Genesis 41:56

56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth; and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold unto the Egyptians. And the famine waxed sore 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 dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said; and the dearth was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

55 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."

56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth; and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold unto the Egyptians. And the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy corn, because the famine was so sore in all lands.