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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let Pharaoh {H6547} do {H6213} this, and let him appoint {H6485} officers {H6496} over the land {H776}, and take up the fifth part {H2567} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} in the seven {H7651} plenteous {H7647} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh should do this, and he should appoint supervisors over the land to receive a twenty percent tax on the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven years of abundance.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:34 captures a critical moment in Joseph's divinely inspired counsel to Pharaoh, laying out a precise and strategic economic plan for Egypt's survival. Following his accurate interpretation of Pharaoh's prophetic dreams, Joseph advises the immediate appointment of capable administrators and the systematic collection of a significant portion of the harvest during the seven years of unprecedented abundance, thereby establishing a national reserve to mitigate the devastating impact of the impending famine. This verse underscores the importance of proactive foresight and diligent resource management in the face of future uncertainty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Joseph's comprehensive response to Pharaoh's unsettling dreams, which depicted seven fat cows devoured by seven lean cows, and seven full ears of grain consumed by seven thin, scorched ears. Having just revealed the dreams' meaning—seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine (as detailed in [Genesis 41:25-32](/genesis/41-25-32 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams"))—Joseph immediately transitions from interpretation to practical, divinely guided counsel. [Genesis 41:33](/genesis/41-33 "Joseph's Initial Counsel to Pharaoh") first suggests appointing a "discerning and wise man" to oversee the land. Genesis 41:34 then elaborates on the specific actions this appointed leader should undertake, detailing the precise economic policy for national preparedness. This progression highlights Joseph's unique role not just as an interpreter of divine revelation but as a providentially gifted strategist.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society heavily reliant on the annual inundation of the Nile River for its agricultural prosperity. Fluctuations in the Nile's flood levels directly impacted crop yields, making the threat of famine a constant concern. Pharaoh, as the divine king, was responsible for the welfare and prosperity of his people, including ensuring food security. The concept of storing grain in granaries during good years for use in lean years was a known, albeit often localized, practice. Joseph's plan, however, was unprecedented in its scale—a centralized, national policy implemented across all of Egypt. The appointment of "officers" (פקד, _paqîyd_) reflects the existing administrative structures of the Egyptian bureaucracy, which allowed for the delegation of authority and the implementation of large-scale projects. The "fifth part" (20%) was a significant, yet manageable, levy, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of economic sustainability in a pre-industrial society.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's active involvement in human affairs, even in a pagan land, to preserve life and advance His redemptive plan. Joseph's wisdom is clearly attributed to the [Spirit of God within him](/genesis/41-38 "Pharaoh's Recognition of God's Spirit in Joseph"). Another key theme is **Wisdom and Discernment**, as Joseph's counsel is presented as the epitome of practical wisdom, essential for effective leadership and national well-being. The verse also underscores **Stewardship and Preparation**, emphasizing the biblical principle of prudent management of resources during times of abundance to prepare for future scarcity, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "The Ant's Wisdom"). Finally, it highlights **God's Use of Human Agency**, as God's plan for Egypt's salvation from famine is executed through the diligent efforts and strategic planning of a human agent, Joseph, demonstrating how divine will often works through human obedience and action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:34 provides the practical blueprint for national survival, a testament to Joseph's divinely inspired wisdom and foresight.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharaoh (Egyptian, _Parʻôh'_):** This term refers to the king of Egypt (H6547). In this context, it signifies the supreme authority to whom Joseph's counsel is directed, highlighting the governmental power necessary to implement such a widespread and impactful policy. Pharaoh's acceptance and implementation of Joseph's plan underscore the absolute authority vested in the Egyptian monarch.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root (H6213) is broad, meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." Here, it signifies the active implementation and execution of the proposed strategy. "Let Pharaoh do this" implies a call to decisive action, transforming divine revelation into practical policy. It emphasizes the necessity of translating foresight into concrete steps.
* **appoint (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This primitive root (H6485) means "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc." In this context, it specifically means to "appoint" or "set over," indicating the delegation of authority and the establishment of a hierarchical structure for the efficient management of the land's resources. The related noun _pâqîyd_ (H6496) refers to the "officers" themselves, meaning superintendents or overseers.
* **fifth part (Hebrew, _châmash'_):** This denominative (H2567) means "to tax a fifth" or "take up the fifth." It specifies the exact proportion of the harvest to be collected—20%. This precise figure demonstrates the calculated nature of Joseph's plan, designed to be substantial enough for national survival but not so burdensome as to oppress the populace during the years of plenty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let Pharaoh do [this]":** This opening phrase serves as a direct and urgent recommendation to the king, referring back to Joseph's preceding counsel in [Genesis 41:33](/genesis/41-33 "Joseph's initial advice to Pharaoh") to find a "discerning and wise man" and set him over the land. It signifies the immediate and authoritative implementation of the proposed strategy, emphasizing the necessity of decisive leadership.
* **"and let him appoint officers over the land":** This clause details the first crucial step of the plan: establishing a robust administrative framework. The appointment of "officers" (Hebrew: _paqîydîm_, overseers or superintendents) indicates the need for delegated authority and organized management across the entire nation to effectively execute the complex task of resource collection and storage.
* **"and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years":** This specifies the core economic policy. "The fifth part" (20%) refers to a substantial levy on the agricultural produce. This collection was to occur consistently "in the seven plenteous years," highlighting the strategic foresight to leverage the period of abundance to build up a massive national reserve, ensuring food security for the entire population during the subsequent years of famine. This proactive measure demonstrates a principle of prudent resource management and strategic planning.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Foreshadowing** and **Pragmatism**. The **foreshadowing** is evident in Joseph's counsel, which anticipates a future crisis (the famine) and provides a solution, thereby setting the stage for the dramatic events of the subsequent chapters where Joseph's plan saves Egypt and surrounding nations, including his own family. The explicit mention of "the seven plenteous years" and the implied "seven years of famine" creates a clear temporal framework for this prophetic foresight. **Pragmatism** is seen in the highly practical and actionable nature of Joseph's advice. It is not merely a spiritual interpretation but a concrete, governmental policy involving specific actions (appointing officers, collecting a specific percentage) designed to address a real-world problem. This blend of divine revelation with practical, administrative solutions underscores the holistic nature of biblical wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:34 powerfully illustrates God's providential care for His people and the world, often working through human wisdom and diligence. Joseph's counsel is not merely a clever human idea but a divinely inspired strategy, demonstrating God's foresight and His ability to provide for His creation even in the face of impending disaster. It highlights the biblical principle of stewardship, urging responsible management of resources during times of blessing to prepare for future needs. This verse also underscores the importance of wise leadership and governmental responsibility in ensuring the well-being and survival of a nation, acting as a conduit for God's provision.

* [Proverbs 21:20](/proverbs/21-20 "The Wise Store Up Choice Food"): "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."
* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "The Prudent Foresee Danger"): "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."
* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "God's Blessing of Abundance"): "The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:34 offers profound and timeless principles applicable to every sphere of life, from individual finances to national policy. Joseph's divinely inspired counsel to Pharaoh serves as a powerful call to proactive foresight and diligent stewardship. In times of personal or national abundance, we are called to exercise wisdom, not merely consuming all that is given, but setting aside resources and preparing for potential future challenges. This encompasses financial prudence, such as saving and investing, but extends to spiritual and relational reserves as well—cultivating spiritual disciplines and nurturing relationships during times of ease so they can sustain us through hardship. Just as Joseph advised the appointment of competent officers, leaders in any capacity are reminded of the crucial need to identify, empower, and delegate to capable individuals, fostering a culture of preparedness and responsible management. This verse challenges us to move beyond reactive living, embracing a proactive stance rooted in trust in God's provision and a commitment to wise action, mirroring the ant's wisdom in [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "The Ant's Wisdom").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (financial, spiritual, relational) are you currently experiencing "plenteous years"? How are you stewarding these seasons of abundance?**
* **What potential "famines" or challenges might lie ahead for you, your family, or your community? What proactive steps can you take now to prepare?**
* **How does Joseph's example of leadership inspire your own approach to responsibility, whether in your home, workplace, or community?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph recommend taking a "fifth part" (20%) instead of another amount?**

Answer: Joseph's recommendation of a "fifth part" (20%) was a divinely inspired and highly practical amount. It was significant enough to build a massive national reserve over seven years—enough to feed an entire nation and surrounding regions during a severe, prolonged famine—yet not so burdensome as to cause undue hardship, economic collapse, or rebellion among the populace during the years of plenty. This percentage allowed for efficient collection, storage, and management, demonstrating a balance between necessary preparation for an unprecedented crisis and sustainable economic policy. It reflects a profound understanding of both the scale of the impending famine and the practicalities of governance.

**How does this instruction relate to the biblical concept of tithing?**

Answer: While both involve setting aside a portion of income or produce, Joseph's instruction to take a "fifth part" (20%) is distinct from the biblical concept of tithing. Tithing, typically a 10% levy (as seen in [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "The Tithe of the Land")), was primarily a religious obligation for the support of the priesthood, the Tabernacle/Temple, and the poor, rooted in covenant relationship with God. Joseph's plan, however, was a national economic policy for survival, a temporary measure for a specific, divinely revealed crisis, demonstrating prudent governmental stewardship and crisis management rather than a religious duty. It was a pragmatic, albeit divinely guided, tax for national food security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 41:34 details a practical economic strategy for national survival, it profoundly points to Christ in its broader themes of divine foresight, provision, and salvation. Joseph, guided by the [Spirit of God](/genesis/41-38 "Pharaoh's Recognition of God's Spirit in Joseph"), prepares a way for the salvation of Egypt and surrounding nations from physical famine, acting as a providential deliverer. In a far more profound and eternal sense, Jesus Christ is the ultimate "wise and discerning man" appointed by God, who, through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, has stored up an inexhaustible supply of grace and eternal life for all humanity. Just as Joseph gathered physical grain in abundance to sustain earthly life, Christ offers Himself as the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus as the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus Offers Living Water")), providing spiritual sustenance and eternal security. Through Him, we are delivered not from a temporary physical famine, but from the eternal spiritual famine of sin and death, ensuring that in Him, we will never truly face a famine of hope, truth, or eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). He is the one who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")), providing ultimate salvation and abundant provision for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 22:3

¶ A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Numbers 31:14

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, [with] the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.

Proverbs 6:6

¶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

Proverbs 6:8

Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.

Job 5:20

In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.

Luke 16:5

So he called every one of his lord's debtors [unto him], and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

Psalms 33:19

To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.