← Back to Genesis

Genesis 47

31 verses

TL;DR

Joseph settles his family in Egypt, buying land and arranging a tribute system, while Jacob prepares to be buried outside Egypt.

Summary

Joseph receives permission to settle his family in Goshen and assigns them land in Egypt. He supplies them with food during the famine and amasses wealth, using it to buy all land from the Egyptians, except that of the priests. The Egyptians are relocated to cities throughout Egypt. Joseph institutes a system where a fifth of the harvest goes to Pharaoh. Israel prospers, multiplies, and remains in Goshen. Jacob lives seventeen more years, then instructs Joseph to bury him in Canaan. Joseph honors Jacob’s request, and the book closes with Jacob’s burial.

Outline
  1. Joseph settles family and buys land; implements tribute system.
  2. Egyptians relocated, priests exempt; Israel prospers.
  3. Jacob’s death and burial in Canaan.
Themes
Provision and stewardshipAuthority and tributePreparation for death and continuity
Keywords
faminetributeland purchaseIsrael in GoshenJacob’s burial
People
JosephPharaohJacobIsrael (Jacob's sons)priestsEgyptian people
Places
EgyptGoshenRamesesCanaan
Things
breadcattlelandmoneyseedfifth part (tribute)
Key Verses
  • Genesis 47:13: Shows the severity of the famine.
  • Genesis 47:20: Joseph’s acquisition of all Egyptian land.
  • Genesis 47:26: Establishment of the tribute system.
  • Genesis 47:29: Jacob’s burial instructions.
Questions
  • What responsibilities did Joseph have toward Pharaoh and his family?
  • How does the tribute system reflect Egypt’s governance?
  • Why was the priestly land exempt from sale?
  • What does Jacob’s burial wish reveal about his priorities?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter records administrative actions and a personal request, without strong emotional tone.