King James Version

What Does Genesis 41:34 Mean?

Genesis 41:34 in the King James Version says “Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. officers: or, overseers”

Genesis 41:34 · KJV

Context

32

And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. established: or, prepared of God

33

Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

34

Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. officers: or, overseers

35

And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

36

And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. perish: Heb. be not cut off

Read Genesis 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the l... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה1 of 13

“do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פַרְעֹ֔ה2 of 13

“Let Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְיַפְקֵ֥ד3 of 13

“this and let him appoint”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

פְּקִדִ֖ים4 of 13

“officers”

H6496

a superintendent (civil, military or religious)

עַל5 of 13
H5921

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

אֶ֣רֶץ6 of 13

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְחִמֵּשׁ֙7 of 13

“and take up the fifth part”

H2567

to tax a fifth

אֶת8 of 13
H853

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

אֶ֣רֶץ9 of 13

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֔יִם10 of 13

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּשֶׁ֖בַע11 of 13

“in the seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שְׁנֵ֥י12 of 13

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשָּׂבָֽע׃13 of 13

“plenteous”

H7647

copiousness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 41:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 41:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 27:122 Kings 11:11-12Job 5:20Nehemiah 11:9Proverbs 22:3Luke 16:5

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Genesis 41 →

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 41 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes