Genesis 41:34

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Genesis 41:34 is part of Joseph's divinely inspired counsel to Pharaoh, offering a practical strategy to mitigate the devastating effects of an impending famine. Following his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph outlines a plan for national survival.

Context

This verse comes directly after Joseph interprets Pharaoh's two unsettling dreams as prophetic warnings of seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine across all of Egypt. Joseph, having been elevated from prison to the royal court due to his gift of interpreting dreams, is now providing not just an interpretation but also a concrete action plan. The "this" in the verse refers to his previous suggestion in Genesis 41:33: that Pharaoh should find a wise and discreet man to oversee the land. Genesis 41:34 then details the specific economic policy that this appointed leader should implement during the years of plenty.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wisdom and Foresight: Joseph's counsel is not merely human ingenuity but a reflection of God's Spirit working through him, providing foresight and practical solutions for an unforeseen crisis.
  • Preparation and Stewardship: The verse emphasizes the critical importance of preparing during times of prosperity for inevitable future hardships. It's a powerful lesson in responsible resource management and planning.
  • Governmental Responsibility: It highlights the role of leadership in ensuring the well-being and survival of its people, particularly through strategic economic policy and the appointment of competent administrators.
  • Resource Management: The specific instruction to collect a "fifth part" (20%) of the harvest during the abundant years demonstrates a concrete, actionable plan for national food security.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "take up the fifth part" (Hebrew: chamishit) refers to a 20% levy or tax on the produce of the land. This was a significant, yet manageable, portion to collect and store. It was a practical, rather than symbolic, amount necessary to build up a sufficient reserve. The "officers" (Hebrew: paqid, meaning overseers or superintendents) highlight the organized and delegated authority required for such a massive undertaking. While not directly related to the tithe (which is 10% and typically for religious purposes), this instruction illustrates a principle of setting aside a portion of income or produce for future needs or communal benefit, a concept seen in various forms throughout biblical history.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:34 offers timeless principles for individuals, families, and nations:

  • Personal Financial Planning: Just as Egypt prepared for famine, individuals are wise to save and invest during times of abundance to cushion against future economic downturns or personal crises. This aligns with the wisdom found in Proverbs 6:6-8, which encourages learning from the ant to prepare for winter.
  • Strategic Preparedness: The principle extends beyond finances to all areas of life. Whether it's spiritual growth, education, or emergency preparedness, planning ahead during favorable times is crucial for navigating challenges.
  • Good Stewardship: The verse underscores the importance of being a good steward of the resources God provides, using them wisely and responsibly for present needs and future contingencies.
  • Leadership and Vision: For leaders, it's a reminder to exercise foresight, make difficult but necessary decisions, and appoint capable individuals to execute plans that serve the common good, mirroring the wisdom demonstrated by Joseph's leadership in managing the famine for Egypt.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 22:3 (2 votes)

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

  • Numbers 31:14 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 6:8 (2 votes)

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

  • Job 5:20 (2 votes)

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

  • Luke 16:5 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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