Genesis 42:2
Genesis 42:2 in Multiple Translations
“Look,” he added, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”
And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
And he said, I have had news that there is grain in Egypt: go down there and get grain for us, so that life and not death may be ours.
I've heard there's grain in Egypt. Go there and buy some for us so we can stay alive—if not, we're going to die!”
And he said, Behold, I haue heard that there is foode in Egypt, Get you downe thither, and bie vs foode thence, that we may liue and not die.
he saith also, 'Lo, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt, go down thither, and buy for us from thence, and we live and do not die;'
He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die.”
And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: go down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
I have heard that wheat is sold in Egypt: go ye down, and buy us necessaries, that we may live, and not be consumed with want.
He said to them, “Someone told me that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, in order that we will not die!”
Somebody told me that there is lots of food in Egypt country. Go there and buy food for all of us. If you don’t go and buy food for us, we will die.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:2
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 42:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
הִנֵּ֣ה
שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי
כִּ֥י
יֶשׁ
שֶׁ֖בֶר
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
רְדוּ
שָׁ֨מָּ/ה֙
וְ/שִׁבְרוּ
לָ֣/נוּ
מִ/שָּׁ֔ם
וְ/נִחְיֶ֖ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
נָמֽוּת
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יֶשׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
שֶׁ֖בֶר
sheber
H7668
grain
N-ms
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
רְדוּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
שָׁ֨מָּ/ה֙
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
וְ/שִׁבְרוּ
shâbar
H7666
to buy grain
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ֣/נוּ
Prep | Suff
מִ/שָּׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
וְ/נִחְיֶ֖ה
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:2
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
כִּ֥י
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.
יֶשׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
שֶׁ֖בֶר
sheber
H7668
"grain"
N-ms
Grain or corn, like wheat or barley, is what this word refers to, as a food source in ancient Israel, broken into kernels for eating.
Definition: grain, corn (as foodstuff)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: corn, victuals. See also: Genesis 42:1; Genesis 43:2; Amos 8:5.
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
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.
רְדוּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
שָׁ֨מָּ/ה֙
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
וְ/שִׁבְרוּ
shâbar
H7666
"to buy grain"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
לָ֣/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
מִ/שָּׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
וְ/נִחְיֶ֖ה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 42:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:2
- Sermons on Genesis 42:2
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
1When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?”
2“Look,” he added, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”
3So ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. 4But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm might befall him.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 43:8 | And Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and we will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children. |
| 2 | Genesis 45:9 | Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. |
| 3 | Genesis 43:2 | So when Jacob’s sons had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 38:1 | In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” |
| 5 | Genesis 43:4 | If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. |
| 6 | Matthew 4:4 | But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” |
| 7 | Psalms 118:17 | I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. |
Genesis 42:2 Summary
In Genesis 42:2, Jacob tells his sons to go to Egypt to buy grain because he wants to make sure they have enough food to eat. He is concerned that if they don't get food, they might die. This shows that Jacob is trying to take care of his family and trust God to provide for them, just like God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4). We can learn from Jacob's example by trusting God to provide for our needs, even when things seem difficult, and by taking care of our loved ones, just like Jacob took care of his sons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob tell his sons to go to Egypt to buy grain?
Jacob told his sons to go to Egypt to buy grain because he had heard that there was grain available there, as stated in Genesis 42:2, and he wanted to ensure their survival, as seen in Genesis 41:57 where many countries came to Egypt to buy grain during the famine.
What was Jacob's concern for his sons?
Jacob's concern for his sons was that they might die if they did not get food, as stated in Genesis 42:2, where he says 'so that we may live and not die', showing his desire to protect and provide for them, similar to God's provision for his people in Exodus 16:4.
How did Jacob's actions demonstrate his faith in God?
Jacob's actions demonstrate his faith in God because, despite the famine, he took initiative to provide for his family, trusting that God would guide and provide for them, as seen in Psalm 37:3-5, where it is written that God will provide for those who trust in Him.
What can we learn from Jacob's decision to send his sons to Egypt?
We can learn from Jacob's decision that, even in difficult circumstances, God is sovereign and provides ways for us to trust and obey Him, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it is written that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust God to provide for my needs, just like Jacob trusted God to provide grain for his family?
- How can I demonstrate my faith in God's provision, even when faced with difficult circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to guide and provide for me, just like Jacob trusted God to guide his sons to Egypt?
- How can I show my love and care for my family, just like Jacob showed his love and care for his sons by sending them to Egypt to buy grain?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:2
And he said, behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt,.... This explains what is meant by the phrase he saw, one sense being put for another: get ye down thither; as fast as you can without
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:2
And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:2
I have heard: this word explains the word saw, . Get you down; for Egypt was lower than Canaan; whence, on the contrary, they are said to go up to Canaan, . That we may live, and not die; an emphatical repetition of the same thing, used here to make them more sensible of their danger.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:2
Genesis 42:2 And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.Ver. 2. Get you down thither,] Here the divine decree of Israel’ s sojourning and suffering in Egypt begins to be fulfilled, by a wonderful providence. The ruinous of Joseph’ s barns invites Jacob, first to send, and then to go thither himself for relief. Shall not the fulness that is in Christ incite and entice us to come to him; as bees to a meadow full of flowers; as merchants to the Indies full of spices and othex riches; as the Queen of Sheba to Solomon full of wisdom; as Jacob’ s sons to Egypt full of corn, in that extreme famine; that we may return full fraught with treasures of truth and grace? "It pleased God, that in him should all fulness dwell." And his fulnees is not only repletive, but diffusive; a fuiness of plenty and abundance, but of bounty also and redundance. He was "anointed with the oil of gladness," not only "above," but for "his fellows." That we may live, and not die.] Saints have their share in common calamities. Jacob tasted of the famine, as well as his neighbonrs the Canaanites; so had Abraham and Isaac done before him. Both the good figs and bad figs were carried captive; the corn as well as the weeds is cut down at harvest, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:2
2. down thither] Egypt being regarded as on the low ground, in comparison with Palestine; cf. Genesis 12:10, Genesis 13:1, Genesis 43:4; Genesis 43:15, Genesis 46:3-4.
Sermons on Genesis 42:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-05 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to give up their sins and choose Christ. He uses the analogy of chains of sin that bind individuals and urges them to ex |
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(Genesis) Genesis 42:24-45:28 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis. He highlights the moment when Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers a |
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The Lump of Figs (Isaiah 38) by Dick Hussey | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a young king who is given a message from God through the prophet Isaiah. The king is told to set his house in order because he w |
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Hezekiah—the Man Who Beat a Death Rap! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson discusses the story of King Hezekiah, who faced death but prayed for and received an extension of life from God. Despite his miraculous recovery, Hezekiah fell into |
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The Quality of Our Life Is More Important Than the Length of Our Life by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that the quality of our life, defined by fulfilling God's will, is far more important than its length. He illustrates that some can accomplish God's tasks in |
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Ending Well by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of finishing well in his sermon 'Ending Well', using the life of King Hezekiah as a cautionary tale. Hezekiah started his reign with great zea |
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Authority and God's Word - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the authority of Scripture, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. It discusses the importance of accepting the entire B |