What Does Genesis 47:20 Mean?

“bought”

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

“And Joseph”

joseph, the name of seven israelites

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

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

“all the land”

soil (from its general redness)

“for the Egyptians”

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

“became Pharaoh's”

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

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

“sold”

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

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

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

“his field”

a field (as flat)

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

“prevailed”

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

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

“because the famine”

hunger (more or less extensive)

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

“over them so the land”

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

“became Pharaoh's”

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings