King James Version

What Does Genesis 47:23 Mean?

Genesis 47:23 in the King James Version says “Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 47:23 · KJV

Context

21

And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof.

22

Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. priests: or, princes

23

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.

24

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.

25

And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants.

Read Genesis 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, ... 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.

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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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹסֵף֙2 of 17

“Then Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֔ם4 of 17

“unto the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הֵן֩5 of 17
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

קָנִ֨יתִי6 of 17

“Behold I have bought”

H7069

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

אֶתְכֶ֥ם7 of 17
H853

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

הַיּ֛וֹם8 of 17

“you this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְאֶת9 of 17
H853

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

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃10 of 17

“and your land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

לְפַרְעֹ֑ה11 of 17

“for Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

הֵֽא12 of 17

“lo”

H1887

lo!

לָכֶ֣ם13 of 17
H0
זֶ֔רַע14 of 17

“here is seed”

H2233

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

וּזְרַעְתֶּ֖ם15 of 17

“for you and ye shall sow”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

אֶת16 of 17
H853

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

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃17 of 17

“and your land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

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 47:23 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 47:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 41:1Psalms 112:5Isaiah 55:10Ecclesiastes 11:6Proverbs 13:23Genesis 45:6

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 47 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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