Genesis 47:22 - Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land.
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What does "Genesis 47:22" mean?
This verse from Genesis 47:22 explains why the priests of Egypt were exempt from selling their land to Pharaoh during a famine. Let's break it down:
"Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests..." This refers to Joseph, who was in charge of managing Egypt's food supply during a severe famine. To ensure food security, Joseph bought up land from the Egyptian people in exchange for food. However, the priests' land was an exception.
"...for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh..." The priests were supported directly by Pharaoh and received a regular food allowance or payment.
"...and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them." They consumed the food provided by Pharaoh.
"That is why they didn’t sell their land." Because the priests were already provided for by Pharaoh, they did not need to sell their land to obtain food, unlike the rest of the Egyptian population.
In essence, the verse highlights a special arrangement: the priests were already receiving sustenance directly from Pharaoh and, therefore, were not compelled to sell their lands to Joseph during the famine. This likely reflects the elevated status and influence of the priesthood in ancient Egypt. It also emphasizes Joseph's fairness and respect for the established social structures. He didn't force the priests to sell their land when they weren't in need.
Genesis 47:22 - Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land.
What does "Genesis 47:22" mean?
This verse from Genesis 47:22 explains why the priests of Egypt were exempt from selling their land to Pharaoh during a famine. Let's break it down:
"Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests..." This refers to Joseph, who was in charge of managing Egypt's food supply during a severe famine. To ensure food security, Joseph bought up land from the Egyptian people in exchange for food. However, the priests' land was an exception.
"...for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh..." The priests were supported directly by Pharaoh and received a regular food allowance or payment.
"...and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them." They consumed the food provided by Pharaoh.
"That is why they didn’t sell their land." Because the priests were already provided for by Pharaoh, they did not need to sell their land to obtain food, unlike the rest of the Egyptian population.
In essence, the verse highlights a special arrangement: the priests were already receiving sustenance directly from Pharaoh and, therefore, were not compelled to sell their lands to Joseph during the famine. This likely reflects the elevated status and influence of the priesthood in ancient Egypt. It also emphasizes Joseph's fairness and respect for the established social structures. He didn't force the priests to sell their land when they weren't in need.