Old Testament
Genesis 47:26
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Joseph established it as a statute throughout Egypt — still in effect to this day — that one-fifth of the harvest belongs to Pharaoh. Only the land belonging to the priests did not become Pharaoh's.
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And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh’s.
What Genesis 47:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph, who was appointed by Pharaoh to manage the food supply during a severe famine, establishes a law that requires the people of Egypt to give one-fifth of their harvest to Pharaoh. This law was meant to ensure that Pharaoh had enough resources to support the nation during the crisis. The only exception to this law was the land owned by the priests, which remained exempt from this taxation. This statute not only highlights Joseph's administrative skills but also reflects the power dynamics in ancient Egypt, where the Pharaoh held significant authority over the land and its resources. The fact that this law was still in effect at the time of writing indicates its long-lasting impact on Egyptian society and governance. It also emphasizes the importance of the priestly class, who were seen as vital to the spiritual and cultural life of the nation, thus preserving their land from taxation.
How to apply Genesis 47:26 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of fair governance and the need for leaders to make laws that benefit the community. It also reminds us to consider the needs of essential groups, like religious leaders, in our decision-making processes. We can apply this by advocating for fair policies in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: The Famine in Egypt (Genesis 47:13–26)
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Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Genesis 47:26
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 47:26 say about taxation in Egypt?
Genesis 47:26 states that Joseph established a law requiring the people of Egypt to give one-fifth of their harvest to Pharaoh. This law was implemented during a time of famine to ensure that Pharaoh had sufficient resources to support the nation. The only exception to this taxation was the land owned by the priests, which remained exempt.
Why was the land of the priests exempt from Pharaoh's tax?
The land of the priests was exempt from the tax imposed by Pharaoh as they played a crucial role in the spiritual and cultural life of ancient Egypt. This exemption reflects the importance of the priestly class and their contributions to society, indicating that even in times of crisis, the needs of essential groups were considered in governance.
How does Genesis 47:26 reflect Joseph's leadership skills?
Genesis 47:26 showcases Joseph's leadership by demonstrating his ability to implement effective policies during a crisis. By establishing a tax system that ensured Pharaoh's resources while exempting the priests, Joseph balanced the needs of the state with respect for religious authority, highlighting his strategic thinking and administrative capabilities.
What can we learn from Genesis 47:26 about governance?
Genesis 47:26 teaches us the importance of fair governance and the need for leaders to create laws that benefit the community. It emphasizes the significance of considering the needs of vital groups, such as religious leaders, in decision-making processes, encouraging us to advocate for fair policies in our own communities.
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