Genesis 47:22

KJV

Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion [assigned them] of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only the land {H127} of the priests {H3548} bought he {H7069} not; for the priests {H3548} had a portion {H2706} assigned them of Pharaoh {H6547}, and did eat {H398} their portion {H2706} which Pharaoh {H6547} gave {H5414} them: wherefore they sold {H4376} not their lands {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Only the priests' land did he not acquire, because the priests were entitled to provisions from Pharaoh, and they ate from what Pharaoh provided them; therefore they did not sell their land.

Berean Standard Bible

However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land, for it had been given to them by Pharaoh. They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; so they did not sell their land.

American Standard Version

Only the land of the priests bought he not: for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them; wherefore they sold not their land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:22 presents a pivotal exception within Joseph's sweeping land reforms in Egypt, detailing that the land belonging to the priesthood was not acquired by Pharaoh. This unique exemption stemmed from a pre-existing royal decree that provided the priests with a fixed, regular allowance directly from Pharaoh, ensuring their sustenance and negating any necessity for them to sell their property during the severe famine. This provision underscores the priests' esteemed and privileged position within the ancient Egyptian social and political hierarchy, a status prudently acknowledged and maintained by Joseph's administration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 47 continues the narrative of Joseph's administrative brilliance during the seven years of famine. Following the arrival and settlement of Jacob's family in Goshen, the chapter pivots to Joseph's management of the national crisis as the famine intensifies. The people exhaust their money, then their livestock, and finally their land in exchange for food, leading to a complete centralization of land ownership under Pharaoh. Joseph establishes a system where the populace becomes tenants, paying a fifth of their produce as tax. Amidst this comprehensive restructuring of Egyptian society and economy, verse 22 stands out as a crucial caveat, highlighting a specific group—the priests—who were exempt from this widespread land acquisition, thereby revealing a pre-existing and respected societal structure that Joseph's policy accommodated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly stratified society with a powerful and influential priesthood. The priests were not merely religious figures but also significant landowners, administrators, and custodians of knowledge, holding considerable sway over both the populace and the pharaoh. Their temples often functioned as major economic centers, owning vast tracts of land and employing numerous people. Pharaohs frequently endowed temples and priests with land and provisions to secure divine favor and maintain social stability. This verse reflects the historical reality of the Egyptian priesthood's integral role and privileged status, which Joseph, as a wise administrator, recognized and respected, choosing not to disrupt this established order even amidst a national crisis that saw the rest of the populace lose their private land.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:22 contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative of Genesis and the Pentateuch. It exemplifies **Joseph's administrative wisdom** and pragmatic governance, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex societal structures while consolidating power for Pharaoh. It also subtly highlights **divine providence**, showing how God's plan for the preservation of Jacob's family and the nascent nation of Israel unfolds even within the political and economic systems of a pagan empire. The verse indirectly touches upon the theme of **provision**, contrasting the state-mandated sustenance for Egyptian priests with the later divine provision for Israel's Levites and priests, who would have no tribal land inheritance but would be supported by the offerings of the people, as described in [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - The Duties and Support of Priests and Levites"). Furthermore, it underscores the **power dynamics** between the pharaoh, the people, and the influential priestly class in ancient Egypt.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 47:22 states, "Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion [assigned them] of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands." This verse provides a critical lens into the socio-economic fabric of ancient Egypt and the nuanced application of Joseph's famine policy.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** This term (H3548) refers to "one officiating, a priest." In the Egyptian context, these were the religious functionaries dedicated to the service of the gods, holding significant social, economic, and political power. Their exemption from selling land underscores their unique and indispensable position within the kingdom, directly supported by the state.
* **Portion (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "enact," _chôq_ (H2706) signifies "an enactment," "an appointment," "a decree," or "a fixed portion." This was not a temporary handout but a legally established, regular allowance or statute from Pharaoh. It indicates a permanent, decreed provision that secured the priests' livelihood, distinguishing them from the common populace who were reduced to destitution.
* **Land (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** This word (H127), meaning "soil," "earth," or "ground," is used here to denote the agricultural property owned by the priests. The fact that this specific _ʼădâmâh_ was not subject to Joseph's land acquisition policy highlights the sanctity and inviolability of priestly holdings, reflecting their special status and the pharaoh's direct patronage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only the land of the priests bought he not":** This clause immediately establishes the unique exception to Joseph's otherwise comprehensive policy of land acquisition. While all other Egyptians were compelled to sell their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food, the priests' land remained untouched, signifying their privileged status and the limits of even the pharaoh's consolidated power when it came to established institutions.
* **"for the priests had a portion [assigned them] of Pharaoh":** This provides the direct reason for the exemption. The priests were already receiving a regular, decreed allowance or provision (`chôq`) directly from the royal treasury. This pre-existing arrangement ensured their sustenance, removing any economic pressure for them to relinquish their land.
* **"and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them":** This emphasizes the practical effect of Pharaoh's provision. The priests were sustained by this royal allowance, meaning they had no need to participate in the desperate trade of land for food that characterized the rest of Egyptian society during the famine. The verb "gave" (`nâthan`, H5414) highlights Pharaoh's active role in their ongoing support.
* **"wherefore they sold not their lands":** This final clause reiterates the direct consequence of the royal provision. Because their needs were met through Pharaoh's `chôq`, the priests were under no compulsion to sell their ancestral or temple lands, preserving their economic independence and societal standing amidst the national crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** to highlight the unique position of the priests. The general populace is depicted as selling all their land out of desperation, creating a stark contrast with the priests who retain their property due to royal provision. This contrast emphasizes the priests' elevated status and the pharaoh's strategic support for this powerful class. There is also an element of **Exemption**, where the priests are explicitly set apart from the common experience of the famine, underscoring their societal privilege. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Parenthetical Insight**, providing crucial background information about Egyptian society that explains Joseph's administrative choices and adds depth to the narrative of the famine's impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while describing a specific historical detail within a pagan context, offers profound insights into divine providence, the nature of provision, and the wisdom of governance. It demonstrates that God's overarching plan for His people, Israel, could unfold even amidst the intricate political and economic structures of a foreign empire. Joseph, guided by God's wisdom, navigated these realities, and the exemption of the priests' land serves as a testament to the established order that even a powerful administrator chose to respect. The principle of dedicated provision for those in religious service, though applied differently, finds echoes in God's later arrangements for His own people.

* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "The Lord is the Inheritance of the Levites"): "And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel."
* [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "The Levites' Portion"): "Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him."
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "Support for Gospel Workers"): "Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:22 offers a fascinating glimpse into the socio-economic realities of ancient Egypt and Joseph's sagacious leadership. For the contemporary believer, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's overarching sovereignty, demonstrating how His purposes can be advanced even through the actions of secular leaders within pagan societies. Joseph's wisdom in respecting established institutions, even while implementing radical change, provides a timeless lesson in governance and the importance of prudence in leadership. Moreover, the verse implicitly invites reflection on the concept of provision for those dedicated to spiritual service. While the Egyptian priests served false gods, the principle of their guaranteed sustenance highlights a universal recognition that those consecrated to sacred duties require distinct support. This historical account encourages us to consider how God provides for His servants today, often through the generosity of His people, and to appreciate the diverse ways His hand is at work throughout history, shaping circumstances to fulfill His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's administrative decision regarding the priests' land reflect wisdom and prudence in leadership, especially during a crisis?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's ability to work through existing societal structures, even those outside of His covenant people, to achieve His purposes?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "a portion assigned" to the Egyptian priests foreshadow or contrast with God's provision for the Levites and priests in Israel, and what does this imply about the nature of spiritual service?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Egyptian priests exempt from selling their land during the famine?**

Answer: The priests were exempt because Pharaoh had already provided them with a fixed, regular allowance or "portion" (Hebrew: *chôq*) for their sustenance. This was an established decree that ensured their livelihood, meaning they had no economic necessity to sell their property, unlike the rest of the Egyptian populace who were driven by hunger to relinquish their lands. This highlights their privileged and essential status within Egyptian society, which Joseph prudently respected.

**Does Genesis 47:22 imply an endorsement of state-sponsored religion?**

Answer: While Genesis 47:22 describes the historical reality of state-supported religion in ancient Egypt, it does not inherently endorse this model as a universal principle or for God's people. The verse is an observation of Joseph's pragmatic administration within the existing societal framework, which included a powerful and state-funded priesthood. The Bible later presents a different model for Israel's priesthood, where their support came from tithes and offerings from the people, emphasizing their reliance on God's direct provision through His covenant community rather than direct land ownership or state funding. This distinction is crucial for understanding the biblical perspective on the support of religious service, as seen in passages like [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "The Levites' Inheritance and Support").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 47:22 details an earthly arrangement for pagan priests, it subtly points to the profound and perfect provision found in Christ, our ultimate High Priest. Unlike the Egyptian priests who relied on an earthly king's decree and land for their sustenance, Jesus, our great High Priest, requires no earthly inheritance or portion, for His "portion" is God Himself, and His sustenance comes from perfectly doing the Father's will. He is the one who truly provides for His people, not through land ownership or state decrees, but through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, which secures an eternal inheritance for all who believe, as highlighted in [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Christ, Our High Priest, Enters the Holy Place"). His kingdom operates on principles of divine grace and spiritual inheritance, far surpassing any earthly arrangement. Through Christ, we receive not a temporary portion of food or land, but the spiritual sustenance of His Word and Spirit, and the promise of eternal life, fulfilling the ultimate need of humanity for true belonging and everlasting provision, as He declares in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"). He is the one who gives us "living water" that we may never thirst again ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "Jesus, the Living Water")), a far greater provision than any earthly king could offer.

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

Ezra 7:24

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

Deuteronomy 12:19

Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

Genesis 41:45

And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over [all] the land of Egypt.

1 Corinthians 9:13

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Matthew 10:10

Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Genesis 14:18

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the priest of the most high God.