Genesis 47:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, Thou hast saved our lives {H2421}: let us find {H4672} grace {H2580} in the sight {H5869} of my lord {H113}, and we will be Pharaoh's {H6547} servants {H5650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They replied, "You have saved our lives! So if it pleases my lord, we will be Pharaoh's slaves."

Berean Standard Bible

“You have saved our lives,” they said. “We have found favor in our lord’s eyes, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:25 encapsulates the profound gratitude and willing submission of the Egyptian populace to Pharaoh, mediated by Joseph, for preserving their lives during the devastating famine. Having exhausted all their resources—money, livestock, and finally their land—they acknowledge Pharaoh as their savior and accept a new socio-economic order, becoming his servants and tenants who would perpetually render a fifth of their produce to the crown. This moment solidifies a significant shift in Egyptian society, centralizing power and land ownership under the monarchy in exchange for survival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 47:25 is the climactic statement of the Egyptian people's response to Joseph's famine policy, which began with the seven years of plenty and Joseph's strategic storage of grain (cf. [Genesis 41:47-49](/genesis/41-47-49 "Joseph's Storage of Grain")). The preceding verses detail a progressive exchange: first, the Egyptians' money for food ([Genesis 47:14](/genesis/47-14 "Egyptians' Money for Grain")); then their livestock ([Genesis 47:17](/genesis/47-17 "Egyptians' Livestock for Grain")); and finally, their land and their very persons, declaring themselves and their land to be Pharaoh's ([Genesis 47:18-22](/genesis/47-18-22 "Egyptians Sell Themselves and Their Land")). This verse serves as the people's verbal affirmation of this new covenant with Pharaoh, establishing the system of taxation (the fifth part) that would govern their lives thereafter. It marks the successful, albeit drastic, implementation of Joseph's divinely inspired plan to preserve life during the famine, setting the stage for the continued flourishing of Jacob's family in Goshen.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society heavily dependent on the annual inundation of the Nile River. A prolonged famine, such as the seven-year one described, would have been catastrophic, leading to widespread death and societal collapse. Pharaoh was considered a divine king, the embodiment of order (Ma'at), and the ultimate owner of all land. Joseph's policy, while seemingly harsh by modern standards, was a pragmatic and ultimately life-saving measure in a context where centralized control was essential for survival. The concept of "servants" (Hebrew: *'ebed*) in this context refers to subjects or tenants, not chattel slaves. This system of state land ownership and taxation (a fifth, or 20%) was a common feature in ancient Near Eastern economies, ensuring the stability of the kingdom and the sustenance of its populace during crises. Joseph's actions effectively transformed the populace into a dependent workforce, forever indebted to the crown for their survival.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within the broader narrative of Genesis. **Divine Providence** is paramount, as God's unseen hand orchestrates events through Joseph to preserve not only the chosen lineage of Jacob but also the entire Egyptian nation and surrounding lands (cf. [Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Joseph's Explanation of God's Purpose")). It highlights **Human Dependence** on a higher power, whether an earthly ruler like Pharaoh or, ultimately, God Himself, for sustenance and survival. The theme of **Stewardship** is also evident, as Joseph, a wise steward, manages Egypt's resources for the common good. Furthermore, the narrative explores the **Sovereignty of God** over natural disasters and human affairs, demonstrating His ability to turn potential catastrophe into an opportunity for His purposes, as seen throughout Joseph's life from his enslavement to his rise to power (cf. [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Intentions")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saved (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, this primitive root means "to live," "to revive," or "to keep alive." In this context, it signifies not merely survival but a profound act of preservation from certain death. The Egyptians recognize Joseph's (and by extension, Pharaoh's) actions as literally life-giving, rescuing them from the brink of starvation and extinction. This word emphasizes the extreme severity of their predicament and the magnitude of the rescue.
* **grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** From H2580, this word denotes "graciousness," "favor," or "kindness." The Egyptians' plea, "let us find grace," is a humble request for ongoing benevolence and goodwill from Pharaoh. It acknowledges their new, dependent status and expresses a desire for continued favor, without which their future well-being and sustenance would be uncertain. It's a recognition that their survival, though secured, still rests on the ruler's continued good pleasure.
* **servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From H5650, this term refers to "a servant," "bondman," or "subject." While it can denote various forms of service, in this specific context, it describes their new status as subjects bound by tribute and allegiance to Pharaoh. It signifies their willing submission to the new socio-economic order, transforming them from independent landowners into a populace whose livelihood and future are inextricably linked to and dependent upon the state. This was a profound and lasting shift in their societal standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said, Thou hast saved our lives":** This opening clause captures the Egyptians' immediate and heartfelt response. The declaration "Thou hast saved our lives" is a profound expression of gratitude, underscoring the extreme severity of the famine and their immense relief. It's not a mere polite acknowledgment but a recognition that their most fundamental possession—life itself—was preserved by Joseph's actions, making the loss of their land and former independence a secondary concern.
* **"let us find grace in the sight of my lord":** Following their expression of gratitude, this phrase reveals their humility and vulnerability. The plea for "grace" (favor) from "my lord" (Pharaoh) highlights their new, dependent position. Their future well-being and continued sustenance were now entirely contingent on the ruler's continued benevolence. It signifies a desire for ongoing favor and a recognition that their survival, though secured, still rested on the good pleasure of the one in power.
* **"and we will be Pharaoh's servants.":** This final clause signifies their willing and complete submission to the new socio-economic order. By declaring themselves "Pharaoh's servants," they acknowledge their transformation from independent landowners to a populace whose livelihood and future are inextricably linked to and dependent upon the state. This statement solidifies the agreement, establishing a system where they would cultivate the land as tenants and render a portion of their produce to the crown.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration, "Thou hast saved our lives," as it emphasizes the extreme nature of the famine and the life-or-death stakes involved, even though their lives were not literally "lost" but on the brink of perishing. The **Irony** lies in the fact that their physical salvation came at the cost of their economic independence and land ownership, highlighting a complex exchange of freedom for survival. There is also a strong element of **Gratitude** expressed, serving as a powerful emotional response to their deliverance. Furthermore, the phrase "find grace in the sight of my lord" functions as a **Plea** or supplication, underscoring their humble and dependent posture before Pharaoh, who is now their sovereign and provider.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 47:25 offers a powerful glimpse into the interplay of divine providence, human agency, and the nature of dependence. The Egyptians' profound gratitude for the preservation of their lives, even at the cost of their land and independence, serves as a poignant reminder that life itself is the ultimate gift, and all material possessions are secondary. This narrative illustrates God's sovereign hand working through human instruments (Joseph and Pharaoh) to preserve not only the chosen family of Jacob but also an entire nation, demonstrating His universal care and ability to turn crisis into a means of sustenance. The willing submission of the people to Pharaoh, acknowledging his life-giving role, foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth: our ultimate dependence on God for all things, including life, sustenance, and salvation.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Purpose") Joseph's later declaration to his brothers, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today," perfectly encapsulates the divine purpose behind the entire famine narrative, including the Egyptians' survival.
* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "God's Ownership of the Land in Israel") The system of land ownership established in Egypt stands in stark contrast to God's law for Israel, where the land was ultimately God's, and His people were merely sojourners and tenants, preventing permanent land alienation and promoting a different kind of dependence—on God, not a human sovereign.
* [1 Corinthians 4:7](/1_corinthians/4-7 "All We Have Is From God") The Egyptians' acknowledgment of Pharaoh as the source of their salvation parallels the theological truth that all we have and are is a gift from God, prompting a posture of humility and gratitude rather than self-reliance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:25 provides enduring insights into human nature, divine providence, and the dynamics of dependence. The Egyptians' overwhelming gratitude for the preservation of their lives, even when it meant surrendering their independence and possessions, challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of thankfulness for the fundamental gift of life and basic necessities, especially amidst personal or societal difficulties. This narrative powerfully reminds us that God's providence often works through unexpected channels and even through severe crises to accomplish His purposes of preservation and sustenance. It prompts us to consider our own sources of security and provision: do we place our ultimate trust in our possessions, our independence, or our own efforts, or do we acknowledge our fundamental dependence on God's grace and provision? The Egyptians' willing submission to Pharaoh as "servants" can serve as a spiritual parallel to our call to acknowledge God's ultimate ownership of all things and our role as faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us, living in humble dependence on His sovereign care rather than relying solely on our own resources.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most tempted to rely on your own resources or independence, rather than acknowledging God's ultimate provision?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper sense of gratitude for the basic gift of life transform your perspective during times of scarcity or difficulty?**
* **What does it mean, practically, to live as a "servant" of God in a world that often prizes self-sufficiency and autonomy?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "servants" did the Egyptians become under Joseph's policy?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *'ebed* (H5650), translated as "servants" in [Genesis 47:25](/genesis/47-25 "The Egyptians become Pharaoh's servants"), does not imply chattel slavery, where people are property to be bought and sold. Instead, it describes their new status as subjects or tenants bound by tribute and labor to Pharaoh. They became a populace whose land was now owned by the crown, and in return for their lives and the right to cultivate the land, they were obligated to give a fifth (20%) of their produce to Pharaoh. This was a form of economic and social restructuring, transforming independent landowners into state-dependent subjects.

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

Answer: From the perspective of the people in [Genesis 47:25](/genesis/47-25 "The people's perspective on Joseph's policy"), it was seen as a life-saving measure, not exploitation. They willingly gave up their money, livestock, and land because the alternative was certain starvation. Joseph's policy, while centralizing power and wealth under Pharaoh, also ensured the survival of the entire population during an unprecedented and devastating famine. It was a pragmatic and effective solution to a catastrophic crisis, designed to preserve life, which the people themselves acknowledged with profound gratitude. It prevented societal collapse and widespread death.

**How does this system of land ownership in Egypt compare to God's law for Israel?**

Answer: The system established in Egypt, where all land (except that of the priests) became Pharaoh's property, stands in stark contrast to God's law for Israel. In Israel, God declared Himself the ultimate owner of the land ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "God's Ownership of the Land")), and the land was to be distributed among the tribes and families as an inheritance, not owned by the king. Provisions like the Year of Jubilee ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "The Year of Jubilee")) ensured that land would revert to its original families every 50 years, preventing permanent accumulation of wealth and power and promoting a more equitable distribution. This reflected God's ultimate sovereignty and His provision for His people, emphasizing their direct dependence on Him rather than on a human monarch for their land and livelihood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, culminating in the Egyptians' grateful submission in [Genesis 47:25](/genesis/47-25 "Joseph as a Type of Christ"), powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Joseph, as a wise and compassionate savior who provides life-sustaining bread during a time of famine, serves as a profound type of Christ, the true "Bread of Life" who offers eternal sustenance to a world perishing in spiritual famine (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Just as the Egyptians willingly surrendered their possessions and independence for the preservation of their physical lives, recognizing Joseph as their deliverer, so too are believers called to surrender their lives and trust in Christ for salvation, acknowledging Him as their ultimate Lord and Savior (cf. [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Confessing Jesus as Lord")). The "grace" sought by the Egyptians from their earthly lord finds its ultimate fulfillment in the boundless and unmerited grace freely offered by Christ, through whom we receive not just physical life, but eternal life and a new status as children and beloved servants of the Most High God (cf. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith"); [Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Servants of Righteousness")). In Christ, our deepest needs are met, and our ultimate security is found not in earthly possessions or independence, but in humble dependence on Him.

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 33:15

And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee [some] of the folk that [are] with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord.

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.

Genesis 45:6

For these two years [hath] the famine [been] in the land: and yet [there are] five years, in the which [there shall] neither [be] earing nor harvest.

Genesis 45:8

So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Ruth 2:13

Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

Proverbs 11:26

¶ He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it].

Proverbs 11:27

¶ He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.