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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 47:23 Then Joseph said to the people, "Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh this day, here is seed for you to sow in the land.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/47-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/01_Gen_47_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 47:23 - Joseph's Leadership During the Famine" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Joseph said to the people, Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh this day, here is seed for you to sow in the land." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/47-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/47-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/47.htm">Chapter 47</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/47-22.htm" title="Genesis 47:22">◄</a> Genesis 47:23 <a href="/genesis/47-24.htm" title="Genesis 47:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/47.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/47.htm">New International Version</a> Joseph said to the people, &#8220Now that I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh, here is seed for you so you can plant the ground. <a href="/nlt/genesis/47.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Look, today I have bought you and your land for Pharaoh. I will provide you with seed so you can plant the fields. <a href="/esv/genesis/47.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have this day bought you and your land for Pharaoh. Now here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. <a href="/bsb/genesis/47.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh this day, here is seed for you to sow in the land. <a href="/kjv/genesis/47.htm">King James Bible</a> Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/47.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Indeed I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/47.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, today I have purchased you and your land for Pharaoh; now, here is seed for you, and you may sow the land. <a href="/nasb/genesis/47.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Joseph said to the people, &#8220Behold, I have today bought you and your land for Pharaoh; now, here is seed for you, and you may sow the land. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/47.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have today bought you and your land for Pharaoh; now, here is seed for you, and you may sow the land. <a href="/lsb/genesis/47.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have today bought you and your land for Pharaoh; now, here is seed for you, and you may sow the land. <a href="/amp/genesis/47.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Look, today I have bought you and your land for Pharaoh; now, here is seed for you, and you shall plant the land. <a href="/csb/genesis/47.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Joseph said to the people, “Understand today that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh. Here is seed for you. Sow it in the land. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/47.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people, &#8220Understand today that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh. Here is seed for you. Sow it in the land. <a href="/asv/genesis/47.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. <a href="/cev/genesis/47.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then Joseph said to the people, "You and your land now belong to the king. I'm giving you seed to plant, <a href="/erv/genesis/47.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. <a href="/gwt/genesis/47.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Joseph said to the people, "Now that I have bought you and your land for Pharaoh, here is seed for you. Plant crops in the land. <a href="/gnt/genesis/47.htm">Good News Translation</a> Joseph said to the people, "You see, I have now bought you and your lands for the king. Here is seed for you to sow in your fields. <a href="/isv/genesis/47.htm">International Standard Version</a> After this, Joseph addressed the people. "Pay attention," he said. "I've bought you and your land for Pharaoh today, in exchange for seed for you. Now go sow the land. <a href="/msb/genesis/47.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people, ?Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh this day, here is seed for you to sow in the land. <a href="/net/genesis/47.htm">NET Bible</a> Joseph said to the people, "Since I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh, here is seed for you. Cultivate the land. <a href="/nheb/genesis/47.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people, "Look, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you so you can plant the seed in the land. <a href="/wbt/genesis/47.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then Joseph said to the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. <a href="/web/genesis/47.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/47.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Joseph says to the people, “Behold, I have bought you today and your ground for Pharaoh; behold, seed for you, and you have sown the ground, <a href="/ylt/genesis/47.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph saith unto the people, 'Lo, I have bought you to-day and your ground for Pharaoh; lo, seed for you, and ye have sown the ground, <a href="/slt/genesis/47.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph will say to the people, Behold, I bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, seed for you, and sow ye the land.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/47.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people : Be- hold as you see, both you and your lands belong to Pharao: take seed and sow the fields, <a href="/cpdv/genesis/47.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, Joseph said to the people: “So, as you discern, both you and your lands are possessed by Pharaoh; take seed and sow the fields, <a href="/nabre/genesis/47.htm">New American Bible</a> Joseph told the people: “Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh, here is your seed for sowing the land. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/47.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have this day bought you and your land for Pharaoh, here is seed for you; sow the land.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/47.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Joseph said to the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your lands for Pharaoh; lo, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/47.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yoseph said to the people, “Now I have bought you today, you and your lands for Pharaoh, behold, for you have seed that you may sow in the land.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/47.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then Joseph said unto the people: 'Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh. Lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. <a href="/sep/genesis/47.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Joseph said to all the Egyptians, Behold, I have bought you and your land this day for Pharao; take seed for you, and sow the land. <a href="/parallel/genesis/47-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=12455" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/47.htm">Joseph's Leadership During the Famine</a> …22However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land, for it had been given to them by Pharaoh. They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; so they did not sell their land. 23<a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Then Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hên (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">“Now that</a> <a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: qā·nî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">I have acquired</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ·ḵem (DirObjM:: 2mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: ’aḏ·maṯ·ḵem (N-fsc:: 2mp) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">you and your land</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: lə·p̄ar·‘ōh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">for Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">this day,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1887.htm" title="1887: hê- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!">here</a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: ze·ra‘ (N-ms) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">is seed</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">for you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2232.htm" title="2232: ū·zə·ra‘·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To sow, scatter seed. A primitive root; to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify.">to sow</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: hā·’ă·ḏā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">in the land.</a> 24At harvest time, you are to give a fifth of it to Pharaoh, and four-fifths will be yours as seed for the field and food for yourselves and your households and children.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11</a> So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. <a href="/leviticus/25-23.htm">Leviticus 25:23-24</a> The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me. / Thus for every piece of property you possess, you must provide for the redemption of the land. <a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-15</a> If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ... <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-17</a> He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ... <a href="/2_kings/4-7.htm">2 Kings 4:7</a> She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.” <a href="/nehemiah/5-3.htm">Nehemiah 5:3-5</a> Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.” / Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. / We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” <a href="/isaiah/5-8.htm">Isaiah 5:8</a> Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land. <a href="/jeremiah/34-13.htm">Jeremiah 34:13-14</a> “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I made a covenant with your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, saying: / Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear. <a href="/ezekiel/46-18.htm">Ezekiel 46:18</a> The prince must not take any of the inheritance of the people by evicting them from their property. He is to provide an inheritance for his sons from his own property, so that none of My people will be displaced from his property.’” <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25</a> Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a> For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ... <a href="/luke/19-12.htm">Luke 19:12-27</a> So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. / Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. / But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ ... <a href="/john/4-37.htm">John 4:37-38</a> For in this case the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. / I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the hard work, and now you have taken up their labor.” <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34-35</a> There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Romans 13:7</a> Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then Joseph said to the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: see, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land.bought.<a href="/genesis/47-19.htm">Genesis 47:19</a> Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.here is seed.<a href="/genesis/41-27.htm">Genesis 41:27</a> And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.<a href="/genesis/45-6.htm">Genesis 45:6</a> For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.<a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Psalm 41:1</a> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/47-22.htm">Bought</a> <a href="/genesis/47-22.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/genesis/47-21.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/47-22.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/genesis/9-20.htm">Plant</a> <a href="/genesis/47-11.htm">Property</a> <a href="/genesis/47-19.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Sow</a> <a href="/james/3-18.htm">Sown</a> <a href="/genesis/42-32.htm">Today</a> <a href="/genesis/42-32.htm">To-Day</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/49-30.htm">Bought</a> <a href="/genesis/47-26.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/genesis/47-26.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/47-24.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/9-22.htm">Plant</a> <a href="/genesis/47-27.htm">Property</a> <a href="/genesis/47-24.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/exodus/23-10.htm">Sow</a> <a href="/exodus/23-16.htm">Sown</a> <a href="/genesis/47-26.htm">Today</a> <a href="/exodus/2-18.htm">To-Day</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 47</div>1. <a href="/genesis/47-1.htm">Joseph presents his father, and five of his brothers before Pharaoh.</a> 11. <a href="/genesis/47-11.htm">He gives them habitation and maintenance.</a> 13. <a href="/genesis/47-13.htm">He gets the Egyptian's money;</a> 16. <a href="/genesis/47-16.htm">their cattle;</a> 18. <a href="/genesis/47-18.htm">and their lands, except the priests', to Pharaoh.</a> 23. <a href="/genesis/47-23.htm">He restores the land for a fifth.</a> 28. <a href="/genesis/47-28.htm">Jacob's age.</a> 29. <a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">He swears Joseph to bury him with his fathers.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/47.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/47.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Joseph said to the people Joseph, the son of Jacob, is now a powerful figure in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. This phrase highlights his role as an intermediary between the Egyptian people and Pharaoh. Joseph's leadership and wisdom are evident as he navigates the challenges of a severe famine. His actions are a fulfillment of the dreams he had as a young man, where he saw his family bowing to him, symbolizing his future authority and responsibility.Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh this day This statement reflects the economic and social conditions of the time. Due to the severe famine, the Egyptians had sold their livestock, land, and even themselves to Pharaoh in exchange for food. This transaction indicates the centralization of power and resources under Pharaoh's control, facilitated by Joseph. It also underscores the desperation of the people and the extent of the famine's impact. The acquisition of land and people for Pharaoh can be seen as a precursor to the later enslavement of the Israelites, setting a historical context for the eventual Exodus.here is seed for you to sow in the land Joseph provides the people with seed, ensuring their survival and the continuation of agricultural productivity. This act of giving seed is significant as it represents hope and the possibility of renewal after a period of hardship. It also reflects Joseph's strategic planning and foresight, as he ensures that the people can sustain themselves and contribute to the economy once the famine ends. The provision of seed can be seen as a type of Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance and hope for renewal. This act of provision parallels the biblical theme of God providing for His people, as seen in other scriptures such as the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) and Jesus feeding the 5,000 (<a href="/matthew/14-13.htm">Matthew 14:13-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. He is a key figure in the preservation of the Israelites during a severe famine. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> The ruler of Egypt, who entrusted Joseph with the management of the country's resources during the famine. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_egypt.htm">The People of Egypt</a> The Egyptian populace who, due to the severe famine, sold their land and themselves to Pharaoh in exchange for food and seed. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_egypt.htm">The Land of Egypt</a> The geographical setting where the events unfold, particularly during a time of widespread famine. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_famine.htm">The Famine</a> A severe and prolonged period of food scarcity that affected Egypt and surrounding regions, leading to the centralization of power and resources under Pharaoh's control.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_and_resource_management.htm">Stewardship and Resource Management</a> Joseph's management of resources during the famine is a model of wise stewardship. Believers are called to manage their resources prudently, especially in times of scarcity. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_provision.htm">God's Sovereignty and Provision</a> Despite the dire circumstances, God's hand is evident in providing for His people through Joseph. Trust in God's provision even in difficult times. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_economic_decisions.htm">The Consequences of Economic Decisions</a> The Egyptians' decision to sell their land and themselves highlights the long-term impact of economic choices. Consider the implications of financial decisions and seek wisdom. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_crisis.htm">The Role of Leadership in Crisis</a> Joseph's leadership during the famine demonstrates the importance of godly leadership in times of crisis. Leaders should seek God's guidance to make decisions that benefit the community. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god_vs._human_systems.htm">Dependence on God vs. Human Systems</a> The centralization of power under Pharaoh contrasts with the biblical ideal of dependence on God. Reflect on where your ultimate trust lies.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_47.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 47</a> <a href="/q/why_no_non-biblical_record_of_gen_47.htm">Why is there no clear non-biblical documentation of both a severe seven-year famine and the Hebrews thriving in Egypt (Genesis 47)?</a> <a href="/q/is_joseph_socialist_in_genesis.htm">Does Genesis depict Joseph's actions as socialist?</a> <a href="/q/who_bought_joseph_from_the_midianites.htm">To whom did the Midianites sell Joseph? To the Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:28) To Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh (Genesis 37:36)</a> <a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_joseph's_high_rank_in_egypt.htm">Is there archaeological proof that Joseph was elevated to such a high rank in Egypt as described in Genesis 47:1-6?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/47.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Lo, here is seed for you.--As Joseph would give them seed wherewith to sow their fields only when the famine was nearly over, these arrangements seem to have been completed shortly before the end of the seventh year; and then, with seed it would be necessary also to supply them with oxen to plough the soil, and swine wherewith to trample in the seed (Rawlinson, Egypt, i. 76). A fifth part of the produce would be a very moderate rent, especially as there were no rates or taxes to be paid. The whole expenses of the State had to be defrayed from this rent.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/47.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 23, 24. - Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. This proves the time to have been the last year of the famine; and since the people obtained seed from the viceroy, it is reasonable to suppose that they would also have their cattle restored to them to enable them to till the ground. 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. This verse is a sufficient refutation of the oft-preferred charge that Joseph had despoiled the Egyptians of their liberties, and converted a free people into a horde of abject slaves. Slave-owners are not usually content with a tax of only twenty percent on the gross revenues of their estates. Nor does it seem reasonable to allege that this was an exorbitant demand on the part either of Joseph or of Pharaoh. If in the seven years of plenty the people could afford to part with a fifth part of their produce, might not an improved system of agriculture enable them, under the new regulations, to pay as much as that in the shape of rent, and with quite as much ease? At all events the people themselves did not consider that they were being subjected to any harsh or unjust exaction. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/47-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Joseph יוֹסֵף֙ (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the people, הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock “Now that הֵן֩ (hên) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> Lo! behold! I have acquired קָנִ֨יתִי (qā·nî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7069.htm">Strong's 7069: </a> To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own you and your land אַדְמַתְכֶ֖ם (’aḏ·maṯ·ḵem) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> Ground, land for Pharaoh לְפַרְעֹ֑ה (lə·p̄ar·‘ōh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings this day, הַיּ֛וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day here הֵֽא־ (hê-) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1887.htm">Strong's 1887: </a> Lo! behold! is seed זֶ֔רַע (ze·ra‘) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity for you לָכֶ֣ם (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> to sow וּזְרַעְתֶּ֖ם (ū·zə·ra‘·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2232.htm">Strong's 2232: </a> To sow, to disseminate, plant, fructify in the land. הָאֲדָמָֽה׃ (hā·’ă·ḏā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> Ground, land <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/47-23.htm">Genesis 47:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/47-23.htm">OT Law: Genesis 47:23 Then Joseph said to the people Behold (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/47-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 47:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 47:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/47-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 47:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 47:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>