How does famine develop through the rest of Scripture?

Famine sends Jacob's family to Joseph in Egypt, shapes the story of Ruth, and is reframed by Amos as 'a famine... of hearing the words of the LORD' (Amos 8:11), answered by Christ the bread of life.

All First Mentions

Law of First Mention

Where Does the Bible First Mention Famine?

Q: Where does the Bible first mention famine?

The Bible first mentions famine in Genesis 12:10, using the original word ra'av (רעב). A famine drives Abram to Egypt—the first famine tests faith and providence, themes that recur whenever God's people face scarcity.

The Bible first mentions famine in Genesis 12:10, from the original word ra'av (רעב). A famine drives Abram to Egypt—the first famine tests faith and providence, themes that recur whenever God's people face scarcity.

The Seed of Everything That Follows

Physical famine repeatedly becomes the stage for God's provision.

Explore all 100+ biblical first mentions