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Genesis 47:20 - Yosef's famine land acquisition

Genesis 47:20 - בראשית 47:20

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקֶן יוֹסֵף אֶת־כָּל־אַדְמַת מִצְרַיִם לְפַרְעֹה כִּי־מָכְרוּ מִצְרַיִם אִישׁ שָׂדֵהוּ כִּי־חָזַק עֲלֵהֶם הָרָעָב וַתְּהִי הָאָרֶץ לְפַרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And Yosef bought all the land of Miżrayim for Par῾o; for Miżrayim sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Par῾o’s.

Transliteration

Vayikne Yosef et kol admot Mitzrayim l'Faroh ki machru Mitzrayim ish sadehu ki chazak alehem harav vatehi ha'aretz l'Faroh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּ֨קֶן יוֹסֵ֜ף אֶת־כׇּל־אַדְמַ֤ת מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ לְפַרְעֹ֔ה כִּֽי־מָכְר֤וּ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ אִ֣ישׁ שָׂדֵ֔הוּ כִּֽי־חָזַ֥ק עֲלֵהֶ֖ם הָרָעָ֑ב וַתְּהִ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ לְפַרְעֹֽה׃
וַיִּ֨קֶן יוֹסֵ֜ף אֶת־כׇּל־אַדְמַ֤ת מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ לְפַרְעֹ֔ה כִּֽי־מָכְר֤וּ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ אִ֣ישׁ שָׂדֵ֔הוּ כִּֽי־חָזַ֥ק עֲלֵהֶ֖ם הָרָעָ֑ב וַתְּהִ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ לְפַרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Purchase of Egyptian Land by Yosef

The verse describes how Yosef acquired all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh during the years of famine. According to Rashi (Bereishit 47:20), this was a gradual process—first, the Egyptians spent their money on grain, then they traded their livestock, and finally, they sold their land and themselves as servants to Pharaoh in exchange for sustenance. This demonstrates Yosef's wisdom in managing the crisis while strengthening Pharaoh's control.

Halachic and Ethical Considerations

The Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah 5:1) discusses the laws of acquisition and notes that a sale under duress (such as famine) is still legally binding, provided the seller receives compensation. Here, Yosef ensured the transactions were valid, as the Egyptians willingly traded their land for survival. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 90:6) praises Yosef for his fairness, as he did not exploit their desperation but provided grain in return.

Historical and National Implications

The Talmud (Pesachim 119a) comments on the long-term effects of this event, noting that Pharaoh's ownership of the land later justified the enslavement of Bnei Yisrael, as they were perceived as tenants on royal property. The Sforno (Bereishit 47:20) adds that this centralized control under Pharaoh set the stage for the eventual oppression, fulfilling the prophecy given to Avraham (Bereishit 15:13).

Lessons in Leadership

  • Resource Management: Yosef's strategy ensured survival without outright confiscation, maintaining social order (Malbim, Bereishit 47:20).
  • Moral Responsibility: Despite their future enslavement of Bnei Yisrael, Yosef treated the Egyptians justly, embodying the principle of tikkun olam (Kli Yakar, Bereishit 47:19).
  • Divine Plan: The events aligned with Hashem's decree, showing how human actions unfold within a broader providence (Ramban, Bereishit 47:18).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 119a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the ownership of land in Egypt and how it relates to the laws of Passover offerings.
📖 Bava Batra 122a
The verse is cited in a discussion about land acquisition and the legal implications of Joseph's actions in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef (Joseph) buy all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Yosef bought the land to provide food for the Egyptians during the severe famine. Since the people had no money left to buy food, they sold their land to Pharaoh in exchange for sustenance. This was part of Yosef's wise economic plan to manage the famine.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in this verse?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yosef's actions demonstrate the importance of foresight and responsible leadership. Yosef ensured the survival of Egypt by wisely managing resources during the famine. This teaches us the value of planning ahead and caring for others in times of crisis.
Q: How did the famine lead to Pharaoh owning all the land?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 39a) explains that the famine was so severe that the Egyptians had no choice but to sell their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food. Yosef, as Pharaoh's trusted advisor, implemented this system fairly, ensuring the people's survival while consolidating Pharaoh's ownership of the land.
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Yosef?
A: This verse highlights the fulfillment of Yosef's dreams (Genesis 37) where he rose to a position of power. As the Midrash notes, it shows how Hashem's plan unfolded, placing Yosef in a role where he could save both Egypt and his own family, setting the stage for the Jewish people's eventual settlement in Goshen.
Q: Does this verse have any relevance to Jewish law or ethics?
A: Yes, the Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah 5:1) derives principles of fair economic transactions from this episode. Yosef's dealings were conducted justly, teaching that even in difficult times, leaders must ensure fairness in trade and avoid exploitation, a key value in Jewish ethics.