Genesis 47:26Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn't become Pharaoh's.
The setting
Egypt, ~1700 BC. Administrative headquarters in Memphis or Avaris. Joseph, now vizier, establishes permanent taxation law after the seven-year famine. Modern-day Egypt.
The emotion here: recording administrative details with historical perspective
The original word
choq (חֹק) — statute, something engraved in stone, permanent law
Why it matters
Egyptian records show similar taxation systems existed for centuries after this period
Read with care
What most readers miss in Genesis 47:26
This law lasted for over 1,000 years - Moses wrote 'to this day' meaning it was still active
Common misconceptionPeople think this shows Joseph was greedy or power-hungry, but he actually protected people from starvation and established fair, sustainable taxation that preserved Egypt's economy for generations.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Genesis 47:26
Bible Genome reading
Genesis 47:26 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Genesis 47:26 comes from the book of Genesis, written during the Patriarchal period. These words are attributed to narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 25% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include law, permanence. Notable phrases: statute to this day; Pharaoh should have the fifth.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Genesis 47:26 mean to you, today?
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