Genesis 47:24

24 Then when you harvest it, one-fifth of your crop will belong to Pharaoh. You may keep the remaining four-fifths as seed for your fields and as food for you, your households, and your little ones.”

Genesis 47:24 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 47:24

And it shall come to pass, in the increase
When the land shall produce an increase, and it shall be gathered in:

that you shall give the fifth [part] unto Pharaoh;
a fifth part of the increase:

and four parts shall be your own;
for the following uses, one part

for seed of the field:
to sow again with for the next year: a second part

for your food;
for food for themselves: a third part

for them of your household;
their servants and maids: and the fourth part

for food for your little ones;
for their children, be they young or old; or however four parts of five he proposed they should have for their own use, and for the maintenance of their families, which was a kind and generous proposal, when all might have been demanded, and they and theirs treated as slaves.

Genesis 47:24 In-Context

22 The only land he did not buy was the land belonging to the priests. They received an allotment of food directly from Pharaoh, so they didn’t need to sell their land.

23 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.

24 Then when you harvest it, one-fifth of your crop will belong to Pharaoh. You may keep the remaining four-fifths as seed for your fields and as food for you, your households, and your little ones.”

25 “You have saved our lives!” they exclaimed. “May it please you, my lord, to let us be Pharaoh’s servants.”

26 Joseph then issued a decree still in effect in the land of Egypt, that Pharaoh should receive one-fifth of all the crops grown on his land. Only the land belonging to the priests was not given to Pharaoh.