Joseph and the Famine
Genesis 47:13-31
Gen.47.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולחם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- כבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הרעב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאד: ADV
- ותלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- הרעב: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 41:56 (verbal): Same language about the severity of the famine — 'the famine waxed sore' and lack of food in the land, linking the scene in Joseph's administration to the later crisis in Gen 47:13.
- Genesis 41:57 (thematic): Reports that 'all countries came into Egypt to buy grain' because the famine was so severe, paralleling Gen 47:13's depiction of widespread scarcity affecting both Egypt and Canaan.
- Genesis 12:10 (thematic): Abram's descent into Egypt 'because the famine was grievous' in the land of Canaan; echoes the pattern of famine driving movement between Canaan and Egypt found in Gen 47:13.
- Genesis 26:1 (thematic): A later episode where 'there was a famine in the land' affecting Isaac — another patriarchal instance highlighting famine as a recurring crisis affecting Canaan and prompting relocation or hardship, thematically linked to Gen 47:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- And there was no bread in all the land, for the famine was very severe, and the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine.
- And there was no bread in all the land, for the famine was very severe, and the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine.
Gen.47.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילקט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנמצא: PART,nif,ptc,ms,sg,def
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ובארץ: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- שברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ביתה: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3,f,sg
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.47:20-21 (structural): Direct continuation: the money Joseph gathered is then used to buy up the land and livestock for Pharaoh, showing the immediate consequence of centralizing wealth in Pharaoh’s house.
- Gen.42:25-28 (verbal): Earlier episode where Joseph has silver returned in the brothers’ sacks; both passages emphasize Joseph’s control over money and the motif of money placed/handled in sacks and consignments.
- Gen.41:56-57 (thematic): Sets the broader context of famine that drives people from surrounding lands to Egypt to buy grain — the economic crisis that makes the collection of money and transfer of wealth possible.
- Exod.12:35-36 (thematic): Contrast/parallel in which a crisis (oppression/exodus) produces a large transfer of silver and gold between peoples; both passages link national crises to major redistributions of wealth.
- 1 Sam.8:15-17 (thematic): A later royal paradigm of appropriation/levy: the description of a king taking fields, servants, and a portion of produce parallels Joseph’s actions that result in Pharaoh’s centralized control over land and resources.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan in exchange for the grain that they were buying, and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.
- And Joseph collected all the silver that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan for the grain they were buying, and Joseph brought the silver into Pharaoh's house.
Gen.47.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתם: VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומארץ: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הבה: PRT
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולמה: CONJ
- נמות: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,pl
- נגדך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
- כי: CONJ
- אפס: NUM,sg
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.41:56-57 (verbal): Same famine-cycle in Joseph narrative: nations come into Egypt to buy grain because of severe famine — parallels the crowding of Egyptians to Joseph and the basic claim that money is exhausted.
- Gen.42:1-3 (structural): Later episode in the same narrative where Jacob/Israel send his sons to Egypt to buy food; continues the theme of seeking grain from Joseph and the economic pressure caused by famine.
- Lev.25:23-28 (thematic): Legal provision about sale and redemption of land when families fall into poverty — parallels Genesis 47:19–26 where Egyptians (and later Israelites) sell land and become dependent because of famine-induced insolvency.
- Ruth 1:1-2 (thematic): Famine as a cause of migration (Elimelech’s family leaves Israel for Moab) — thematically similar to Genesis 47:15 where famine drives populations to seek food in Egypt.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when the money was spent from the land of Egypt and from the land of Canaan, all Egypt came to Joseph and said, Give us bread; and why should we die before your eyes? For the money is gone.
- And the silver was spent from the land of Egypt and from the land of Canaan, and all Egypt came to Joseph and said, Give us bread; and why should we die before you? for the silver has failed.
Gen.47.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- מקניכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2mp
- ואתנה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- במקניכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+2mp
- אם: CONJ
- אפס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.47.13-15 (structural): Immediate context: Joseph sold grain to the Egyptians during the famine and they paid with money until it was exhausted — the background for his offer to take livestock in exchange for seed.
- Gen.41.46-57 (thematic): Earlier account of Joseph's storage of grain during seven years of plenty and the subsequent sale of that grain in the years of famine; sets up the economic situation and policy he implements in 47:16.
- Gen.47.20-23 (thematic): Continuation of the same scene: because of the famine and the people’s need, Joseph acquires their livestock and land for Pharaoh and makes the people dependents — the long-term consequence of exchanging goods for food.
- Lev.25.23-28 (allusion): Law concerning sale and redemption of land in Israel: provides a legal and ethical background for understanding the significance of land and property transfers that occur when famine forces people to sell possessions (as in Gen.47).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph said, Bring your livestock, and I will give to you in exchange for your livestock, if the money is gone.
- And Joseph said, Give your livestock, and I will give to you for your livestock, if the silver is gone.
Gen.47.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויביאו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מקניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בסוסים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובמקנה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובמקנה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובחמרים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וינהלם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בלחם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מקנהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- בשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
Parallels
- Gen.41:34-36 (structural): Joseph's plan to collect and store a portion of the produce during seven years of plenty so there would be grain in the years of famine — the administrative background for the later rationing and exchanges recorded in 47:17.
- Gen.41:48-49 (verbal): Joseph gathers and stores the grain in the cities during the years of plenty; this description of accumulation and preservation of food connects directly with the distribution of bread to people and their livestock in Gen 47:17.
- Gen.41:56-57 (thematic): The famine spreads and people come to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph. The same crisis context explains why Egyptians (or inhabitants) bring their livestock to Joseph in exchange for bread in 47:17.
- Gen.47:20-21 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same crisis: because of famine people sell their fields and livestock to Pharaoh (through Joseph) and become dependent. These verses show the economic consequences and transfers of property that complement the barter-for-grain described in 47:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in return for the horses and for the flocks of sheep and for the herds of cattle and for the donkeys; and he sustained them with bread in exchange for all their livestock in that year.
- And they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys; and he sustained them with bread that year, in exchange for all their livestock.
Gen.47.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותתם: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- השנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השנית: ADJ,ord,f,sg,def
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- נכחד: VERB,niph,perf,3,m,sg
- מאדני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss1
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- תם: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומקנה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבהמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- נשאר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- בלתי: NEG
- אם: CONJ
- גויתנו: NOUN,f,pl,poss1
- ואדמתנו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,poss1
Parallels
- Genesis 41:56-57 (structural): Same famine narrative: people from surrounding lands come to Egypt to buy grain, establishing the economic crisis that leads to the situation in Genesis 47:18.
- Genesis 47:19-26 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the episode: the people declare they have no money but livestock and land, and Joseph/Pharaoh proceeds to buy their livestock and lands—directly parallels and resolves v.18.
- Leviticus 25:23-28 (thematic): Law on sale and redemption of land within Israel—addresses the moral and theological issues raised when land is sold under economic distress (land as ultimately belonging to God).
- Jeremiah 32:6-15 (allusion): Jeremiah’s purchase of a field during a siege functions as a legal land-sale during crisis; thematically comparable to land transactions made under extreme pressure and their covenantal/sign acts.
- Nehemiah 5:1-5 (thematic): Describes people mortgaging fields, vineyards, houses and selling children into service because of famine and debt—parallels the social consequences of famine and the sale/mortgaging of property in Genesis 47:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when that year was ended, they came to him in the second year and said to him, We will not hide from my lord that the money is spent, and the livestock belongs to my lord; there remains nothing before my lord except our bodies and our land.
- And that year ended, and they came to him in the second year and said to him, We will not hide from my lord that the silver is spent, and the herds of livestock belong to my lord; there remains before my lord nothing but our bodies and our land.
Gen.47.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למה: ADV
- נמות: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,pl
- לעיניך: PREP
- גם: ADV
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- גם: ADV
- אדמתנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- אדמתנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בלחם: PREP
- ונהיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,pl
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- ואדמתנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותן: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- זרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונחיה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- נמות: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,pl
- והאדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשם: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 25:23 (thematic): Declares that the land ultimately belongs to YHWH and is not permanently sold — theological background to Israelite laws and a theological counterpoint to the sale of land in Genesis 47.
- Leviticus 25:25 (allusion): Law prescribing that a kinsman-redeemer may buy back land sold by a poor Israelite — echoes the language and concerns about sale and redemption of family land found in Genesis 47.
- Ruth 4:3-4 (structural): Narrative scene in which a kinsman-redeemer purchases a field to preserve family inheritance — a parallel instance of buying land to secure family survival and continuity.
- Exodus 1:13-14 (thematic): Describes the Israelites’ harsh servitude in Egypt — thematically related to Genesis 47:19’s proposal that the family and land become servants to Pharaoh as a means of survival, and to the later reality of Israelite bondage.
- Jeremiah 32:6-15 (verbal): Jeremiah’s purchase of Hanamel’s field during siege uses similar buying‑of‑land language and models purchasing land in a time of crisis as a symbolic act of hope for future restoration, contrasting with the desperate sales in Genesis 47.
Alternative generated candidates
- Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. And give seed, that we may live and not die, and that the land not become desolate.
- Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land shall be servants to Pharaoh; and give seed, that we may live and not die, and that the land not be desolate.
Gen.47.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אדמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מכרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שדהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חזק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הרעב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.47.23 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same transaction: Joseph explicitly declares he has bought the people and the land for Pharaoh (same scene and legal action).
- Jer.32:6-9 (thematic): Jeremiah buys a field during the Babylonian siege — both passages depict land transactions carried out amid national crisis, contrasting private purchase as sign of hope with forced sales under famine/pressure.
- Lev.25:23 (allusion): Law that 'the land shall not be sold in perpetuity' presents a theological/legal counterpoint to Genesis 47, where land becomes the Pharaoh's — raises questions of ultimate land ownership and transfer of rights.
- 1 Sam.8:11-18 (thematic): Samuel’s warning that a king will take sons, daughters, and fields parallels the theme of royal expropriation and centralization of property and labor seen when Pharaoh acquires all the land.
- Isa.5:8 (thematic): Isaiah’s denunciation of those who 'add field to field' echoes the social critique of land consolidation and dispossession implicit in the sale of Egyptian lands to Pharaoh.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for the Egyptians sold, each his field, because the famine was severe upon them; and the land became Pharaoh's.
- And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for the Egyptians sold, each his field, because the famine was severe upon them; and the land became Pharaoh's.
Gen.47.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- העביר: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- לערים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- קצהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+suff:3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 47:23 (verbal): Immediate context: Joseph states he has bought the people and their land for Pharaoh, explaining and expanding the transfer of the populace into Pharaoh’s service.
- Genesis 41:41 (structural): Pharaoh sets Joseph over all the land of Egypt and its people; this earlier transfer of authority provides the administrative basis for relocating and placing people at the king’s disposal.
- Exodus 1:11 (thematic): Egyptian rulers set taskmasters over the people and put them to forced labor (building store-cities), paralleling the theme of a population pressed into service for the state.
- 1 Kings 5:13-16 (thematic): Solomon conscripts laborers and foreigners for large state building projects, reflecting a similar practice of mobilizing and assigning people to serve royal works and needs.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of the border of Egypt to the other end.
- And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of Egypt's border to the other end.
Gen.47.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רק: PRT
- אדמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכהנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מאת: PREP
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואכלו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- את: PRT,acc
- חקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss,3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- מכרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אדמתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 18:20–24 (verbal): Establishes that the priests/Levites are not to have a territorial inheritance among Israel but are to receive God’s provision (offerings/tithes) as their portion—language and concept parallel Genesis 47:22’s statement that the priests’ land was not sold because their portion came from the ruler (here Pharaoh).
- Ezekiel 44:28 (verbal): Explicitly states that priests ‘shall have no inheritance in Israel; I am their inheritance,’ echoing the idea in Genesis 47:22 that the priestly land is distinct because their provision (heritage) comes from a benefactor rather than normal land tenure.
- Joshua 21:1–8, 42–45 (thematic): Describes the allotment of towns and pasture to the Levites and the special settlement arrangement for priestly families—parallels Genesis 47:22’s concern with priestly landholding and the separate treatment of priestly property within the larger system of land distribution.
- Leviticus 25:32–34 (thematic): Regulates redemption and the status of houses in walled cities given to Levites (redeemed at jubilee), reflecting the distinct legal regime for Levitical/priests’ holdings and the limited alienability of their property, a theme reflected in Genesis 47:22’s exemption of priestly land from sale.
Alternative generated candidates
- Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for there was an allotment for the priests from Pharaoh, and they ate their allotment that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land.
- Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed portion from Pharaoh, and they ate their portion that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land.
Gen.47.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הן: PART
- קניתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- אדמתכם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,mp
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הא: PRON,3,f,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- זרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וזרעתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- האדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 47:19-22 (structural): Immediate context: the same narrative describes Joseph's purchase of the people's land for Pharaoh, the provision of seed, and the legal/economic measures that follow.
- Genesis 41:56-57 (thematic): Earlier episode of the famine and Joseph's sale of grain; shows how famine relief and grain sales created the dependency that led to land and people being transferred to Pharaoh.
- Psalm 105:16-22 (allusion): A poetic retelling of Joseph's rise and the famine relief measures; echoes themes of Joseph's appointment, management of provisions, and the people's reliance on his policies.
- Leviticus 25:23 (thematic): Law stating that the land ultimately belongs to God and must not be sold in perpetuity; provides a legal/theological contrast to the permanent transfer of Israelite land into Pharaoh's possession.
- Jeremiah 32:8-15 (thematic): Jeremiah's purchase of a field is a symbolic use of land-sale language; contrasts the prophetic/hopeful purchase with Genesis' account of land sold under famine and imperial control.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph said to the people, Look, I have bought you today and your land for Pharaoh; here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land.
- And Joseph said to the people, Behold, I have bought you today and your land for Pharaoh; here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land.
Gen.47.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בתבואת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,construct
- ונתתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- חמישית: NUM,f,sg,abs
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וארבע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- הידת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- לזרע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולאכלכם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בבתיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ולאכל: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- לטפכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 41:34–36 (structural): Joseph's plan to collect and store grain during seven years of plenty sets up the system of central control and distribution that leads to Pharaoh's taking a fifth during the famine.
- Genesis 47:20–26 (verbal): Immediate context: describes the sale of land and cattle to Pharaoh and records the law that instituted Pharaoh's fifth and the people's servitude—this verse is part of that enacted policy.
- 1 Samuel 8:11–18 (thematic): Samuel's warning about a king who will take fields, produce, and a tenth of flocks echoes the theme of royal appropriation and burdensome exactions of people’s property and labor.
- Leviticus 25:23–28 (allusion): The jubilee and land‑redemption laws, including the principle that land should not be permanently sold and can be redeemed, provide a legal/ideological contrast to the permanent transfer of Egyptian land to Pharaoh described in Genesis 47.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it shall be at the harvest that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts shall be yours—for seed of the field and for your food and for those in your houses and for food for your little ones.
- And it shall be at the harvest that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts shall be yours—for seed of the field and for your food and for those in your households and for food for your little ones.
Gen.47.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- החיתנו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- נמצא: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- והיינו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.47:23 (verbal): Joseph's declaration that he has 'bought' the people and their land for Pharaoh uses the same legal/purchase language that makes the people 'servants' to Pharaoh.
- Gen.47:20-21 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the famine forces Israelites to sell their fields and themselves, so the land and people become Pharaoh's — the broader scene of submission behind v.25.
- Exod.1:11-14 (thematic): Later Israelite experience of harsh forced labor under Egyptian taskmasters echoes the motif of the people becoming servants in Egypt introduced here.
- Lev.25:39-42 (thematic): Laws about an Israelite selling himself as a servant and his redemption recall the social-legal reality of persons selling themselves into servitude as in Gen 47:25.
- Deut.28:47-48 (thematic): The prophetic warning that disobedience will lead to servitude under a foreign lord echoes the theme of subjection to Pharaoh as a consequence of crisis.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they said, You have kept us alive; may we find favor in the eyes of my lord, and we will be servants to Pharaoh.
- And they said, You have kept us alive; may we find favor in the eyes of my lord, and we will be servants to Pharaoh.
Gen.47.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- על: PREP
- אדמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחמש: PREP+NUM,card,sg,m
- רק: PRT
- אדמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לבדם: ADV+PRON,3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.47:23-25 (structural): Immediate context: Joseph buys the people's land, establishes a statute that Pharaoh shall have a fifth of the produce and secures the land for Pharaoh while exempting the priests' land.
- Gen.41:41-44 (thematic): Background for Joseph's authority—Pharaoh elevates Joseph to rule Egypt, enabling him to impose economic measures and collect revenues on Pharaoh's behalf.
- Num.18:20-24 (allusion): Priestly inheritance law: Levites/priests are said to have no territorial inheritance among Israel and are supported by priestly dues—parallels the special status/exemption of priestly land from royal appropriation.
- 1 Sam.8:15-17 (thematic): Warning about royal exactions: the king will take sons, fields, and a portion (a tenth) of produce—comparable theme of sovereign seizure/levy (here 'the fifth') from the populace.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph made it a statute to this day concerning the land of Egypt: for Pharaoh, a fifth; only the land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh's.
- And Joseph made it a statute to this day concerning the land of Egypt: a fifth for Pharaoh; only the land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh's.
Gen.47.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- גשן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויאחזו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ויפרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- וירבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Genesis 47:11 (structural): Same narrative context — Joseph settles Jacob and his family in Egypt and grants them a possession, prefiguring their dwelling and taking possession of Goshen.
- Genesis 46:34 (verbal): Earlier instruction to Jacob's household to dwell specifically in the land of Goshen among the Egyptians; establishes the locale of Israel's settlement.
- Exodus 1:7 (verbal): Summarizes Israel’s prosperity in Egypt with similar language — they were fruitful, multiplied, and increased greatly, echoing Genesis 47:27.
- Psalm 105:23–24 (thematic): Retells Israel’s sojourn in Egypt and God’s blessing that they 'increased' there; a liturgical reflection on the same theme of settlement and fruitfulness.
- Acts 7:17–18 (quotation): Stephen’s retelling of Israel’s history in his speech cites their flourishing in Egypt (they increased greatly) as part of the early growth of the nation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they took possession of it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.
- And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen, and they took possession of it, and were fruitful and multiplied exceedingly.
Gen.47.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחי: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- חייו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וארבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- ומאת: NUM,m,sg,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.47.29 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: the narrative moves from Jacob's stated years to the approaching end of his life and preparations for his death.
- Gen.49:33 (structural): The account of Jacob's final words and death; parallels Gen 47:28's summary of his years by giving the narrative conclusion of his life.
- Gen.35:28-29 (verbal): Uses the same formulaic diction about a patriarch's lifespan ('And the days of Isaac were ... years'); provides a direct parallel in style and in reporting a patriarch's age at death (Isaac 180 years).
- Gen.25:7 (verbal): Another instance of the patriarchal lifespan formula (Abraham lived 175 years); parallels Gen 47:28 thematically in summarizing a patriarch's total years.
- Gen.25:26 (thematic): Reports Jacob's birth (along with Esau); thematically connected as the beginning point for the life whose span is summarized in Gen 47:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; and the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years.
- And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; and the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred and forty-seven years.
Gen.47.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לבנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליוסף: PREP+NOUN,prop,sg,m
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- נא: PART
- מצאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- שים: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- ידך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,f,sg
- תחת: PREP
- ירכי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1,m,sg
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עמדי: PREP+1cs
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- נא: PART
- תקברני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.24:2-9 (verbal): Same ritual phrase and action — the placing of a hand 'under the thigh' as the formal gesture of taking an oath (Abraham's servant swearing to find a wife for Isaac).
- Gen.50:24-25 (thematic): Joseph secures an oath concerning burial in the ancestral land (asking that his bones be carried out of Egypt), echoing Jacob's request not to be buried in Egypt.
- Gen.49:29-32 (thematic): Jacob's explicit instructions about burial in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan reinforce the same concern in 47:29 to avoid burial in Egypt and be laid with the patriarchs.
- Gen.25:8-11 (thematic): Accounts of Abraham's death and burial in the cave of Machpelah by his sons provide a model for patriarchal burial in the promised land, which Jacob invokes here.
- Gen.50:4-13 (structural): Narrative fulfillment: after Jacob's death Joseph obtains Pharaoh's permission to embalm and transport Jacob's body to Canaan for burial — the immediate narrative resolution of Jacob's request in 47:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the days of Israel drew near to die, and he called his son, Joseph, and said to him, If now I have found favor in your eyes, put, please, your hand under my thigh, and deal with me in steadfast kindness and faithfulness; do not bury me in Egypt.
- And the days of Israel drew near to die, and he called his son Joseph and said to him, If now I have found favor in your eyes, please put your hand under my thigh and deal with me in steadfast love and faithfulness; do not, please, bury me in Egypt.
Gen.47.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושכבתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- אבתי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- ונשאתני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וקברתני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בקברתם: PREP
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- כדברך: PREP+NOUN+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 50:24-26 (structural): Joseph's own deathbed request that his bones be carried out of Egypt and buried in Canaan echoes and completes Jacob's request here, creating a narrative bookend.
- Exodus 13:19 (allusion): Moses later carries Joseph's bones out of Egypt when the Israelites depart, directly fulfilling Jacob's plea that he not be buried in Egypt.
- Genesis 49:29-33 (thematic): Jacob's instruction to be buried 'with his fathers' in the ancestral burial place (the cave of Machpelah) parallels the same desire expressed in 47:30.
- Genesis 23:17-19 (thematic): Abraham's purchase and use of the cave of Machpelah as a family burial site (Sarah's burial) provides the precedent and context for patriarchal requests to be buried with the ancestors.
Alternative generated candidates
- But when I lie with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place. And he said, I will do according to your word.
- And I will lie with my fathers, and you shall carry me up from Egypt and bury me in their burial place. And he said, I will do according to your word.
Gen.47.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- השבעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- וישבע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המטה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.47.29 (verbal): Immediate context — Jacob tells Joseph he will die and requests not to be buried in Egypt, prompting the oath and Jacob's final posture on the bed.
- Gen.49:29-33 (thematic): Jacob's explicit burial instructions to be buried in the cave of Machpelah and the account of his death and burial preparations parallel the concern for burial expressed in 47:31.
- Gen.50:5 (verbal): After Jacob's death, Joseph makes his brothers swear to carry his father's bones out of Egypt — a reciprocal oath regarding burial in the land of Canaan, echoing Jacob's demand for an oath.
- Exod.13:19 (structural): Moses carries Joseph's bones out of Egypt in fulfillment of the oath made to Jacob/Joseph, showing the concrete outcome of the burial promises referred to in 47:31.
- Josh.24:32 (structural): The eventual burial of Joseph's bones at Shechem demonstrates the long-term fulfillment of the oath and burial wishes that Jacob secured in Genesis 47:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, Swear to me; and he swore to him. And Israel bowed himself at the head of the bed.
- And he said, Swear to me; and he swore to him. And Israel bowed himself upon the head of the bed.
And there was no bread in all the land, for the famine was very severe, and the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. And Joseph collected all the silver that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain that they were buying; and Joseph brought the silver to the house of Pharaoh. And the silver was spent from the land of Egypt and from the land of Canaan, and all Egypt came to Joseph and said, Give us bread; and why should we die before your eyes? for there is no silver. And Joseph said, Bring your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if there is no silver. And they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, for the flocks, for the herds, and for the donkeys; and he sustained them with bread in exchange for all their livestock in that year. And that year ended, and they came to him in the second year and said to him, We will not hide from my lord that the silver is spent, and the herds of livestock belong to my lord; there remains before my lord nothing but our bodies and our land.
Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be slaves to Pharaoh; and give seed, that we may live and not die, and that the land be not desolate. And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for the Egyptians sold, each his field, because the famine was severe upon them; and the land became Pharaoh’s. And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of Egypt’s border to the other.
Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a statute from Pharaoh, and they ate their fixed portion that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land. And Joseph said to the people, Look, I have bought you today, and your land, for Pharaoh; here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And it shall be at the harvests that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh; and four parts shall be yours—for seed for the field, and for your food, and for those who are in your houses, and as food for your little ones. And they said, You have kept us alive; may we find favor in the eyes of my lord, and we will be slaves to Pharaoh. And Joseph made it a statute to this day concerning the land of Egypt—for Pharaoh, a fifth; only the land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh’s. And Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen, and they took hold of it, and were fruitful and multiplied exceedingly. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; and the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. And the days of Israel drew near to die, and he called his son Joseph and said to him, If now I have found favor in your eyes, put, please, your hand under my thigh, and deal with me in steadfast love and faithfulness; do not, please, bury me in Egypt. And I will lie with my fathers, and you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place. And he said, I will do according to your word. And he said, Swear to me. And he swore to him. And Israel bowed himself upon the head of the bed.