Genesis 41:48 Meaning and Explanation
“And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joseph collects grain from all seven abundant years and stores it in cities throughout Egypt.
The Context of Genesis 41:48
Joseph executes his grain-collection strategy during the seven years of abundance.
What Does Genesis 41:48 Mean?
Joseph's implementation is comprehensive and strategic. He 'gathered up all the food'—not leaving reserves with farmers or merchants but consolidating it under state control. Laying food up in the cities follows Joseph's original proposal and ensures accessibility to the population during the famine.
The detail 'the food of the field, which was round about every city' shows a decentralized approach. Each city becomes a storage center for grain from surrounding regions. This system prevents loss from any single failure and ensures that local areas have access to reserves during the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 41:48
What does Genesis 41:48 mean?
Joseph collects grain from all seven abundant years and stores it in cities throughout Egypt.
What is the context of Genesis 41:48?
Joseph executes his grain-collection strategy during the seven years of abundance.