Genesis 47:24

24 That you may have corn. The fifth part you shall give to the king; the other four you shall have for seed, and for food for your families and children.

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 Except the land of the priests, which had been given them by the king: to whom also a certain allowance of food was given out of the public stores, and therefore they were not forced to sell their possessions.

23 Then Joseph said to the people: Behold, as you see, both you and your lands belong to Pharao; take seed and sow the fields,

24 That you may have corn. The fifth part you shall give to the king; the other four you shall have for seed, and for food for your families and children.

25 And they answered: our life is in thy hand; only let my lord look favourably upon us, and we will gladly serve the king.

26 From that time unto this day, in the whole land of Egypt, the fifth part is paid to the kings, and it is become as a law, except the land of the priests, which was free from this covenant.