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Genesis 41:53

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 41:53 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egypt, came to an end.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egypt, came to an end.
Genesis 41:53 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 41

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
50And unto Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bare unto him.
51And Joseph called the name of the first-born Manasseh: For, [said he], God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father`s house.
52And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.
53And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egypt, came to an end.
54And the seven years of famine began to come, according as Joseph had said: and there was famine in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
55And 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.
56And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine was sore in the land of Egypt.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the seven years of plenteousness that was in the land of Egypt were ended.] Perhaps quickly after the birth of Ephraim, Joseph’s second son; since the account follows upon that, and it is certain that he was born before the years of famine began, (<014150>Genesis 41:50); some connect the words, “moreover when” the seven years of plenty were ended, then began, as follows, seven years of famine; these events were fulfilled just as Joseph had predicted.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The seven years of plenteousness . . . ended--Over and above the proportion purchased for the government during the years of plenty, the people could still have husbanded much for future use. But improvident as men commonly are in the time of prosperity, they found themselves in want, and would have starved by thousands had not Joseph anticipated and provided for the protracted calamity.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“41:53-57 Joseph’s wisdom paid off, for the seven years of plenty were followed by seven years of severe famine, but throughout Egypt there was plenty of food. Joseph had grain to sell to the Egyptians and to people from other countries as well.”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification