Genesis 41:57

57 omnesque provinciae veniebant in Aegyptum ut emerent escas et malum inopiae temperarent

Genesis 41:57 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 41:57

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy
[corn]
All the neighbouring nations (Syria, Arabia, Palestine, Canaan), when they heard there was corn there for money, came from all parts for it, and were glad to get it at such expense and trouble: because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands;
that there was no bread to be got for money elsewhere. It is thought by many, that for this care of Joseph in laying up provision against this time of need, and which was the preservation of the Egyptians, he was worshipped by them under various names; as the Apis, which was an ox, a sign of fruitfulness; and Serapis, sometimes figured as a young man carrying a basket of bread on his head; and Osiris, who is sometimes represented with a bushel on his head. However, this is certain, that he was an eminent type of Christ in all this, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation: as Joseph was wrongly charged by his mistress, so was Christ falsely accused by the Jews; as he was cast into prison and bound there, so Christ was taken and bound as a prisoner; as Joseph was raised to great honour and glory in Pharaoh's court, so Christ was exalted by his Father, and crowned with glory and honour; and if the new name given him, "Zaphnathpaaneah", signifies the Saviour of the world, as some interpret it, it agrees well with Christ, who was sent into the world for that purpose; and indeed, if it means a revealer of secrets, it suits with him, who hath declared his Father's mind and will, and revealed the mysteries of his grace to the sons of men: and as Joseph had all the stores of corn under his care, and the needy were bid to go to him for it, so Christ has all the treasures of grace in his hand, and all that are sensible of their need of it are directed to go to him for it; and it is from him that men of all nations and countries receive grace for grace, and have all their supplies, and spiritual sustenance and nourishment.

Genesis 41:57 In-Context

55 qua esuriente clamavit populus ad Pharaonem alimenta petens quibus ille respondit ite ad Ioseph et quicquid vobis dixerit facite
56 crescebat autem cotidie fames in omni terra aperuitque Ioseph universa horrea et vendebat Aegyptiis nam et illos oppresserat fames
57 omnesque provinciae veniebant in Aegyptum ut emerent escas et malum inopiae temperarent
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.