Genesis 47:20 - So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh’s.
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What does "Genesis 47:20" mean?
Genesis 47:20 describes a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
The Context: Egypt is experiencing a severe famine. Joseph, having foreseen the famine, had previously advised Pharaoh to store up grain during the years of plenty. As the famine worsens, people run out of food and money.
"So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh..." Due to Joseph's position as Pharaoh's vizier, he's acting as Pharaoh's agent. People needed food to survive, and they were willing to trade everything they had for it.
"...for every man of the Egyptians sold his field..." This is the core of the verse. As people ran out of money, they began selling their land to the government (through Joseph) in exchange for food. Land was the basis of their livelihood and social standing. Giving it up was a desperate act.
"...because the famine was severe on them..." This emphasizes the desperate situation that forced them to this action. The severity of the famine is the key factor driving the people to give up their most valuable possession.
"...and the land became Pharaoh’s." This is the result. Over time, through these transactions, virtually all the land in Egypt (except that of the priests, mentioned in the subsequent verses) came under the direct ownership of Pharaoh. This drastically shifted the power dynamics in Egypt.
The broader implications and meaning:
Centralization of Power: This verse highlights how crises can lead to the centralization of power. In this case, Pharaoh's power was dramatically increased as he became the sole landowner. This also made the people more dependent on Pharaoh.
Joseph's Role: While Joseph is presented as saving the people from starvation, this action also had significant social and economic consequences. It can be seen as both a benevolent act (saving lives) and a potentially exploitative one (seizing land during a vulnerable time). Interpretations of Joseph's actions are often debated. Some argue that he was simply acting in the best interests of Egypt, ensuring a stable food supply and preventing anarchy. Others see it as a power grab that exploited the people's desperation.
Economic Restructuring: The famine and Joseph's actions completely restructured the Egyptian economy and society. Most Egyptians went from being landowners to being tenants or laborers on Pharaoh's land, owing him a portion of their produce.
In summary, Genesis 47:20 describes how Joseph, during a severe famine in Egypt, used his position to buy up all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh in exchange for food, leading to a significant shift in power and economic structure. The verse raises questions about the nature of leadership, the ethical implications of actions taken during crises, and the long-term consequences of economic restructuring.
Genesis 47:20 - So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh’s.
What does "Genesis 47:20" mean?
Genesis 47:20 describes a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
The Context: Egypt is experiencing a severe famine. Joseph, having foreseen the famine, had previously advised Pharaoh to store up grain during the years of plenty. As the famine worsens, people run out of food and money.
"So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh..." Due to Joseph's position as Pharaoh's vizier, he's acting as Pharaoh's agent. People needed food to survive, and they were willing to trade everything they had for it.
"...for every man of the Egyptians sold his field..." This is the core of the verse. As people ran out of money, they began selling their land to the government (through Joseph) in exchange for food. Land was the basis of their livelihood and social standing. Giving it up was a desperate act.
"...because the famine was severe on them..." This emphasizes the desperate situation that forced them to this action. The severity of the famine is the key factor driving the people to give up their most valuable possession.
"...and the land became Pharaoh’s." This is the result. Over time, through these transactions, virtually all the land in Egypt (except that of the priests, mentioned in the subsequent verses) came under the direct ownership of Pharaoh. This drastically shifted the power dynamics in Egypt.
The broader implications and meaning:
Centralization of Power: This verse highlights how crises can lead to the centralization of power. In this case, Pharaoh's power was dramatically increased as he became the sole landowner. This also made the people more dependent on Pharaoh.
Joseph's Role: While Joseph is presented as saving the people from starvation, this action also had significant social and economic consequences. It can be seen as both a benevolent act (saving lives) and a potentially exploitative one (seizing land during a vulnerable time). Interpretations of Joseph's actions are often debated. Some argue that he was simply acting in the best interests of Egypt, ensuring a stable food supply and preventing anarchy. Others see it as a power grab that exploited the people's desperation.
Economic Restructuring: The famine and Joseph's actions completely restructured the Egyptian economy and society. Most Egyptians went from being landowners to being tenants or laborers on Pharaoh's land, owing him a portion of their produce.
In summary, Genesis 47:20 describes how Joseph, during a severe famine in Egypt, used his position to buy up all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh in exchange for food, leading to a significant shift in power and economic structure. The verse raises questions about the nature of leadership, the ethical implications of actions taken during crises, and the long-term consequences of economic restructuring.