Genesis 47:20

KJV

And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph {H3130} bought {H7069} all the land {H127} of Egypt {H4714} for Pharaoh {H6547}; for the Egyptians {H4714} sold {H4376} every man {H376} his field {H7704}, because the famine {H7458} prevailed {H2388} over them: so the land {H776} became Pharaoh's {H6547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yosef acquired all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh, as one by one the Egyptians sold their fields, because the famine weighed on them so severely. Thus the land became the property of Pharaoh.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joseph acquired for Pharaoh all the land in Egypt; the Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields because the famine was so severe upon them. The land became Pharaoh’s,

American Standard Version

So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine was sore upon them: and the land became Pharaoh’s.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:20 describes the culmination of Joseph's economic strategy during the severe famine in Egypt, detailing how he acquired all the land for Pharaoh. Driven by the Egyptians' desperate need for food, this transaction transformed the populace from independent landowners into tenants of the crown, fundamentally centralizing economic and political power under Pharaoh and marking a profound shift in Egypt's societal and land ownership structure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of the seven-year famine that gripped Egypt and the surrounding regions, following Joseph's prophetic interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Pharaoh's Dreams and Joseph's Rise"). Joseph's administrative genius, divinely inspired, led to the storage of vast quantities of grain during the years of plenty. As the famine intensified, the Egyptians first depleted their money, then their livestock, to purchase food, as detailed in [Genesis 47:14-17](/genesis/47-14-17 "Genesis 47:14-17 - Egyptians Exchange Wealth for Food"). With no other assets remaining, the sale of their land became the final, desperate measure for survival, leading directly to the events of verse 20 and the subsequent establishment of a new land tenure system described in [Genesis 47:21-26](/genesis/47-21-26 "Genesis 47:21-26 - Joseph's Land Policy and Taxation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society, with land ownership being a primary source of wealth, status, and sustenance for its people. While the Pharaoh held ultimate sovereignty over the land, much of it was managed by temples, nobles, and individual families. The concept of selling one's ancestral land was a drastic measure, often indicating extreme duress, as land was typically passed down through generations. The famine, described as prevailing with overwhelming force, created an unprecedented crisis that forced a complete restructuring of this traditional system. Joseph's actions, while seemingly harsh, were consistent with the absolute power of the Pharaoh and were presented as a means of preserving the lives of the people, albeit at a significant cost to their economic independence.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God uses Joseph's wisdom and a severe natural disaster to preserve not only Egypt but also the nascent nation of Israel, ensuring their survival and growth in Goshen, as promised to Jacob in [Genesis 46:3-4](/genesis/46-3-4 "Genesis 46:3-4 - God's Promise to Jacob"). The verse also underscores the theme of **Stewardship and Leadership**, showcasing Joseph's effective, albeit authoritarian, administration in managing a national crisis. Furthermore, it illustrates the **Consequences of Hardship**, revealing how extreme circumstances can fundamentally alter societal structures and power dynamics, leading to the **Centralization of Power** under the monarchy, a significant shift in Egyptian socio-economic life that would have lasting implications.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bought (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** From H7069, this primitive root signifies "to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase." In this context, it clearly indicates a transaction of acquisition through exchange, emphasizing that Joseph's actions were not a seizure but a legitimate, albeit coerced, purchase of land in exchange for life-sustaining grain. This word underscores the economic nature of the exchange.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼadâmâh'_):** From H127, meaning "soil (from its general redness); country, earth, ground." This term refers specifically to the cultivated ground, the fields that were the source of sustenance for the Egyptian people. The sale of "every man his field" highlights the comprehensive nature of the land transfer, encompassing the very ground from which their livelihood sprang, indicating the depth of their desperation.
* **prevailed (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." Here, it powerfully conveys the overwhelming and crushing force of the famine. It was not merely present but had taken a firm, unyielding hold over the Egyptians, leaving them with no strength or option to resist its devastating effects, thus compelling them to surrender their most valuable asset.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh":** This clause establishes Joseph as the agent of the transaction, acting on behalf of Pharaoh. The phrase "all the land of Egypt" indicates a comprehensive acquisition, signifying a complete centralization of land ownership under the crown, a monumental shift from the previous system of private or communal holdings.
* **"for the Egyptians sold every man his field":** This explains the mechanism of the land transfer. It was a voluntary act on the part of the Egyptians, driven by necessity. The phrase "every man his field" emphasizes the universal nature of this transaction among the populace, illustrating the widespread impact of the famine on individual households and their primary means of livelihood.
* **"because the famine prevailed over them":** This provides the crucial motivation and context for the sales. The "famine" (H7458, _râʻâb_) was not merely a scarcity but a dominant, overwhelming force (H2388, _châzaq_) that left the people with no alternative but to surrender their land for survival. This highlights the dire circumstances that necessitated such a drastic measure.
* **"so the land became Pharaoh's":** This final clause states the direct and immediate outcome of the transactions. The land, previously held by various individuals and groups, was now legally and entirely owned by Pharaoh. This solidified his economic and political control, transforming the Egyptian populace into tenants who would henceforth work the land for the crown, paying a portion of their yield as tax.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Cause and Effect** is central, with the famine's overwhelming presence ("because the famine prevailed over them") directly causing the Egyptians to sell their land, which in turn leads to the land becoming Pharaoh's. This clear causal chain underscores the dire circumstances and the logical progression of events. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the land of Egypt" and "every man his field," which, while perhaps not literally every single plot, conveys the sweeping and near-total consolidation of land under Pharaoh's control, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of this societal transformation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this centralization of power under Pharaoh sets the stage for the later subjugation of the Israelites, who, though initially welcomed, would eventually become enslaved by a Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" ([Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "Exodus 1:8 - A New King in Egypt")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 47:20 serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign hand working through human agency, even in the midst of national crisis and the exercise of human power. Joseph's actions, while appearing as shrewd political and economic maneuvers, are ultimately part of God's larger providential plan to preserve life and prepare the way for the growth and eventual deliverance of His chosen people, Israel. This narrative illustrates how God can use seemingly secular events and the actions of non-believing rulers to accomplish His divine purposes, ensuring the survival of the lineage through whom the Messiah would come. It also highlights the fragility of human existence and the profound impact of environmental and economic hardship on societal structures, forcing people to make extreme sacrifices for survival.

* [Genesis 41:56-57](/genesis/41-56-57 "Genesis 41:56-57 - Famine Spreads Globally"): This passage underscores the global reach and severity of the famine, demonstrating the immense scale of the crisis that necessitated Joseph's drastic measures and God's providential care for all affected.
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalms/105-16-17 "Psalm 105:16-17 - God Sends Joseph Ahead"): This psalm explicitly attributes Joseph's rise and the famine to God's sovereign plan, stating that God "called for a famine on the land" and "sent a man before them, Joseph."
* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by God's Word"): While not directly about land, this verse speaks to the ultimate source of sustenance, reminding us that physical provision, even in dire times, points to God's sustaining power and that true life comes from Him.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary life, particularly concerning leadership, preparedness, and the nature of human vulnerability. Joseph's proactive and strategic management of the famine, though resulting in a centralized power structure, saved countless lives and demonstrated the critical importance of foresight in crisis management. For individuals and communities today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate wisdom, practice good stewardship of resources, and prepare for unforeseen challenges. It also prompts us to consider the ethical dimensions of power and the vulnerability of populations when basic necessities are at stake. Spiritually, the narrative reinforces the truth of God's unceasing providence, assuring us that even in the most desperate circumstances, His hand is at work, orchestrating events for His ultimate purposes and the good of His people. We are called to trust in His provision, even when circumstances seem overwhelming, and to seek His wisdom in navigating life's inevitable famines, whether literal or metaphorical.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's leadership during the famine challenge or affirm your understanding of effective governance in times of crisis?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, better prepare for future "famines" or challenges, both physical and spiritual?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem dire and human solutions appear harsh?**

### FAQ
**Was Joseph's acquisition of all Egyptian land ethical, given the famine?**

Answer: Joseph's actions, while leading to an unprecedented centralization of land under Pharaoh, occurred within the extreme context of a life-threatening national famine. The text explicitly states that the Egyptians "sold" their land, implying a transaction rather than a seizure. While the circumstances created immense duress, forcing people to exchange their most valuable asset for survival, Joseph's primary motivation was to preserve life. From a theological perspective, Joseph was operating under divine guidance to save a nation and, crucially, to preserve the family of Israel, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would come. The outcome, though dramatically shifting power dynamics and land ownership, was a direct consequence of the people's desperate choice for survival, and it laid the groundwork for a stable, albeit centralized, post-famine society, as detailed in [Genesis 47:24-26](/genesis/47-24-26 "Genesis 47:24-26 - Joseph's Land Policy and Taxation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in his role as the divinely appointed provider and preserver of life during a time of universal famine, serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Joseph consolidated all earthly land and resources under Pharaoh to ensure the physical sustenance and survival of a perishing nation, so Christ, through His ultimate redemptive work, consolidates all spiritual authority and life under God the Father. He is the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the ultimate provider who offers not merely temporary physical sustenance but eternal life and freedom from the spiritual famine of sin and death. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ "bought" us with His own blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Purchased with His Own Blood")), securing for humanity an eternal inheritance—a spiritual "land" and communion with God—that far surpasses any earthly possession. He transforms our spiritual destitution into rich spiritual abundance, moving us from bondage to sin into the glorious freedom of His kingdom ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")).

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.