Genesis 47:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joseph purchases all Egyptian land for Pharaoh as the famine forces the people to sell their fields.
The Context of Genesis 47:20
All Egyptian farmland is transferred to Pharaoh's ownership through Joseph's administration.
What Does Genesis 47:20 Mean?
Joseph executes a comprehensive land acquisition on behalf of Pharaoh. Every Egyptian farmer, pressed by hunger, sells his field to secure grain. The famine's severity compels the transaction—the people have no choice if they wish to survive. The result is a complete transfer of land ownership to Pharaoh.
This transaction represents a fundamental shift in Egypt's social structure. Pharaoh becomes the sole landowner, and the common people become tenant farmers. While Joseph's administration has kept the people alive through the famine, the cost is their economic independence. This arrangement reflects both the power of centralized administration and the vulnerability of populations to resource crises.
Genesis 47:20 in the Original Language
'Bought' (קָנָה, kanah) means acquired through purchase or exchange, emphasizing the transaction rather than seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 47:20
What does Genesis 47:20 mean?
Joseph purchases all Egyptian land for Pharaoh as the famine forces the people to sell their fields.
What is the context of Genesis 47:20?
All Egyptian farmland is transferred to Pharaoh's ownership through Joseph's administration.