Genesis 47:24It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones."
The setting
Egypt, ~1670 BC. Joseph explains the new economic system: 20% to Pharaoh, 80% for the people. This is remarkably generous compared to ancient taxation rates. Nile Delta region, Egypt.
The emotion here: careful calculation mixed with genuine concern for families
The original word
chomesh (חֹמֶשׁ) — a fifth part, the number five representing grace in Hebrew thought
Why it matters
Most ancient kingdoms taxed 50-60% of harvest; Joseph's 20% was revolutionary
Read with care
What most readers miss in Genesis 47:24
Joseph specifically mentions 'your little ones' — he's thinking about their children's survival
Common misconceptionThis seems like heavy taxation, but 20% was incredibly low for ancient times. Joseph was being generous, not greedy.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Genesis 47:24
Bible Genome reading
Genesis 47:24 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Genesis 47:24 comes from the book of Genesis, written during the Patriarchal period. These words are attributed to Joseph. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include taxation, provision. Notable phrases: give a fifth to Pharaoh; four parts will be your own. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Genesis 47:24 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "deciding"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.