joseph used his position and wisdom to serve the nations?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:57

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn],.... All the neighbouring nations (Syria, Arabia, Palestine, Canaan, c.), when they heard there was corn there for money, came from all

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:57

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands. The famine was so sore in all lands - i:e., the lands contiguous to Egypt-Canaan, Syria, and Arabia.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:57

Genesis 41:57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn]; because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands.Ver. 57. All countries came to Joseph, &c.] Foreigners also should be relieved so much as may be. King Edward VI sent five thousand pounds to relieve Protestants beyond the seas. Geneva received our fugitives for religion in Queen Mary’ s time: and Strasburg, the poor banished Lorrainers, that were well nigh famished, being forced to feed on hips and haws, &c. Hi frondibus et gramine vescebantur. - Scultet., Annal., p. 315.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:57

Verse 57. All countries came into Egypt - to buy] As there had not been a sufficiency of rains, vapours, c., to swell the Nile, to effect a proper inundation in Egypt, the same cause would produce drought, and consequently scarcity, in all the neighbouring countries and this may be all that is intended in the text. 1. As the providence of God evidently led the butler and baker of Pharaoh, as well as the king himself, to dream the prophetic dreams mentioned in this and the preceding chapter, so his Spirit in Joseph led to the true interpretation of them. What a proof do all these things give us of a providence that is so general as to extend its influence to every part, and so particular as to notice, influence, and direct the most minute circumstances! Surely God "has way every where, and all things serve his will." 2. Dreams have been on one hand superstitiously regarded, and on the other skeptically disregarded. That some are prophetic there can be no doubt; that others are idle none can hesitate to believe. Dreams may be divided into the six following kinds: 1. Those which are the mere nightly result of the mind's reflections and perplexities during the business of the day. 2. Those which spring from a diseased state of the body, occasioning startings, terrors, c. 3. Those which spring from an impure state of the heart, mental repetitions of those acts or images of illicit pleasure, riot, and excess, which form the business of a profligate life. 4. Those which proceed from a diseased mind, occupied with schemes of pride, ambition, grandeur, c. These, as forming the characteristic conduct of the life, are repeatedly reacted in the deep watches of the night, and strongly agitate the soul with illusive enjoyments and disappointments. 5. Those which come immediately from Satan, which instil thoughts and principles opposed to truth and righteousness, leaving strong impressions on the mind suited to its natural bent and turn, which, in the course of the day, by favouring circumstances, may be called into action. 6. Those which come from God, and which necessarily lead to him, whether prophetic of future good or evil, or impressing holy purposes and heavenly resolutions. Whatever lends away from God, truth, and righteousness, must be from the source of evil whatever leads to obedience to God, and to acts of benevolence to man, must be from the source of goodness and truth. Reader, there is often as much superstition in disregarding as in attending to dreams and he who fears God will escape it in both.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:57

57. all countries] Cf. Genesis 41:52, as we should say, “the whole world.” This verse prepares us for the crisis in the Joseph narrative recorded in the following chapter.

Sermons on Genesis 41:57

	Sermon	Description
	"Overcoming Crises" Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon delves into the theme of overcoming crises by drawing insights from biblical stories like Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream during a severe famine. It emphasiz
	Hearing God Speak by Lou Sutera	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the past four Sundays and the creative energy that has been released. He specifically focuses on a message he preached on fear and worry bo
	The Storehouses Opened by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on the story of Joseph in Genesis, highlighting the various emotions and experiences depicted in Joseph's life that resonate with believers of all ages. He empha
	Corn in Egypt by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying solely on the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross for salvation. He encourages the listeners to believe in Jes
	(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h
	Money, Mules and Travel by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the lost and sharing the message of salvation. He highlights that the purpose of the church is to bring pe
	(Genesis) 58 - the Persistent Power of a Guilty Conscience by S. Lewis Johnson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. He highlights Joseph's plan to test his brothers' character and remorse by put