Genesis 42:1-2
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Jacob's question, "Why do you look at one another?" isn't just about their inaction; it's a sharp observation that they're frozen in despair, waiting for someone else to act, instead of proactively seeking a solution. He's calling out their paralysis born from the dire circumstances, urging them to move from passive helplessness to active problem-solving.
When Jacob learned that there was grain for sale in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” And he said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down and buy grain for us there, that we may live and not die.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
A terrible famine has gripped Canaan, forcing Jacob’s sons to travel to Egypt to buy food. When Jacob learns there's grain available, he questions his sons' inaction and indecision, propelling them toward the encounter with their long-lost brother, Joseph, who now governs Egypt and doesn't recognize them. This sets in motion a complex plan by Joseph to test his brothers and ultimately reunite his family.
Famine has struck hard. Jacob's sons are gathered, staring at each other, a picture of despair. What does Jacob's question reveal about them, and about God's timing?
Jacob's sharp question, 'Why do you look at one another?' cuts through the paralyzed silence of his sons. It highlights their helpless despondency in the face of a devastating famine.
Joseph's brothers are unaware of the incredible plan unfolding. How does this visit to Egypt, driven by famine, serve a purpose far greater than just finding food?
The arrival of Jacob's sons in Egypt is a pivotal moment, orchestrated by God's providence, even though the brothers are completely blind to it.
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Understand the original words
Ya'aqov · Hebrew Proper Noun
The patriarch, formerly named Jacob, who was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name represents both the individual and the nascent nation of God's covenant people.
sheber · Hebrew Noun
Generally refers to sustenance or provisions, often representing the fundamental physical requirements for life provided by God. In a biblical context, it frequently serves as a test of faith and trust in God's providence during times of scarcity.
This verse marks the beginning of a dramatic reunion. The famine in Canaan, a direct consequence of severe drought, drives Jacob's sons to seek help from the very brother they had wronged years earlier, setting the stage for profound reconciliation and divine providence.
c. 1898 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph's envious brothers sell him into slavery, leading to his eventual rise to power in Egypt.
c. 1885 BC
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream
Joseph accurately predicts and advises on a coming seven-year famine, leading to his appointment as ruler over Egypt.
c. 1875 BC
Severe famine strikes Canaan
A devastating famine grips Canaan and surrounding regions, forcing Jacob's family to seek sustenance elsewhere.
c. 1875 BC— this verse
Jacob's sons travel to Egypt
Jacob, learning of grain for sale in Egypt, sends his sons (except Benjamin) to buy food, initiating their encounter with Joseph.
c. 1875 BC
Joseph tests his brothers
Joseph, disguised as an Egyptian official, tests his brothers through accusations of spying and demands for Benjamin's return.
c. 1875 BC
Brothers return to Canaan
The brothers return home with grain, but with Simeon detained and the demand for Benjamin hanging over them, causing Jacob great distress.
This passage speaks to how anger can consume a fool and jealousy kill the simple, mirroring the brothers' initial envy of Joseph that led to their current distress.
Luke 15:17-19The younger brother's realization of his sin and his decision to return to his father, acknowledging his unworthiness, parallels the brothers' confession of guilt when confronted by Joseph.
Romans 8:28This verse offers hope that God can work all things for good, even the devastating famine and the brothers' past sin, bringing about ultimate redemption and restoration.
Galatians 6:7The principle of 'reaping what you sow' directly applies here, as the brothers' past cruelty towards Joseph has now brought distress upon them, even as they face Joseph unknowingly.
1 Peter 4:8Peter's exhortation to 'cover a multitude of sins' with love echoes the need for reconciliation and forgiveness that is central to Joseph's eventual interaction with his brothers.
cambridgeGenesis 42:1: "Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?"
1–5. The Descent into Egypt 1 . look one upon another ] In silence, as if desperate. Jacob’s words indicate the energy and resourcefulness of the old man, as compared with the helpless despondency of the sons.
calvinGenesis 42:1-38: "Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?"
And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
Et vidit Joseph fratres suos, et agnovit eos, et alienum se ostendit eis: locutusque est cum eis dura, et dixit eis, Unde venistis? Et dixerunt, De terra Chenaan…
Jacob's question, "Why do you look at one another?" isn't just about their inaction; it's a sharp observation that they're frozen in despair, waiting for someone else to act, instead of proactively seeking a solution. He's calling out their paralysis born from the dire circumstances, urging them to move from passive helplessness to active problem-solving.
A terrible famine has gripped Canaan, forcing Jacob’s sons to travel to Egypt to buy food. When Jacob learns there's grain available, he questions his sons' inaction and indecision, propelling them toward the encounter with their long-lost brother, Joseph, who now governs Egypt and doesn't recognize them. This sets in motion a complex plan by Joseph to test his brothers and ultimately reunite his family.
A terrible famine has gripped Canaan, forcing Jacob’s sons to travel to Egypt to buy food. When Jacob learns there's grain available, he questions his sons' inaction and indecision, propelling them toward the encounter with their long-lost brother, Joseph, who now governs Egypt and doesn't recognize them. This sets in motion a complex plan by Joseph to test his brothers and ultimately reunite his family.
"When Jacob learned that there was grain for sale in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” And he said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down and buy grain for us there, that we may liv…" — Jacob's question, "Why do you look at one another?" isn't just about their inaction; it's a sharp observation that they're frozen in despair, waiting for someone else to act, instead of proactively s…
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Last reviewed October 2026
