share torah logo

Genesis 47:21 - Joseph relocates Egyptian populace

Genesis 47:21 - בראשית 47:21

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הָעָם הֶעֱבִיר אֹתוֹ לֶעָרִים מִקְצֵה גְבוּל־מִצְרַיִם וְעַד־קָצֵהוּ׃

English Translation

And as for the people, he removed them to the cities from one end of the borders of Miżrayim, to the other end.

Transliteration

Ve'et-ha'am he'evir oto le'arim mik'tzeh gvul-mitzrayim ve'ad-katzehu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶ֨ת־הָעָ֔ם הֶעֱבִ֥יר אֹת֖וֹ לֶעָרִ֑ים מִקְצֵ֥ה גְבוּל־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְעַד־קָצֵֽהוּ׃
וְאֶ֨ת־הָעָ֔ם הֶעֱבִ֥יר אֹת֖וֹ לֶעָרִ֑ים מִקְצֵ֥ה גְבוּל־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְעַד־קָצֵֽהוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 47:21) describes Yosef's actions during the years of famine in Mitzrayim, when he implemented a system to sustain the Egyptian population by relocating them to cities. The verse follows Pharaoh granting Yosef authority over all of Egypt (Bereshit 41:40-44).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Yosef moved the people from rural areas to cities for two primary reasons:

  • Administrative Efficiency: To better distribute food during the famine by centralizing the population near storehouses.
  • Pharaoh's Ownership: To reinforce that the people and land now belonged to Pharaoh, as they had sold themselves and their property in exchange for sustenance.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 4:1) discusses the ethical governance demonstrated by Yosef. His relocation policy ensured equitable food distribution, preventing hoarding and ensuring no region was neglected—a model of just leadership during crisis.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 90:5) elaborates that Yosef's actions fulfilled the prophecy given to Avraham at the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts, Bereshit 15:13), where Hashem foretold the Israelites' subjugation in a foreign land. By centralizing the population, Yosef inadvertently set the stage for Bnei Yisrael's later enslavement.

Ibn Ezra's Commentary

Ibn Ezra emphasizes the phrase "מִקְצֵה גְבוּל־מִצְרַיִם וְעַד־קָצֵהוּ" ("from one end of Egypt’s border to the other"), noting that Yosef's policy was comprehensive, leaving no region unaffected. This underscores his total control and the famine's severity, as even remote areas required intervention.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sotah 11a) links this verse to the later enslavement, teaching that Yosef's measures, though well-intentioned, began a process that led to oppression. This serves as a cautionary lesson about unintended consequences of centralized power, even when exercised benevolently.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 47:21 mean when it says Yosef moved the people to cities?
A: According to Rashi, this verse describes how Yosef (Joseph) resettled the Egyptian population during the famine. He moved them from rural areas into cities to better distribute the grain he had stored, ensuring everyone had equal access to food. This was part of his wise governance strategy.
Q: Why did Yosef relocate the Egyptians in Genesis 47:21?
A: The Ramban explains that Yosef moved the people to centralize food distribution during the severe famine. By bringing them to cities where grain stores were located, he could efficiently provide for everyone and prevent hoarding or unequal access to provisions, demonstrating his leadership wisdom.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in Genesis 47:21?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yosef's relocation of the people shows the importance of proactive leadership during crises. Just as Yosef took responsible action to care for all citizens during famine, we learn the value of foresight, organization, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources in difficult times.
Q: How does Genesis 47:21 show Yosef's wisdom?
A: As explained in Talmudic commentaries (Sotah 11b), this verse highlights Yosef's administrative wisdom. By moving people to cities, he could properly implement Pharaoh's policies, prevent chaos during famine, and fulfill his duty to sustain the nation - showing how Torah values apply even in governance.