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Genesis 42:2
ESV 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.”
NIV He continued, 'I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.'
NASB Then he said, 'Look, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down there and buy some for us from that place, so that we may live and not die.'
CSB Listen," he went on, "I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us so that we will live and not die."
NLT I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise we'll die.'
KJV And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.

What does Genesis 42:2 mean?

News has reached Jacob and his large clan (Genesis 35:23–26) that grain can be purchased in Egypt. The whole world is caught in the grip of a terrible famine, and only Egypt has food (Genesis 41:53–54). Jacob seems frustrated with his sons, who are not taking the obvious action: going to Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 42:1). It is unclear why the sons have hesitated to take this action.

What none of Jacob's family know is that Egypt has grain only because of their lost brother, Joseph (Genesis 41:34–36; 55–57). Jacob believes his son is dead (Genesis 37:31–34), but he was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers (Genesis 37:28).
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