Genesis 47:24

KJV

And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth [part] unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in the increase {H8393}, that ye shall give {H5414} the fifth {H2549} part unto Pharaoh {H6547}, and four {H702} parts {H3027} shall be your own, for seed {H2233} of the field {H7704}, and for your food {H400}, and for them of your households {H1004}, and for food {H398} for your little ones {H2945}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When harvest time comes, you are to give twenty percent to Pharaoh; eighty percent will be yours to keep for seed to plant in the fields, as well as for your food and for that of your households and your little ones."

Berean Standard Bible

At harvest time, you are to give a fifth of it to Pharaoh, and four-fifths will be yours as seed for the field and food for yourselves and your households and children.”

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass at the ingatherings, that ye shall give a fifth unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:24 articulates the enduring economic policy established by Joseph in Egypt during the latter stages of the severe famine. This decree stipulated that, in exchange for the land and seed provided by Pharaoh, the populace would contribute one-fifth (20%) of their harvest to the state. The remaining four-fifths were to be retained by the people for their own sustenance, for future agricultural seed, and for the provision of their households and children. This policy solidified Pharaoh's absolute ownership of the land while simultaneously ensuring the long-term economic stability, agricultural productivity, and survival of the Egyptian populace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the culmination of Joseph's comprehensive famine management strategy, detailed in [Genesis 47](/genesis/47 "Genesis 47 - Joseph's Famine Management"). Having already exhausted the people's money, livestock, and finally their land and personal liberty in exchange for food, Joseph now institutes a permanent economic system. The preceding verses ([Genesis 47:13-22](/genesis/47-13-22 "Joseph's Famine Transactions")) describe the progression of transactions that led to Pharaoh's acquisition of all Egyptian land, except that of the priests. Verse 24, therefore, outlines the new covenant between Pharaoh and his subjects, transforming them into tenants and establishing the tax rate for their continued use of the land. This policy ensures the long-term viability of the agricultural system and the well-being of the people, setting the stage for the Israelites' continued growth in Goshen before their eventual enslavement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society, with its economy heavily reliant on the annual inundation of the Nile and subsequent harvests. Land ownership was a cornerstone of power. Before Joseph's reforms, land was likely held by various individuals, families, and temples. The famine, unprecedented in its severity and duration, created a crisis that allowed Joseph to centralize all land ownership under Pharaoh. This consolidation of power was not entirely alien to ancient Near Eastern practices, where kings often held significant control over resources, but Joseph's systematic acquisition was unique. The "fifth part" tax (20%) was a common, and often considered reasonable, levy in the ancient world, comparable to or even less than some taxes imposed in other empires, especially considering that Pharaoh now provided the land and the seed. This system ensured the state's revenue while allowing the farmers enough to survive and replant, preventing further social collapse.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Providence** through Joseph's wisdom and foresight, demonstrating how God uses human instruments to preserve life and fulfill His purposes, even amidst widespread disaster. The establishment of this economic system underscores the theme of **Stewardship and Governance**, showcasing Joseph's exceptional administrative skills and his ability to bring order out of chaos. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant and Relationship**, albeit a secular one between ruler and ruled, where obligations and provisions are clearly defined. This specific policy also sets the stage for the **Growth of Israel**, as the stability it provides allows Jacob's family to flourish in Goshen, fulfilling God's promise of a numerous offspring, as seen in [Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's Promise to Jacob").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **increase (Hebrew, _tᵉbûwʼâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to come in," signifies "income" or "produce." In the context of Genesis 47:24, it specifically refers to the agricultural yield or harvest that comes from the land. It emphasizes the future productivity of the fields, indicating that the policy is not a temporary measure for the famine years but a permanent arrangement for the ongoing agricultural output.
* **fifth (Hebrew, _chămîyshîy'_):** This ordinal number literally means "fifth" and, in this context, refers to a "fifth part" or 20%. It specifies the exact proportion of the harvest that was to be rendered to Pharaoh as tax. This precise numerical designation underscores the systematic and calculated nature of Joseph's economic policy, establishing a clear and consistent obligation for the people.
* **households (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While literally meaning "house," _bayith_ here extends to encompass the entire "household" or "family." This broad application highlights the comprehensive nature of the provision Joseph's policy allowed for. The four-fifths retained by the people were not just for the individual farmer but for the sustenance of all members of their extended family unit, including dependents and servants, emphasizing the communal aspect of ancient Near Eastern life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in the increase,"**: This opening phrase looks forward to the future, specifically to the time when the land, having recovered from the famine, would again yield abundant harvests. It establishes the permanent nature of the decree, indicating that this economic arrangement would apply to all subsequent agricultural productivity, not merely the immediate post-famine period.
* **"that ye shall give the fifth [part] unto Pharaoh,"**: This clause specifies the core obligation of the people: a 20% tax on their harvest. This "fifth part" was Pharaoh's due, representing his ownership of the land and his provision of seed. It formalized the new landlord-tenant relationship, ensuring a consistent revenue stream for the state and solidifying Pharaoh's economic and political control.
* **"and four parts shall be your own,"**: This crucial part of the decree outlines the people's retained portion—80% of their harvest. This substantial share ensured that the farmers were not entirely exploited but had sufficient resources to sustain themselves and their operations, demonstrating a balance between state revenue and the welfare of the populace.
* **"for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones."**: This detailed enumeration clarifies the intended uses for the retained four-fifths. "Seed of the field" ensured the continuity of agricultural cycles, preventing future shortages. "Your food" covered the personal sustenance of the farmers. "Them of your households" extended the provision to all family members and dependents. Explicitly mentioning "food for your little ones" underscores the policy's concern for the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring the survival and growth of the next generation.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 47:24 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The verse functions as a **Legal Decree**, articulating a specific law or policy with clear stipulations and consequences, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern legal texts. The precise numerical division ("fifth part" and "four parts") is an example of **Quantification**, lending an air of exactitude and fairness to the arrangement. The detailed enumeration of uses for the retained portion ("for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones") serves as a form of **Elaboration and Specification**, ensuring clarity and leaving no doubt about the comprehensive nature of the provision. This also highlights Joseph's meticulous planning and concern for the well-being of all segments of society, from the individual farmer to the most vulnerable child.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 47:24 stands as a testament to the practical application of divine wisdom in civil governance and economic stewardship. Joseph's policy, born out of a period of severe crisis, demonstrates how God-given insight can bring order, provision, and stability to a society on the brink of collapse. It highlights the principle that true leadership involves not only managing immediate crises but also establishing sustainable systems for long-term well-being. The arrangement, while consolidating Pharaoh's power, ultimately served to preserve life and ensure the recovery of the nation, reflecting God's overarching providential care for humanity, often working through human agents. This passage encourages us to recognize that economic structures and policies, when guided by wisdom and a concern for human flourishing, can be instruments of God's blessing.

* [Proverbs 11:24-25](/proverbs/11-24-25 "Proverbs 11:24-25 - Generosity and Prosperity")
* [Luke 12:42-44](/luke/12-42-44 "Luke 12:42-44 - The Faithful and Wise Manager")
* [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17-18 "Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - Remembering God's Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:24 provides profound insights into responsible leadership, economic prudence, and the welfare of a community. It underscores the critical importance of foresight and strategic planning, particularly in times of uncertainty or crisis. Joseph's actions remind us that wise governance is not merely reactive but proactive, establishing systems that ensure sustained provision and stability for all. For contemporary believers, this narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to work through human agents to bring order, provision, and flourishing, even in the most challenging circumstances. It calls us to consider our own roles as stewards of the resources entrusted to us, whether personal, familial, or communal. We are challenged to contribute equitably to the common good, ensuring that our economic decisions and practices reflect a concern for the vulnerable, promote long-term sustainability, and provide for the needs of our households and future generations, mirroring the comprehensive care demonstrated by Joseph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's famine management, culminating in this policy, illustrate the concept of divine wisdom applied to practical governance today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, apply the principles of foresight, prudent stewardship, and equitable distribution of resources found in this passage?**
* **How does the balance struck between state authority and the people's welfare in Genesis 47:24 inform our understanding of just economic systems?**

### FAQ

**Was Joseph's taxation policy fair or exploitative?**

Answer: Joseph's policy, while consolidating land ownership under Pharaoh, was widely regarded as fair and pragmatic given the dire circumstances. The Egyptian people had exhausted all their assets—money, livestock, and eventually their land and even their persons—in exchange for food to survive the severe famine. Joseph, acting as Pharaoh's administrator, provided the seed for future planting, the use of the land, and the means for the people to resume their livelihoods. In return, a 20% tax on the harvest was stipulated. This allowed the people to retain 80% of their produce for their own food, seed for the next season, and the needs of their households and children. This arrangement was sustainable, prevented utter destitution, and enabled the population to recover and thrive, establishing a stable economic system for generations, as detailed in [Genesis 47:26](/genesis/47-26 "Genesis 47:26 - Joseph's Law").

**What was the significance of Pharaoh owning all the land after this decree?**

Answer: Pharaoh's acquisition of all the land had profound and lasting economic, political, and social significance for Egypt. Economically, it centralized wealth and control over the nation's primary resource—agricultural output—ensuring a stable and continuous revenue stream for the state. Politically, it solidified Pharaoh's absolute power and authority over his subjects, as their livelihood and ability to farm directly depended on his provision and policies. Socially, it transformed the populace into tenants, fundamentally altering the traditional land tenure system. This created a new relationship between the ruler and the ruled, one of direct dependence and obligation, where the people were bound to the land and to Pharaoh's service, as described in [Genesis 47:25](/genesis/47-25 "Genesis 47:25 - The People's Gratitude").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, as the divinely appointed administrator and provider who saved Egypt and his own family from the ravages of famine, serves as a compelling type of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, through his foresight, wisdom, and sacrificial service, brought life, order, and provision to a dying world, so too does Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Provider, offer eternal life and spiritual sustenance to a humanity lost in sin and spiritual famine. Joseph's economic policy ensured physical survival and a structured society for the Egyptians; Christ's redemptive work establishes a new covenant, providing spiritual freedom, eternal life, and membership in His eternal kingdom. Through Christ, we are given not merely temporary sustenance but eternal provision, as He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies all hunger and thirst. His sacrifice on the cross, much like Joseph's demanding but life-saving measures, was for the ultimate good, securing our eternal future and bringing us into a relationship of grace and abundance, far surpassing any earthly arrangement, as promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ") and fulfilled in His resurrection, which grants us [new life in Him](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - New Life 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.

Cross-References

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.

Psalms 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Psalms 41:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Genesis 47:25

And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants.

1 Samuel 8:15

And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.

1 Samuel 8:17

He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.

Leviticus 27:32

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.