Genesis 41:35
ESV
And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it.
NIV
They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food.
NASB
Then have them collect all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh’s authority, and have them guard it.
CSB
Let them gather all the excess food during these good years that are coming. Under Pharaoh’s authority, store the grain in the cities, so they may preserve it as food.
NLT
Have them gather all the food produced in the good years that are just ahead and bring it to Pharaoh’s storehouses. Store it away, and guard it so there will be food in the cities.
KJV
And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
NKJV
And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
What does Genesis 41:35 mean?
Ancient kings ruled as gods—sometimes claiming literal divine status. Even their appointed advisors had to be careful not to overstep their roles. And yet, in this passage, an imprisoned Hebrew slave (Genesis 41:9–16) is instructing the Pharaoh of Egypt on how to run his nation (Genesis 41:33–34). Joseph's advice comes after interpreting Pharaoh's prophetic dreams (Genesis 41:25–32). Rather than simply stopping there, Joseph has continued to offer suggestions on how to react to those visions.Joseph's advice is to use the seven impending years of fertility to stockpile food, under the leadership of a wise man. This will provide a buffer to survive the seven coming years of extreme famine (Genesis 41:36). This involves imposing a kind of tax, taking 20 percent of every bumper crop to come in the following seven years. That grain should be specially designated, under the authority of Pharaoh, and not used until the famine.
