Genesis 41:35

Translations

Modern

Under 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.

Traditional

And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

Literal

And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the hand of Pharaoh—food in the cities—and guard it

Latin

…qui jam nunc futuri sunt, congreget in horrea: et omne frumentum sub Pharaonis potestate condatur, serveturque in urbibus.

Original

Hebrew

English

Under 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.

Notes

Genesis 41:33–36

God’s message required a response. It was not given just to satisfy curiosity about the future. Joseph’s advice showed that he was wise and able to plan well. This is why Pharaoh chose him to lead (41:37–40).
Joseph set up a system to store food. He placed one main leader over the work and local leaders in each area. He collected one-fifth (20 percent) of the grain and stored it for future needs. Later, wisdom literature (see study note on 37:2–50:26) teaches the same idea: plan for the future instead of living only for the present (see Proverbs 6:6–8; 27:12).

Genesis 41:1–46

God had used two dreams to identify Joseph as a leader among his brothers (37:5–11). He used two dreams to test Joseph’s faith in prison (40:5–14). Now God used two more dreams to raise Joseph from prison to a place of high honor and authority.

Joseph had shown that he was faithful in small tasks. Now God would give him responsibility over greater things.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Joseph Pharaoh Famine Symbolic Numbers Visions

Related verses

Genesis 41:48–49
During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he laid up the food from the fields around it.
Genesis 45:6–7
For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.
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.
Exodus 4:13
But Moses replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else.”

People

Pharaoh: Egyptian ruler during Joseph's time

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Butler Dreams Famine Genesis, Book of Jacob Joseph Nile River Patriarchs, Period of the Prophecy Tax, Taxation Wheat

Topics

Dream: Pharaoh Economics: Political Egypt: Israel in Joseph Counsels Pharaoh Government: Paternal Functions of Joseph: Son of Jacob of Pharaoh Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Wisdom Prisoners: Joseph Promotion: Joseph, from Imprisoned Slave to Prince Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Servant: Good: Joseph Wisdom of Joseph

Genesis 41:35

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