Genesis 47:14

KJV

And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph {H3130} gathered up {H3950} all the money {H3701} that was found {H4672} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, for the corn {H7668} which they bought {H7666}: and Joseph {H3130} brought {H935} the money {H3701} into Pharaoh's {H6547} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef collected all the money there was in Egypt and Kena'an in exchange for the grain they bought, and put the money in Pharaoh's treasury.

Berean Standard Bible

Joseph collected all the money to be found in the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan in exchange for the grain they were buying, and he brought it into Pharaoh’s palace.

American Standard Version

And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:14 vividly portrays Joseph's strategic consolidation of wealth during the severe famine, detailing his collection of all available currency from both Egypt and Canaan in exchange for life-sustaining grain. This pivotal act, part of Joseph's divinely inspired famine management, centralized the nation's financial assets into Pharaoh's treasury, underscoring the profound shift in economic value from monetary wealth to essential provisions in a time of crisis and demonstrating Joseph's unparalleled administrative acumen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Joseph's administration during the seven-year famine, following the arrival and settlement of his family in Goshen. The preceding verses (Genesis 47:13) establish the dire economic situation: "there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine." This sets the stage for the desperate measures described in Genesis 47:14, where people are forced to exchange their money for food. The verses immediately following (Genesis 47:15-26) detail the subsequent phases of this economic transfer, as people exhaust their money and begin to offer livestock, land, and eventually their very persons as payment for grain, culminating in the establishment of a land tax.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was highly dependent on agriculture, particularly grain production, making it vulnerable to famine caused by drought or other natural disasters. Joseph's prophetic interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his subsequent policy of storing grain during years of abundance (Genesis 41) were unprecedented and divinely guided. In this period, money, primarily in the form of silver (as indicated by the Hebrew word *keçeph*), served as a medium of exchange. The concept of a centralized government, like Pharaoh's, collecting and distributing resources was common, but the scale and effectiveness of Joseph's operation were extraordinary. The famine's reach into Canaan highlights the interconnectedness of the region and the widespread nature of the crisis, forcing even those outside Egypt's direct control to seek its aid.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God uses human agents, even through challenging circumstances, to preserve life and fulfill His purposes, as seen in Joseph's rise to power and his role in saving many (Genesis 50:20). The verse also highlights **Wise Stewardship and Administration**, showcasing Joseph's exceptional ability to manage resources and govern a nation, transforming a crisis into an opportunity for consolidation and control. Furthermore, it underscores the **Nature of True Wealth**, revealing that in times of extreme scarcity, fundamental necessities like food far surpass monetary value, challenging conventional notions of prosperity and security. This passage also foreshadows the future relationship between Israel and Egypt, setting the stage for the prosperity of Jacob's family under Joseph's care, even as it lays the groundwork for their eventual enslavement (Exodus 1:8-14).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gathered up (Hebrew, _lâqaṭ'_):** This primitive root means "to pick up" or "to gather," specifically to glean. In this context, it signifies a systematic collection, not merely a casual accumulation. Joseph actively and deliberately collected all the money, indicating an organized effort to consolidate wealth into the royal treasury.
* **money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be pale," this word refers to silver, and by implication, money. In the ancient world, silver was a primary form of currency, often weighed out. The use of "money" here emphasizes that the initial transactions for grain were commercial exchanges, not charitable distributions, reflecting the economic realities of the time.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This versatile term refers to a physical dwelling, but also extends to a household, family, or even a palace or temple. In "Pharaoh's house," it specifically denotes the royal treasury or the governmental administration, signifying the centralization of all collected funds under the direct control of the state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joseph gathered up all the money":** This opening clause establishes Joseph's active role as the central figure orchestrating the collection. The phrase "all the money" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the collection, indicating that no financial resources were left uncollected from the populace.
* **"that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought":** This specifies the geographical scope of the famine's impact and Joseph's economic reach. People from both within Egypt and the neighboring land of Canaan were compelled to purchase grain, demonstrating the severity and widespread nature of the crisis. The phrase "for the corn which they bought" clarifies that this was a transaction, a purchase of vital sustenance, not a tax or a seizure.
* **"and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house":** This final clause highlights the ultimate destination and purpose of the collected funds. Joseph, acting as Pharaoh's vizier, consolidated all this wealth into the royal treasury, signifying a massive transfer of private assets to state control. This act not only replenished the royal coffers but also further solidified Pharaoh's economic and political power over the entire region.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metonymy** is evident in "Pharaoh's house," which stands for the entire royal administration or treasury, symbolizing the centralization of power and wealth. The phrase "all the money" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the collection, conveying the idea that virtually all available currency was gathered, highlighting the extreme desperation of the people and the thoroughness of Joseph's administration. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the "money" (representing accumulated wealth) and "corn" (representing basic sustenance) creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, underscoring the transient nature of material possessions when faced with the fundamental need for survival. This contrast implicitly comments on the **Symbolism** of food as the ultimate currency in a time of crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 47:14 serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereign hand at work, even in the midst of a severe crisis. Joseph's actions, though seemingly harsh from an economic standpoint, were divinely guided to preserve life on a massive scale. This passage highlights the principle that God often uses human ingenuity and administrative skill to accomplish His providential purposes. It also provides a stark reminder that all earthly wealth is ultimately transient and that true security is found not in accumulated possessions but in God's provision and wisdom. The consolidation of wealth under Pharaoh, orchestrated by Joseph, demonstrates how God can use even secular authority to achieve His redemptive plan, ensuring the survival of Jacob's family—the nascent nation of Israel—who would eventually become the conduit for God's covenant promises.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches vs. Righteousness")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")
* [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17-18 "Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:14 offers profound insights into human vulnerability, the nature of true security, and the importance of wise stewardship. In a world often preoccupied with accumulating financial wealth, this passage serves as a sobering reminder that money's value is contingent upon its ability to procure necessities. In times of crisis, basic resources like food and water become paramount, revealing the fragility of purely monetary systems. For us today, this encourages a re-evaluation of our priorities, prompting us to consider not only financial preparedness but also resilience in essential areas of life. Joseph's example of foresight and diligent administration, guided by divine wisdom, calls believers to be responsible stewards of all resources—time, talents, and treasure—recognizing that they are ultimately gifts from God. It challenges us to look beyond immediate gratification and plan for future uncertainties, trusting that God will provide for those who faithfully manage what He has entrusted to them, just as He provided for Egypt and the surrounding nations through Joseph's leadership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of "wealth" and "security" in my own life?**
* **In what ways can I apply Joseph's principle of foresight and wise stewardship to my personal resources or community responsibilities?**
* **How does acknowledging God's ultimate provision impact my anxieties about future uncertainties or economic downturns?**

### FAQ

**What does "corn" mean in Genesis 47:14?**

Answer: In the King James Version and other older translations, "corn" refers broadly to any type of grain, such as wheat, barley, or other cereals, which were staple crops in the ancient Near East. It does not refer to maize (what is commonly called "corn" in modern American English), which originated in the Americas and was unknown in the ancient world. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate interpretation of the text.

**Why did Joseph collect money first, before other assets like livestock or land?**

Answer: Money (silver) was the most liquid and universally accepted medium of exchange at the time. As people's financial resources were depleted due to the prolonged famine, they would naturally exhaust their currency first. This initial phase of payment for grain set the stage for subsequent transactions where, as described in [Genesis 47:15-26](/genesis/47-15-26 "Genesis 47:15-26 - The People Sell Themselves and Their Land"), people would then resort to exchanging other less liquid assets like livestock, land, and eventually their own persons for food. This progression reflects a logical economic sequence during a severe, prolonged crisis.

**Was Joseph's collection of all wealth ethical, or was it exploitative?**

Answer: From a biblical and historical perspective, Joseph's actions were a necessary and divinely guided measure to preserve life during an unprecedented famine. While it led to a significant centralization of wealth and power under Pharaoh, it was a policy enacted out of dire necessity to ensure the survival of the entire population. The people willingly exchanged their assets for the essential commodity of food, which Joseph had foresightfully stored. His administration, though strict in its economic measures, prevented widespread starvation and ultimately established a system that continued to provide for the people, albeit under new terms. The narrative frames Joseph's actions as wise and just, designed to save lives rather than exploit them, reflecting God's providential care for the nations and for His chosen people, Jacob's family, who were sustained through this very system (Genesis 47:27).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, as the provident administrator who gathered all wealth and provided life-sustaining grain to a starving world, serves as a profound type of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph consolidated all the money into Pharaoh's house to secure the future of Egypt, Jesus Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, has gathered all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18) and paid the ultimate price to provide spiritual sustenance and eternal life to all who come to Him. He is the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the ultimate provision for humanity's deepest spiritual hunger, offering salvation and sustenance that no earthly money or possession can buy (Isaiah 55:1-2). In Him, all true spiritual wealth is consolidated, and from Him flows the abundance of grace and truth that sustains us (John 1:16). He is the one who, by His divine wisdom and sacrificial love, saves His people from spiritual famine and brings them into His eternal "house" (John 14:2-3), where there is never lack.

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

Genesis 41:56

And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Luke 16:1

¶ And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

Luke 16:2

And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.