Genesis 41:56

56 And the famine has been over all the face of the land, and Joseph openeth all [places] which have [corn] in them, and selleth to the Egyptians; and the famine is severe in the land of Egypt,

Genesis 41:56 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 41:56

And the famine was over all the face of the earth
Not over the whole world, but the land of Egypt; all the inhabitants of it were pinched with it, rich and poor; it reached all parts and all sorts of men: and Joseph opened all the storehouses;
in the several cities throughout the land where he had laid up corn: and sold unto the Egyptians;
for, as he had bought it with Pharaoh's money, it was no injustice to sell it; and as it could be sold at a moderate price, and yet Pharaoh get enough by it, being bought cheap in a time of plenty, no doubt but Joseph, who was a kind and benevolent man, sold it at such a price: and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt;
there being no overflow of the Nile year after year, and nothing left of the old stock but what was in the storehouses.

Genesis 41:56 In-Context

54 and the seven years of famine begin to come, as Joseph said, and famine is in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt hath been bread;
55 and all the land of Egypt is famished, and the people crieth unto Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh saith to all the Egyptians, `Go unto Joseph; that which he saith to you -- do.'
56 And the famine has been over all the face of the land, and Joseph openeth all [places] which have [corn] in them, and selleth to the Egyptians; and the famine is severe in the land of Egypt,
57 and all the earth hath come to Egypt, to buy, unto Joseph, for the famine was severe in all the earth.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.