Genesis 41:54

Authorized King James Version

And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתְּחִלֶּ֜ינָה

H2490

began

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

שֶׁ֣בַע

H7651

And the seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שְׁנֵ֤י

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

רָעָב֙

H7458

and the dearth

hunger (more or less extensive)

לָב֔וֹא

H935

to come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָמַ֣ר

H559

had said

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹסֵ֑ף

H3130

according as Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וַיְהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

רָעָב֙

H7458

and the dearth

hunger (more or less extensive)

#11

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

but in all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

וּבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

but in all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#15

מִצְרַ֖יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#16

הָ֥יָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#17

לָֽחֶם׃

H3899

there was bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline