Genesis 47:24

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

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

בַּתְּבוּאֹ֔ת

H8393

And it shall come to pass in the increase

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם

H5414

that ye shall give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

חֲמִישִׁ֖ית

H2549

the fifth

fifth; also a fifth

לְפַרְעֹ֑ה

H6547

part unto Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְאַרְבַּ֣ע

H702

and four

four

הַיָּדֹ֡ת

H3027

parts

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

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

לָכֶם֩

#10

לְזֶ֨רַע

H2233

shall be your own for seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#11

הַשָּׂדֶ֧ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

#12

וּֽלְאָכְלְכֶ֛ם

H400

and for your food

food

#13

וְלַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

בְּבָֽתֵּיכֶ֖ם

H1004

and for them of your households

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

וְלֶֽאֱכֹ֥ל

H398

and for food

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#16

לְטַפְּכֶֽם׃

H2945

for your little ones

a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 47 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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