Genesis 47:21 - As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it.
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What does "Genesis 47:21" mean?
Genesis 47:21 describes a measure taken by Joseph during a famine in Egypt. Let's break down what it means:
"As for the people...": This refers to the Egyptian population who were not already part of Joseph's household or directly employed by Pharaoh.
"...he moved them to the cities...": This means Joseph relocated the people from the rural areas (presumably where they lived as farmers) and concentrated them in urban centers.
"...from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it.": This indicates the relocation was widespread, affecting the entire country from its northern to its southern borders.
Interpretations and Possible Meanings:
There are several possible interpretations of why Joseph did this, and scholars debate the precise motivation. Here are the most common viewpoints:
1. Consolidation and Control: By moving people into cities, Joseph could more easily distribute food and manage the population during the famine. It allowed for a more centralized distribution system and prevented hoarding or regional shortages. It also increased his power and control over the populace.
2. Land Seizure: Some believe it was a strategic move to break the people's ties to their land. After the famine, Joseph bought all the land for Pharaoh in exchange for food (Genesis 47:20). Relocating people beforehand made it easier to claim the land belonged to Pharaoh without dealing with resistance from people tied to specific plots. It also meant that they then had to lease the land back from Pharaoh, with 20% of the produce going to the Pharaoh.
3. Economic Restructuring: Joseph might have been trying to restructure the Egyptian economy. The famine forced people to abandon their traditional agricultural livelihoods. Moving them to cities could have encouraged them to seek new forms of employment and contribute to a more centralized economy.
4. Preventing Social Unrest: A dispersed and hungry population could have become unruly and rebellious. Centralizing them in cities allowed for better monitoring and control, potentially preventing widespread social unrest.
Key Considerations:
Context of the Famine: Remember, this occurred during a severe famine. Joseph's actions, while seemingly harsh, were likely seen as necessary to ensure the survival of the Egyptian population.
Joseph's Role: Joseph was acting as Pharaoh's chief administrator, with immense power to manage the country's resources.
Biblical Perspective: The Bible generally presents Joseph as a wise and benevolent leader. Therefore, his actions are often interpreted as being in the best interest of the people, even if they seem authoritarian by modern standards.
In summary, Genesis 47:21 describes Joseph's large-scale relocation of the Egyptian population to cities. While the exact motivations are debated, the likely reasons include better food distribution, increased control, land acquisition for Pharaoh, economic restructuring, and the prevention of social unrest during the famine. It's important to interpret this verse within the context of the famine and Joseph's role as a powerful leader tasked with saving Egypt from starvation.
Genesis 47:21 - As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it.
What does "Genesis 47:21" mean?
Genesis 47:21 describes a measure taken by Joseph during a famine in Egypt. Let's break down what it means:
"As for the people...": This refers to the Egyptian population who were not already part of Joseph's household or directly employed by Pharaoh.
"...he moved them to the cities...": This means Joseph relocated the people from the rural areas (presumably where they lived as farmers) and concentrated them in urban centers.
"...from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it.": This indicates the relocation was widespread, affecting the entire country from its northern to its southern borders.
Interpretations and Possible Meanings:
There are several possible interpretations of why Joseph did this, and scholars debate the precise motivation. Here are the most common viewpoints:
1. Consolidation and Control: By moving people into cities, Joseph could more easily distribute food and manage the population during the famine. It allowed for a more centralized distribution system and prevented hoarding or regional shortages. It also increased his power and control over the populace.
2. Land Seizure: Some believe it was a strategic move to break the people's ties to their land. After the famine, Joseph bought all the land for Pharaoh in exchange for food (Genesis 47:20). Relocating people beforehand made it easier to claim the land belonged to Pharaoh without dealing with resistance from people tied to specific plots. It also meant that they then had to lease the land back from Pharaoh, with 20% of the produce going to the Pharaoh.
3. Economic Restructuring: Joseph might have been trying to restructure the Egyptian economy. The famine forced people to abandon their traditional agricultural livelihoods. Moving them to cities could have encouraged them to seek new forms of employment and contribute to a more centralized economy.
4. Preventing Social Unrest: A dispersed and hungry population could have become unruly and rebellious. Centralizing them in cities allowed for better monitoring and control, potentially preventing widespread social unrest.
Key Considerations:
Context of the Famine: Remember, this occurred during a severe famine. Joseph's actions, while seemingly harsh, were likely seen as necessary to ensure the survival of the Egyptian population.
Joseph's Role: Joseph was acting as Pharaoh's chief administrator, with immense power to manage the country's resources.
Biblical Perspective: The Bible generally presents Joseph as a wise and benevolent leader. Therefore, his actions are often interpreted as being in the best interest of the people, even if they seem authoritarian by modern standards.
In summary, Genesis 47:21 describes Joseph's large-scale relocation of the Egyptian population to cities. While the exact motivations are debated, the likely reasons include better food distribution, increased control, land acquisition for Pharaoh, economic restructuring, and the prevention of social unrest during the famine. It's important to interpret this verse within the context of the famine and Joseph's role as a powerful leader tasked with saving Egypt from starvation.