Old Testament
Genesis 41:56
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The famine spread across the entire face of the earth. Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, as the famine grew increasingly severe in Egypt.
Compare translations
And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
What Genesis 41:56 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the widespread impact of the famine that Joseph had predicted. The famine affected not just Egypt but the entire world, highlighting the severity of the situation. Joseph, who had been appointed to manage the grain supplies, took action by opening the storehouses. He sold grain to the Egyptians, ensuring that they had access to food during this critical time. This moment illustrates Joseph's leadership and foresight, as he prepared for the famine by storing grain during the years of plenty. The phrase 'the famine waxed sore' indicates that conditions were worsening, emphasizing the urgency of Joseph's actions. His role was not only to provide for his own people but also to assist others affected by the famine, showcasing a sense of responsibility and care for those in need. This narrative sets the stage for the unfolding events in Egypt and the surrounding regions, as people sought help from Joseph during this dire time.
How to apply Genesis 41:56 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of preparation and leadership in times of crisis. Just as Joseph took proactive steps to store grain, we should also plan ahead and be ready to help others in need. Being responsible and caring for our community can make a significant difference during difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: The Years of Plenty (Genesis 41:47–57)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 41:56
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 41:56
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 41:56 mean?
Genesis 41:56 describes the widespread famine that Joseph had predicted, affecting not just Egypt but the entire world. Joseph, appointed to manage grain supplies, opened storehouses to sell grain to the Egyptians as the famine worsened.
What is the significance of Joseph opening the storehouses in Genesis 41:56?
Joseph opening the storehouses signifies his leadership and foresight in managing resources during a crisis. By selling grain to the Egyptians, he ensured that they had access to food, demonstrating responsibility for his community.
What does 'the famine waxed sore' mean in Genesis 41:56?
The phrase 'the famine waxed sore' indicates that the famine conditions were worsening significantly. It emphasizes the urgency of Joseph's actions to provide food and support during this critical time.
How does Genesis 41:56 relate to themes of leadership and responsibility?
Genesis 41:56 highlights themes of leadership and responsibility as Joseph takes proactive steps to manage the grain supply during a severe famine. His actions show the importance of being prepared and caring for others in times of need.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.