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.

GENESIS 47:20KJV
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Genesis 47:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 47:20 mean?

Genesis 47:20 describes how Joseph, acting on behalf of Pharaoh, bought all the land in Egypt from the Egyptians because the famine was so severe that people sold their fields in exchange for food. As a result, all the land in Egypt became the property of Pharaoh.

In this part of the story, Joseph is managing the crisis caused by a long famine. The Egyptians, desperate to survive, are willing to give up their land to Pharaoh in return for grain. This verse shows a major shift in land ownership and power, as Pharaoh gains control over nearly all property in Egypt through Joseph’s actions.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 47:20

  • "Bought" (קָנָה, qanah): This word means to acquire or purchase. The verse emphasizes that Joseph did not seize the land by force but obtained it through a transaction, highlighting the desperation of the people.
  • "Land" (אֲדָמָה, adamah): This word refers specifically to the ground or soil, not just territory in general. The focus is on the agricultural fields that sustained the Egyptians’ livelihoods.
  • "Famine" (רָעָב, ra’av): This word points to a severe lack of food, which is the driving force behind the Egyptians’ decision to sell their land. The intensity of the famine is what leads to such a drastic outcome.
  • "Prevailed" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to be strong or overpower. The famine’s strength over the people is what compels them to give up their property, showing just how dire the situation had become.

Why Genesis 47:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Pharaoh’s control over Egypt’s land was not originally absolute; it was established through the crisis and Joseph’s management, not by default.
  • The verse highlights the severity of the famine and its social impact, showing how economic hardship can lead to major changes in society and governance.
  • Genesis 47:20 connects to the broader story of Joseph’s leadership and the survival of both the Egyptians and Joseph’s own family, setting the stage for later developments in Israel’s history in Egypt.