Genesis 42:6 Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

◄ Genesis 42:6 ►

New International Version
Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

New Living Translation
Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground.

English Standard Version
Now Joseph was governor over the land. He was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

King James Bible
And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.

New King James Version
Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth.

New American Standard Bible
Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold grain to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

NASB 1995
Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

NASB 1977
Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Joseph was the one in power over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

Amplified Bible
Now Joseph was the ruler over the land, and he was the one who sold [grain] to all the people of the land; and Joseph’s [half] brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

Christian Standard Bible
Joseph was in charge of the country; he sold grain to all its people. His brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joseph was in charge of the country; he sold grain to all its people. His brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

American Standard Version
And Joseph was the governor over the land; he it was that sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves to him with their faces to the earth.

Contemporary English Version
Since Joseph was governor of Egypt and in charge of selling grain, his brothers came to him and bowed with their faces to the ground.

English Revised Version
And Joseph was the governor over the land; he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves to him with their faces to the earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As governor of the country, Joseph was selling grain to everyone. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed in front of him with their faces touching the ground.

Good News Translation
Joseph, as governor of the land of Egypt, was selling grain to people from all over the world. So Joseph's brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, Joseph continued to be ruler over the land, in charge of selling to everyone in the land. Joseph's brothers appeared and bowed down to him, face down.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

NET Bible
Now Joseph was the ruler of the country, the one who sold grain to all the people of the country. Joseph's brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.

New Heart English Bible
Now Joseph was the ruler over the country, and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph’s brothers came and bowed themselves down to him with their faces to the ground.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the earth.

World English Bible
Joseph was the governor over the land. It was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph’s brothers came, and bowed themselves down to him with their faces to the earth.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and Joseph is the ruler over the land, he who is selling to all the people of the land, and Joseph’s brothers come and bow themselves to him—face to the earth.

Young's Literal Translation
and Joseph is the ruler over the land, he who is selling to all the people of the land, and Joseph's brethren come and bow themselves to him -- face to the earth.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joseph, he the ruler over the land, and he selling grain to all the people of the earth; and Joseph's brethren will come, and will worship before him the face to the earth.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Joseph was governor in the land of Egypt, and corn was sold by his direction to the people. And when his brethren had bowed down to him,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Joseph was governor in the land of Egypt, and grain was sold under his direction to the people. And when his brothers had reverenced him

New American Bible
Joseph, as governor of the country, was the one who sold grain to all the people of the land. When Joseph’s brothers came, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

New Revised Standard Version
Now Joseph was governor over the land; it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Now Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was who sold the grain to all the people of the land; and Joseph's brothers came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the ground.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yoseph was authorized over the land, and he sold to all the people of the land and the brothers of Yoseph came and bowed down to him on their faces on the ground.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joseph was the governor over the land; he it was that sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down to him with their faces to the earth.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joseph was ruler of the land; he sold to all the people of the land. And the brethren of Joseph, having come, did reverence to him, bowing with the face to the ground.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt
…5So the sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan. 6Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. 7And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 37:7-10
We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” / “Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. / Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” ...

Genesis 41:41-44
Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” / Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. / He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt. ...

Genesis 43:26-28
When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him. / He asked if they were well, and then he asked, “How is your elderly father you told me about? Is he still alive?” / “Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him.

Genesis 45:3-8
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. / Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. ...

Genesis 50:18-21
His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? / As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. ...

Acts 7:9-14
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. / Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. ...

Psalm 105:16-22
He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. / He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, ...

1 Kings 18:7
Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?”

Nehemiah 5:15
The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people. But I did not do this, because of my fear of God.

Isaiah 60:14
The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Matthew 27:29
And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

John 4:9
“You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”

Romans 11:28-29
Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs. / For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

Philippians 2:10-11
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Treasury of Scripture

And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brothers came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.

governor.

Genesis 41:40,41
Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou…

Genesis 45:8,26
So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt…

Psalm 105:16-21
Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread…

he it was.

Genesis 41:55,56
And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do…

bowed.

Genesis 18:2
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Genesis 19:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Genesis 37:7,9
For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf…

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Genesis 42

1. Jacob sends his ten sons to buy grain in Egypt.
16. They are imprisoned by Joseph as spies.
18. They are set at liberty, on condition to bring Benjamin.
21. They have remorse for Joseph.
24. Simeon is kept for a pledge.
25. They return with grain, and their money.
29. Their relation to Jacob.
36. Jacob refuses to send Benjamin.

Berean Study Bible

Now Joseph was the ruler of the land
The phrase highlights Joseph's elevated status in Egypt, a remarkable transformation from his earlier life as a Hebrew slave and prisoner. The Hebrew word for "ruler" is "shalit," which implies a position of authority and governance. This reflects God's providence and fulfillment of His promises, as Joseph's dreams of leadership and his brothers bowing to him are realized. Historically, this aligns with the Egyptian practice of appointing capable foreigners to high positions, showcasing God's sovereignty in using Joseph to preserve His people.

he was the one who sold grain
Joseph's role as the distributor of grain underscores his critical position during the famine. The Hebrew root "shabar" means to buy or sell grain, indicating Joseph's control over the essential resource of food. This not only emphasizes his administrative skills but also his wisdom and discernment, qualities that God had developed in him through his trials. Joseph's management of the grain supply is a testament to God's provision and the fulfillment of His plan to sustain the nations during the famine.

to all its people
This phrase indicates the widespread impact of Joseph's role, as he was responsible for the sustenance of the entire Egyptian population and beyond. The inclusivity of "all" suggests that Joseph's influence extended beyond ethnic and national boundaries, prefiguring the universal nature of God's salvation plan. It also highlights the historical context of Egypt as a central hub during times of famine, drawing people from surrounding regions to seek sustenance.

So when Joseph’s brothers arrived
The arrival of Joseph's brothers marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for reconciliation and the fulfillment of Joseph's dreams. The Hebrew word "bo" (arrived) signifies a coming or entering, which in this context, represents the brothers' unwitting participation in God's redemptive plan. This moment is laden with dramatic irony, as the brothers are unaware of Joseph's identity and the significance of their journey to Egypt.

they bowed down before him
This act of bowing fulfills the prophetic dreams Joseph had as a young man, where his brothers' sheaves bowed to his sheaf (Genesis 37:7). The Hebrew word "shachah" means to bow down or prostrate oneself, often used in contexts of worship or deep respect. This physical act symbolizes the fulfillment of God's word and the humbling of Joseph's brothers, who once scorned his dreams. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the truth that His purposes will prevail.

with their faces to the ground
The phrase emphasizes the depth of the brothers' submission and respect, as bowing with faces to the ground was a gesture of utmost humility and reverence in ancient Near Eastern culture. This posture reflects their desperation and need, as well as the dramatic reversal of roles between Joseph and his brothers. It is a powerful image of God's ability to transform circumstances and bring about His divine justice and mercy.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Joseph's brethren came and bowed down themselves before him.--Throughout the land of Egypt Joseph would sell by deputy, and only give general directions; but the arrival of so large a party as Joseph's ten brethren, each probably with several attendants, would be reported to the governor in person, as certainly was the case with Abraham when he went into Egypt (Genesis 12:14-15). Such visits would happen only occasionally, and the arrival of foreigners was always a matter looked upon with suspicion, especially upon the Arabian frontier.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - And Joseph was the governor over the land. The word שָׁלִּיט from שָׁלַט, to rule, describes one invested with despotic authority, or a sultan (Gesenius), in which character the early Shemites appear to have regarded Joseph (Keil). It is probably the same idea which recurs in the name Salatis, which, according to Manetho, belonged to the first of the shepherd kings (Josephus, 'Contra Apionem,' 1:14). Occurring nowhere else in the Pentateuch, it reappears in the later writings of Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 7:10; 10:5), Ezra (Ezra 4:20; 7:24), Daniel (Daniel 2:15; 5:29), which, however, need not suggest an exilian or post-exilian authorship, but may be explained by the fact that the root is found equally in the Arabic and Aramaean dialects (Keil). And he it was that sold to all the people of the land. Not conducted the retail corn trade (Tuch, Oort, Kuenen), which was assigned to subordinates (ver. 25; Genesis 44:1), but presided over the general market of the kingdom (Murphy), probably fixing the price at which the grain should be sold, determining the quantities to be allowed to purchasers, and examining the companies of foreigners who came to buy (Rosenmüller, Havernick, Lange, Gerlach). And Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. And so fulfilled his early dream in Shechem (Genesis 37:7, 8).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Now Joseph
וְיוֹסֵ֗ף (wə·yō·w·sêp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

was the ruler
הַשַּׁלִּ֣יט (haš·šal·lîṭ)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7989: Having mastery, domineering

of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the land,
הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

who
ה֥וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

sold grain
הַמַּשְׁבִּ֖יר (ham·maš·bîr)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7666: To deal in grain

to all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

its
הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

people.
עַ֣ם (‘am)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

So when [his]
יוֹסֵ֔ף (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

brothers
אֲחֵ֣י (’ă·ḥê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

arrived,
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

they bowed down
וַיִּשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ־ (way·yiš·ta·ḥă·wū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate

before him
ל֥וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

with their faces
אַפַּ֖יִם (’ap·pa·yim)
Noun - md
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

to the ground.
אָֽרְצָה׃ (’ā·rə·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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OT Law: Genesis 42:6 Joseph was the governor over the land (Gen. Ge Gn)