New International Version “Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. New Living Translation “But a famine came upon Egypt and Canaan. There was great misery, and our ancestors ran out of food. English Standard Version Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. Berean Standard Bible Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. Berean Literal Bible And there was a famine upon all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers were not finding sustenance. King James Bible Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. New King James Version Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. New American Standard Bible “Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. NASB 1995 “Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. NASB 1977 “Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it; and our fathers could find no food. Legacy Standard Bible “Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. Amplified Bible “Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great distress and our fathers could not find food [for their households and livestock]. Berean Annotated Bible Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt (land of bondage) and Canaan (low), and our fathers {pateres} could not find food. Christian Standard Bible Now a famine and great suffering came over all of Egypt and Canaan, and our ancestors could find no food. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then a famine and great suffering came over all of Egypt and Canaan, and our ancestors could find no food. American Standard Version Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. Contemporary English Version Everywhere in Egypt and Canaan the grain crops failed. There was terrible suffering, and our ancestors could not find enough to eat. English Revised Version Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan brought a lot of suffering. Our ancestors couldn't find any food. Good News Translation Then there was a famine all over Egypt and Canaan, which caused much suffering. Our ancestors could not find any food, International Standard Version "But a famine spread throughout Egypt and Canaan, and with it great suffering, and our ancestors couldn't find any food. NET Bible Then a famine occurred throughout Egypt and Canaan, causing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. New Heart English Bible Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no food. Webster's Bible Translation Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction; and our fathers found no sustenance. Weymouth New Testament But there came a famine throughout the whole of Egypt and Canaan--and great distress--so that our forefathers could find no food. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen famine and great suffering swept across the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. World English Bible Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction. Our fathers found no food. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd there came a scarcity on all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great tribulation, and our fathers were not finding sustenance, Berean Literal Bible And there was a famine upon all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers were not finding sustenance. Young's Literal Translation 'And there came a dearth upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great tribulation, and our fathers were not finding sustenance, Smith's Literal Translation And a famine came upon the whole land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great pressure: and our fathers found no food. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow there came a famine upon all Egypt and Chanaan, and great tribulation; and our fathers found no food. Catholic Public Domain Version Then a famine occurred in all of Egypt and Canaan, and a great tribulation. And our fathers did not find food. New American Bible Then a famine and great affliction struck all Egypt and Canaan, and our ancestors could find no food; New Revised Standard Version Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow there came a famine which brought great distress throughout Egypt and in the land of Ca’naan so that our forefathers found no sustenance. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And there was a famine and great distress in all of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, and there was nothing to satisfy our fathers. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd there came a famine, and great affliction on the whole land of Egypt, and of Chanaan: and our fathers found no sustenance. Godbey New Testament And the famine came into all the land and Canaan, and great distress: and our fathers found no sustenance. Haweis New Testament Then came a famine upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great distress: and our fathers found no provisions. Mace New Testament in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. Weymouth New Testament But there came a famine throughout the whole of Egypt and Canaan--and great distress--so that our forefathers could find no food. Worrell New Testament "Now there came a famine upon the whole of Egypt and Canaan, and great tribulation; and our fathers were not finding sustenance. Worsley New Testament And there came a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction; and our fathers could not find sustenance. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Stephen's Address to the Sanhedrin…10and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. 11Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. 12When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.… Cross References Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, Genesis 47:13 There was no food, however, in all that region, because the famine was so severe; the lands of Egypt and Canaan had been exhausted by the famine. Genesis 41:54 the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt. Psalm 105:16 He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. and our fathers could not find food. Genesis 42:1-2 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” / “Look,” he added, “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.” Genesis 43:1-2 Now the famine was still severe in the land. / So when Jacob’s sons had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.” Genesis 42:5 So the sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan. Genesis 45:6-11 For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. / God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. / Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. … Genesis 41:29-30 Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, / but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land. Genesis 50:20 As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. Exodus 1:8-11 Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” … Nehemiah 9:9-10 You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt; You heard their cry at the Red Sea. / You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day. Psalm 105:23-24 Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. / And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes, Isaiah 19:11-13 The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. Ezekiel 20:5-9 and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. With an uplifted hand I said to them, ‘I am the LORD your God.’ / On that day I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands. / And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ … Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. Matthew 2:13-15 When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Treasury of Scripture Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. Genesis 41:54-57 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… Genesis 43:1 And the famine was sore in the land. Genesis 45:5,6,11 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life… Jump to Previous Able Affliction Canaan Chanaan Dearth Distress Egypt Famine Fathers Find Finding Food Forefathers Found Great Land Struck Suffering Sustenance Throughout Tribulation Trouble WholeJump to Next Able Affliction Canaan Chanaan Dearth Distress Egypt Famine Fathers Find Finding Food Forefathers Found Great Land Struck Suffering Sustenance Throughout Tribulation Trouble WholeActs 7 1. Stephen, permitted to answer to the accusation of blasphemy,2. shows that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the fathers, 20. before Moses was born, and before the tabernacle and temple were built; 37. that Moses himself witnessed of Christ; 44. and that all outward ceremonies were ordained to last but for a time; 51. reprehending their rebellion, and murdering of Christ, whom the prophets foretold. 54. Whereupon they stone Stephen to death, 59. who commends his soul to Jesus, and humbly prays for them. Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, Joseph’s administration had stored grain during the years of abundance, yet the famine extended beyond Egypt into Canaan, where Jacob’s household lived. The crisis affected the lands central to the patriarchal promises and drove Jacob’s family toward Egypt, where God had already prepared provision through Joseph. Gen 47:13 There was no food, however, in all that region… and our fathers could not find food. Jacob and his sons lacked sufficient grain in Canaan and were compelled to seek food in Egypt. Their need began the journey that reunited Joseph with his brothers, preserved the family of Israel, and led to their settlement in Egypt. Gen 42:1-2 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt,… Persons / Places / Events 1. FamineA severe shortage of food that affected both Egypt and Canaan, causing widespread suffering. 2. Egypt A significant location in biblical history, where Joseph rose to power and where the Israelites later became enslaved. 3. Canaan The land promised to Abraham and his descendants, which was also affected by the famine. 4. Our Fathers Refers to the patriarchs of Israel, particularly Jacob and his sons, who were directly impacted by the famine. 5. Joseph Though not mentioned directly in this verse, Joseph's earlier actions in Egypt were crucial in providing a solution to the famine. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in TrialsThe famine was a part of God's larger plan to bring the Israelites to Egypt, where they would grow into a great nation. This reminds us that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances. Provision through Obedience Joseph's obedience to God and his wise stewardship in Egypt ensured provision during the famine. We are called to be faithful stewards of the resources God entrusts to us. Faith in God's Promises Despite the famine, the patriarchs held onto God's promises. We, too, should trust in God's promises, even when our circumstances seem dire. Community and Support The famine affected entire regions, highlighting the importance of community support and cooperation in times of crisis. We should seek to support and uplift one another in our communities. Preparation and Wisdom Joseph's foresight and preparation were key to surviving the famine. We should seek wisdom and prepare for future challenges, trusting God to guide our steps. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 7:11?2. How does Acts 7:11 illustrate God's sovereignty in times of famine and trial? 3. What lessons can we learn from the famine's impact on Jacob's family? 4. How does Acts 7:11 connect to Joseph's earlier dreams in Genesis 37? 5. In what ways can we trust God during our own "famine" experiences? 6. How can Acts 7:11 inspire us to support others facing hardship today? 7. How does Acts 7:11 relate to God's plan for Israel's history and future? 8. What does the famine in Acts 7:11 symbolize in a spiritual context? 9. How does Acts 7:11 demonstrate God's sovereignty over historical events? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 7? (11-14) Now there came a dearth . . .--So far as we can trace the sequence of thought, there seems the suggested inference that as those who, in the history of Joseph, had persecuted him, came afterwards to be dependent on his bounty, so it might prove to be, in the last parallel which the history of Israel presented. In the coming famine, not of bread, but of sustenance for their spiritual life, they would have to turn to Him of whom they had been, in purpose and in act, the betrayers and murderers.Verse 11. - Famine for dearth, A.V.; Egypt for the land of Egypt, A.V. and T.R.; Canaan for Chanaan, A.V. Acts 7:11 highlights God’s sovereign timing (“Then”), His purposeful use of hardship (“famine and great suffering”), the wide-reaching scope of His providence (“swept across Egypt and Canaan”), and His loving intent to draw His covenant people into the place of provision when human resources fail (“our fathers could not find food”). The verse is a snapshot of redemptive history in motion, assuring us that the same faithful God still turns crises into conduits of blessing for those who trust Him. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Thenδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. famine λιμὸς (limos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3042: A famine, hunger. Probably from leipo; a scarcity of food. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. great μεγάλη (megalē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense. suffering θλῖψις (thlipsis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure. swept Ἦλθεν (Ēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2064: To come, go. across ὅλην (holēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3650: All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb. Egypt Αἴγυπτον (Aigypton) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 125: Egypt. Of uncertain derivation. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Canaan, Χανάαν (Chanaan) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5477: Of Hebrew origin; Chanaan, the early name of Palestine. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. fathers πατέρες (pateres) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. could not find ηὕρισκον (hēuriskon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find. food. χορτάσματα (chortasmata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 5527: Food, sustenance, provision. From chortazo; forage, i.e. Food. 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