Genesis 47:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּ֨קֶן

H7069

bought

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

יוֹסֵ֜ף

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַדְמַ֤ת

H127

all the land

soil (from its general redness)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4714

for the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְפַרְעֹֽה׃

H6547

became Pharaoh's

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָכְר֤וּ

H4376

sold

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

#10

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

#11

אִ֣ישׁ

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#12

שָׂדֵ֔הוּ

H7704

his field

a field (as flat)

#13

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

חָזַ֥ק

H2388

prevailed

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

#15

עֲלֵהֶ֖ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#16

הָֽרָעָ֑ב

H7458

because the famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

#17

וַתְּהִ֥י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#18

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

over them so the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

לְפַרְעֹֽה׃

H6547

became Pharaoh's

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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