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What Does Genesis 47:20 Mean?

Read the Daily Bible VerseGenesis 47:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.

Genesis 47:20 marks the conclusion of a pivotal chapter in the biblical narrative where the severe famine in Egypt, under Joseph’s stewardship, forces the Egyptian people to surrender their land and freedom to Pharaoh in exchange for food. This verse is a continuation of the story of Joseph’s wise management during a time of crisis, but it also contains profound spiritual lessons that extend far beyond its historical and cultural context. By examining Genesis 47:20 in its context, meaning, and application, as well as comparing it with other biblical texts, we can uncover deeper insights into faith, submission, stewardship, and divine provision. In this article, we will explore the following aspects of Genesis 47:20: The Context on Genesis 47:20 KJV, The Meaning of Genesis 47:20, Genesis 47:20 Application in Life, Comparison with Other Biblical Texts, Modern-Day Relevance, Genesis 47:20 Commentary, and Conclusion.

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The Context on Genesis 47:20 KJV

Genesis 47:20 (KJV) reads:

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“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.”

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This verse comes at the end of a series of transactions during a time of intense famine that affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding nations. Joseph, who had been appointed by Pharaoh to oversee the storage and distribution of food during the seven years of plenty, is now overseeing the redistribution of resources to maintain life during the seven years of famine. By the time we reach Genesis 47:20, the famine has devastated the Egyptian population, and they have already given up their money, livestock, and land in exchange for food.

With the famine continuing and the people desperate for survival, the Egyptians are now offering their last remaining asset—their land—in exchange for food. Joseph, acting on behalf of Pharaoh, purchases all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, effectively transferring ownership of the land from the people to Pharaoh. In exchange, the people are given food to survive and seed to plant, with the understanding that they will become Pharaoh’s servants.

This event signifies a major shift in Egypt’s socioeconomic structure, where Pharaoh assumes ownership of all the land, and the people become tenants or servants under his rule. From a spiritual perspective, it illustrates themes of dependence, surrender, and the role of leadership during times of crisis.

The Meaning of Genesis 47:20

Genesis 47:20 can be interpreted in several layers—practical, economic, and spiritual:

Economic Transformation

On the surface, Genesis 47:20 describes a significant economic transformation in Egypt. The land, once owned by individual Egyptians, now belongs to Pharaoh, making Pharaoh the de facto ruler and landowner of the entire nation. The people, in their desperation, were willing to trade their land for food. This transaction represents the collapse of the Egyptian economy, as self-sufficiency becomes impossible due to the famine. The people’s willingness to surrender their land signifies their complete dependence on Pharaoh for survival.

This economic shift also reflects Joseph’s role as a steward of God’s provision. He did not take advantage of the situation for personal gain, but instead managed Egypt’s resources wisely, ensuring that both the people and the land were preserved during the crisis. Joseph’s actions point to the importance of wise leadership and stewardship during times of scarcity.

Spiritual Dependence and Surrender

On a deeper level, Genesis 47:20 also represents a spiritual reality: the Egyptians’ complete surrender to Pharaoh for the sake of survival. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual surrender that believers are called to make to God. Just as the Egyptians had to give up everything, including their land, for the sake of survival, Christians are called to surrender all aspects of their lives—our time, possessions, ambitions, and will—to God. In this passage, Pharaoh can be viewed as a figure of authority, similar to God’s sovereignty over our lives.

Moreover, the land represents not only physical property but also one’s security and identity. For the Egyptians, their land was a source of stability and wealth, yet in the face of overwhelming need, they recognized that survival could only come through surrendering everything. Similarly, in a spiritual sense, the Bible teaches that eternal life and true security are found only when we surrender ourselves to God’s will and trust Him for provision.

Fulfillment of God’s Plan

Joseph’s actions in buying the land also fulfill God’s plan for Egypt, as Joseph’s wisdom and stewardship preserve not just the Egyptian people but also his family. This situation, though seeming to be one of complete human initiative, was part of God’s sovereign plan to preserve the lineage of Israel. God’s plan for His people often unfolds through circumstances that may seem harsh or difficult, but through these events, He continues to accomplish His purposes.

Genesis 47:20 Application in Life

The Necessity of Surrendering to God

Genesis 47:20 teaches the importance of surrendering our possessions and our security to God. While the Egyptians gave up their land in exchange for survival, Christians are called to surrender everything—our relationships, finances, desires, and even our futures—into the hands of a sovereign God. In times of crisis, whether personal or societal, we often realize that we have little control over our circumstances. However, by surrendering to God’s will and trusting in His provision, we are able to experience peace and security even in the midst of challenges.

This passage reminds us that material possessions and earthly security are ultimately fleeting. While the land may have been an important part of the Egyptians’ livelihood, it was their surrender that allowed them to survive. In a similar way, Christians are reminded in Matthew 6:19-21 not to store up treasures on earth where they can be destroyed, but rather to store up treasures in heaven. When we place our trust in God rather than in our possessions, we demonstrate our faith in His provision and care.

Stewardship and Wise Leadership

Another key application of Genesis 47:20 is the importance of wise leadership and stewardship. Joseph’s ability to manage Egypt’s resources, to care for both Pharaoh’s interests and the welfare of the Egyptian people, serves as an example of faithful stewardship. As Christians, we are also called to be stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us—whether they are financial, relational, or physical resources. Joseph’s leadership shows that stewardship involves not just the management of resources, but also the wise, ethical, and compassionate care of people. In our own lives, we should seek to manage what God has given us with integrity and wisdom, particularly in times of scarcity or crisis.

Trust in God’s Provision

Finally, Genesis 47:20 teaches us to trust in God’s provision, even when it appears that we are losing everything. Just as the Egyptians were able to survive because of Joseph’s stewardship and God’s provision, so too can we rely on God in our times of need. When we trust God with all that we have, He will provide for us according to His will. This might not always mean that we are given exactly what we want, but it does mean that we can rely on God to supply what we truly need. This trust is built on the understanding that God is both sovereign and good, and that His provision is always in line with His purposes for our lives.

Comparison with Other Biblical Texts

Luke 12:15 – Beware of Covetousness

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns His disciples:

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (KJV)

In comparison to Genesis 47:20, where the Egyptians were willing to give up all their land and wealth for the sake of survival, Jesus’ words in Luke 12 remind us that life is not about accumulating material possessions. The Egyptians’ surrender of their land shows the fleeting nature of wealth and the ultimate need for a relationship with a sovereign ruler who provides for us. Just as Jesus warns against greed, Genesis 47:20 underscores the reality that what we possess is ultimately not as important as our dependence on God and His provision.

Matthew 6:33 – Seeking First the Kingdom of God

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus encourages His followers to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things will be added unto them:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (KJV)

Genesis 47:20 highlights the Egyptians’ surrender of everything to Pharaoh in exchange for their lives. This mirrors the Christian principle of prioritizing God’s kingdom above all else. The passage in Matthew reminds believers that when we prioritize God’s will and His righteousness, we can trust that He will provide for our needs, just as God provided for the Egyptians through Joseph.

Modern-Day Relevance

Genesis 47:20 speaks to modern-day issues of economic insecurity, leadership, and dependence. In today’s world, many individuals and nations face economic hardship, poverty, and scarcity, similar to the situation described in Genesis 47. The global challenges of economic instability, inflation, and environmental crises cause many to feel vulnerable and uncertain about the future. Genesis 47:20 serves as a reminder that even in times of crisis, we must trust in God’s provision and submit to His sovereignty over our lives.

Moreover, this passage underscores the importance of good stewardship in leadership. As leaders in any sphere of life—whether in the family, business, or church—there is a responsibility to manage resources wisely and compassionately. This is especially relevant in times of scarcity or uncertainty, where good stewardship can make the difference between survival and failure.

Conclusion

Genesis 47:20 is a powerful reminder of the role that stewardship, surrender, and trust in God’s provision play in our lives. The Egyptians’ surrender of their land is both a practical necessity for survival and a profound spiritual lesson for all believers. In times of crisis, we are reminded to trust in God, surrender our possessions, and rely on His provision. This passage calls us to examine our priorities, trust in God’s sovereignty, and be wise stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. In the end, just as God provided for Egypt through Joseph’s leadership, we can trust that God will provide for us through His faithful care and provision, even in the most difficult times.

Genesis 47:20 Commentary

In the context of Genesis 47:20, we see that Joseph’s leadership is not self-serving. Despite the massive transfer of wealth and land to Pharaoh, Joseph is not personally gaining anything from the transactions. Instead, his leadership is driven by a desire to preserve life and honor God’s plan for the people of Egypt and Israel. The commentary on this passage emphasizes that Joseph’s actions, though politically shrewd, are ultimately for the greater good of the people and reflect a Christ-like example of servant leadership.

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