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Genesis 42:1

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

When Jacob learned that there was grain for sale in Egypt, he said to his sons, 'Why are you just sitting here looking at each other?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Jacob is challenging his sons to take action instead of just staring at each other helplessly during a time of famine.

📚 Historical Context

In the biblical narrative of Genesis, Jacob and his family are living in Canaan during a severe famine that has affected the region, making food scarce. Jacob learns that Egypt has an abundance of grain due to prior preparations, though he is unaware that his son Joseph, whom he believes is dead, is the one responsible for this. This sets the stage for Jacob to urge his sons to travel to Egypt for provisions, highlighting the family's desperation and the broader theme of God's providence in the midst of hardship.

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