Genesis 41:34 kjv

Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.

Genesis 41:34 nkjv

Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years.

Genesis 41:34 niv

Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance.

Genesis 41:34 esv

Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years.

Genesis 41:34 nlt

Then Pharaoh should appoint supervisors over the land and let them collect one-fifth of all the crops during the seven good years.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 34 Meaning

This verse contains Joseph's wise counsel to Pharaoh, proposing a proactive strategy to mitigate the predicted seven-year famine. He advises Pharaoh to establish a structured administrative system by appointing trusted overseers throughout the land of Egypt. Their critical task would be to systematically collect and store one-fifth of the abundant harvest during the preceding seven years of plenty. This massive accumulation of grain would serve as a vital reserve, ensuring the sustenance of the populace during the subsequent years of severe famine. The counsel highlights foresight, prudent management, and the crucial role of responsible leadership in preparation for future challenges, all rooted in the divine revelation given through Joseph.

Genesis 41 34 Context

Genesis chapter 41 details Pharaoh's two troubling dreams, which none of his wise men or magicians could interpret. Joseph, still imprisoned, is called upon and reveals that the dreams signify seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine. Verse 34 is part of Joseph's divinely inspired counsel to Pharaoh, immediately following the interpretation of the dreams. This advice demonstrates not only Joseph's gift of prophetic understanding but also his exceptional practical wisdom in crisis management and governance. It sets the stage for his elevation to power in Egypt, as his plan provides the only viable solution to save the nation from devastation. This counsel reflects divine insight for strategic planning and highlights God's providence even in foreign lands through His chosen servants.

Genesis 41 34 Word analysis

• Let Pharaoh: Indicates Joseph's understanding of Pharaoh's supreme authority as the ruler of Egypt. Joseph acknowledges the existing governmental structure, proposing a plan for its proper and effective exercise.
• appoint (יַפְקֵ֤ד - yafqed): Derived from the Hebrew root "paqad," meaning "to visit, muster, appoint, commission, or oversee." It denotes a formal, deliberate act of establishing officials with specific authority and responsibility. This highlights the need for systematic administration rather than mere suggestions.
• overseers (פְּקִידִ֛ים - pĕqîdîm): Plural of "paqid," meaning "appointed officials," "supervisors," or "administrators." These were individuals given charge over specific duties or domains. In this context, they are crucial for the efficient management of a national undertaking, signifying the importance of effective delegated authority for large-scale operations.
• over the land: Implies a comprehensive, nationwide implementation of the plan, affecting all regions and agricultural outputs of Egypt. This shows the vast scale of Joseph's vision for national salvation.
• and let him take: Indicates Pharaoh's direct involvement in collecting resources, affirming state-sanctioned and centrally organized taxation. This is not voluntary giving, but a national levy for public welfare.
• one-fifth (חֲמִישִׁית - khamishit): This specific amount, twenty percent, is a substantial portion of the harvest. It reflects Joseph's understanding of the severity of the coming famine and the need for a massive surplus. This specific percentage demonstrates a precise, divinely guided calculation for sufficient reserves. It became a permanent land tax in Egypt for a time, reflecting its efficacy.
• of the produce of the land of Egypt: Refers specifically to the agricultural yield—grain, primarily, given the context of famine. Egypt's prosperity was dependent on the Nile's predictable floods and the resultant fertile soil, making its grain a primary resource.
• during the seven years of abundance: This specifies the time frame for collection. It underscores the concept of preparing during times of plenty for inevitable hardship, a core biblical principle of stewardship and foresight.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Let Pharaoh appoint overseers over the land": This phrase establishes a system of organized governance and delegation. It emphasizes a structured, hierarchical approach to national administration, vital for implementing a large-scale and critical plan effectively.
• "and let him take one-fifth of the produce": This defines the economic mechanism—a mandated collection, akin to a form of national taxation. The specific "one-fifth" suggests a calculated, pragmatic approach to accumulating reserves, balanced between effective storage and not excessively burdening the populace during the years of plenty. It reflects economic wisdom applied to public good.
• "of the land of Egypt during the seven years of abundance": This defines the scope and timing of the operation. It highlights the principle of preparing in prosperity for scarcity. The "abundance" makes the collection feasible, demonstrating how divine blessing can facilitate human responsibility.

Genesis 41 34 Bonus section

The concept of taking a fifth (20%) was a common administrative measure in ancient Near Eastern societies, though often debated for fairness. In Egypt, Joseph's implementation of the one-fifth became a historical precedent, evolving later into a regular land tax, cementing a foundational administrative principle based on an initial divinely inspired emergency measure. This foresight not only saved Egypt and the surrounding regions, including Joseph's own family, but also demonstrated the practicality and sustainability of divinely guided policies in the long term, impacting the legal and economic structure of the nation for generations (Gen 47:26).

Genesis 41 34 Commentary

Genesis 41:34 provides a profound insight into proactive governance, rooted in divine wisdom. Joseph's counsel to Pharaoh transcended mere interpretation; it offered a meticulously detailed and practical administrative solution. The appointment of "overseers" signified the importance of disciplined leadership and effective delegated authority to manage a large-scale, nationwide effort. The "one-fifth" levy, a substantial yet seemingly manageable amount during prosperity, demonstrated both pragmatic economic foresight and the absolute necessity of significant reserves given the scale of the predicted famine. This verse beautifully illustrates how divine revelation is not abstract but provides concrete guidance for practical challenges, emphasizing prudent stewardship of resources, foresight in times of prosperity, and decisive action to mitigate future crises. Joseph's advice transformed Pharaoh's dreams into actionable policy that saved an entire nation, highlighting the power of God-given wisdom in the affairs of the world.