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.

Where else these words appear

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:42 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
  • Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.

“bought” Hebrew H7069 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Ruth 4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
  • Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

“famine” Hebrew H7458 · used in 88 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
  • Jeremiah 32:24 Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it.