Old Testament
Genesis 47:24
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Genesis 47:24, Joseph instructs the people of Egypt on how to manage their harvest during a time of famine.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"At harvest time, you must give one-fifth to Pharaoh. The remaining four-fifths will be yours — for planting your fields, for feeding yourselves and your households, and for feeding your children."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Genesis 47:24, Joseph instructs the people of Egypt on how to manage their harvest during a time of famine. He establishes a system where they must give one-fifth of their harvest to Pharaoh, which serves as a tax or tribute. The remaining four-fifths is theirs to keep, allowing them to sustain themselves, plant for future crops, and provide for their families, including their children. This arrangement ensures that the Pharaoh has resources to manage the crisis while also allowing the people to maintain their livelihoods. It reflects a balance between governance and personal sustenance, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the common good while also ensuring individual needs are met. This verse highlights the principles of stewardship and responsibility in times of scarcity, showing how a structured approach can help communities survive difficult periods.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 47:24 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of contributing to the greater good while also taking care of our own needs. In our lives, we can apply this by being generous with our resources, supporting our communities, and ensuring we also provide for our families.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 47:24 mean?
Genesis 47:24 explains Joseph's instructions to the Egyptians during a famine, requiring them to give one-fifth of their harvest to Pharaoh while keeping four-fifths for their own needs. This system ensures that the Pharaoh has resources to manage the crisis while allowing the people to sustain themselves and their families.
What is the significance of giving one-fifth to Pharaoh in Genesis 47:24?
Giving one-fifth to Pharaoh represents a form of tax or tribute during a time of scarcity, allowing the government to maintain stability and resources. It reflects a balance between supporting leadership and ensuring that individuals can provide for their own households.
How does Genesis 47:24 relate to stewardship?
Genesis 47:24 highlights stewardship by showing the importance of managing resources wisely during difficult times. The verse emphasizes the need to contribute to the common good while also ensuring personal and family sustenance.
What is the practical application of Genesis 47:24 today?
The practical application of Genesis 47:24 is about balancing personal needs with community support. It encourages generosity and responsible resource management, reminding us to contribute to our communities while also caring for our families.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.