Genesis 47:24 kjv

And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.

Genesis 47:24 nkjv

And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give one-fifth to Pharaoh. Four-fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and for your food, for those of your households and as food for your little ones."

Genesis 47:24 niv

But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children."

Genesis 47:24 esv

And at the harvests you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and as food for yourselves and your households, and as food for your little ones."

Genesis 47:24 nlt

Then when you harvest it, one-fifth of your crop will belong to Pharaoh. You may keep the remaining four-fifths as seed for your fields and as food for you, your households, and your little ones."

Genesis 47 verses

Genesis 47 24 Meaning

Genesis 47:24 outlines the distribution plan for the common people of Egypt during the severe famine, as instituted by Joseph. After purchasing all the land for Pharaoh and establishing a 20% tax on the produce, this verse specifies what remains for the farmers: seeds for planting for future crops, food for their immediate consumption, sustenance for everyone in their households, and food specifically for their little children. This ensured the survival and future viability of the Egyptian population under Pharaoh's new economic system.

Genesis 47 24 Context

Genesis 47 narrates the Israelites' settlement in Goshen and Joseph's final acts of administrative wisdom during the remaining famine years. Prior to this verse, the Egyptian people had run out of money and livestock to exchange for food, eventually offering themselves and their land to Pharaoh (Gen 47:18-19). Joseph accepted their offer, making Pharaoh the owner of all Egyptian land (except that of the priests, Gen 47:22) and effectively turning the populace into tenant farmers. Verse 24 is Joseph's compassionate and shrewd decree, laying out the terms of this new land tenure system. It establishes a fixed tax of one-fifth (20%) of the produce for Pharaoh, while ensuring the people retain the necessary resources for their survival, sustenance, and the continuation of agriculture. This agreement not only secured the food supply for the rest of the famine but also established a stable long-term economic system beneficial to both Pharaoh and the people, ensuring their recovery and future prosperity.

Genesis 47 24 Word analysis

• But (אַךְ, 'akh): A strong adversative or emphasizing particle. It introduces a contrast, signaling that while the land now belongs to Pharaoh, the people are not left without; there is a distinct provision for them. It highlights Joseph's grace in the arrangement.
• for yourselves (לָכֶם, lakhem): Direct emphasis on the beneficiaries. This is the portion specifically for the people, ensuring their self-sufficiency after paying the tribute.
• you shall have (יִהְיֶה, yihyeh): Literally "there shall be for you." It indicates guaranteed provision and continued possession or right to use, not just a one-time dole, but a systemic arrangement.
• seed (זֶרַע, zera’): This is critical. Beyond immediate food, seed represents the future. It signifies the continuity of agriculture, the basis of their economy, and the potential for a new harvest after the famine. It ensures sustainability.
• for the field (לַשָּׂדֶה, lassāḏeh): Specifies the purpose of the seed. It's for planting in the ground, indicating the resumption of their normal agricultural work and the productivity of the land under the new arrangement.
• and (וְ, və): A simple conjunction connecting various provisions. It lists additional crucial allocations beyond just seed for future crops.
• for your food (וּלְאָכְלְכֶם, ūlĕʾāḵlĕḵem): Provision for their immediate and ongoing personal consumption. This ensures basic survival and strength for labor.
• and (וְ, və): Another connector, continuing the list of provisions.
• for those in your households (וְלַאֲשֶׁר בְּבָתֵּיכֶם, vĕlaʾăšer bĕḇātêḵem): Broadly encompasses all dependents and members of the extended family living together. It signifies care for the wider domestic unit, reflecting the societal structure of the time.
• and (וְ, və): Connects the last, crucial item.
• for the food of your little ones (וְלֶאֱכֹל טַפְּכֶם, wĕlēʾḵōl ṭappkem): Specific mention of children, the most vulnerable members of society. This highlights the humanitarian aspect of Joseph's plan, prioritizing the future generation's survival and well-being.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But for yourselves you shall have seed for the field": This phrase highlights Joseph's forethought and the sustainable nature of the plan. It's not just about surviving the immediate famine, but about empowering the people to sow, harvest, and restore their livelihood, thereby ensuring future food security and economic recovery for generations to come. This stands in contrast to pure confiscation; a portion is guaranteed for investment in the future.
• "and for your food": This focuses on the essential, present need for direct sustenance for the adults, allowing them to remain healthy and strong to work the land and support their families.
• "and for those in your households, and for the food of your little ones": This emphasizes the comprehensive care extending to the entire family unit, including all dependents and, particularly, the children. It underscores Joseph's humanitarian concern, reflecting divine compassion, as no one within the family structure would be neglected or starve under this provision. It secures the survival of the collective, not just individuals.

Genesis 47 24 Bonus section

Joseph's establishment of the "fifth part" (חֹמֶשׁ, chomes) as a perpetual statute (Gen 47:26) marks a foundational moment in Egyptian socio-economic history as depicted in the Bible. This fixed tax rate was considerably less oppressive than what was common in many ancient Near Eastern empires, which often demanded higher portions (sometimes up to half or two-thirds). The fact that the people freely agreed to this arrangement (Gen 47:25, "You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh") speaks to the wisdom and perceived fairness of Joseph's system, especially in light of their previous dire straits. The distinction that only the priests were exempt (Gen 47:22) highlights their unique status within Egyptian society, likely due to their close ties to Pharaoh and their religious duties. This arrangement also serves as a historical backdrop for later discussions of land ownership, tribute, and the provision for the poor and vulnerable within the biblical narrative of Israel, even if not a direct legislative precedent for Mosaic Law. It underscores God's ability to use human leadership and provident planning to deliver people from overwhelming calamities, showcasing His care even for nations outside His covenant people at that time.

Genesis 47 24 Commentary

Genesis 47:24 reveals the culmination of Joseph’s divinely inspired wisdom in administrating the Egyptian economy during the famine. Following his acquisition of all the land for Pharaoh, Joseph could have imposed harsh terms, but instead, he demonstrated provident leadership. This verse lays out a balanced agreement: while 20% of the produce was designated for Pharaoh, ensuring the stability and wealth of the crown (and providing a stored surplus for future needs), the remaining 80% was explicitly allocated for the people's sustenance and future productivity.

The distribution specifically for "seed for the field" highlights the long-term vision. Joseph wasn't merely giving handouts; he was providing the means for people to restart their agricultural cycle, empowering them to return to productive labor. This act ensured that the famine's end would not leave the land barren or the people impoverished and reliant solely on the government. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "your food," "those in your households," and "your little ones" underscores Joseph's compassion and commitment to the welfare of all, especially the vulnerable. This humane approach not only prevented widespread starvation and social unrest but also fostered a degree of loyalty and dependence on Pharaoh, whose leadership (through Joseph) was instrumental in saving them.

Joseph’s policy establishes a system of secure land tenure (though not ownership for the farmers), a reasonable fixed tax, and guaranteed provision, providing a remarkable model of responsible governance guided by divine wisdom, emphasizing both state stability and the people's well-being. It illustrates the principles of good stewardship, wise investment for the future, and caring for dependents, all under the broader umbrella of God's overarching providence that worked through Joseph.

Examples:

• Provident Planning: A family budgeting not just for current expenses but also for future education funds.
• Responsible Governance: A government taxing its citizens fairly and using those funds to build infrastructure (like schools or roads) that benefits society, returning resources in a different form.
• Community Support: A church setting aside funds or resources specifically to help families in need within its congregation, ensuring no one is neglected.