Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version However, he did not buy the land of the priests, because they received a regular allotment from Pharaoh and had food enough from the allotment Pharaoh gave them. That is why they did not sell their land. New Living Translation The only land he did not buy was the land belonging to the priests. They received an allotment of food directly from Pharaoh, so they didn’t need to sell their land. English Standard Version Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land. Berean Standard Bible However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land, for it had been given to them by Pharaoh. They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; so they did not sell their land. Berean Literal Bible Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for a fixed portion belonged to the priests from Pharaoh, and they ate their fixed portion that Pharaoh gave to them. Upon thus they did not sell their land. King James Bible Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. New King James Version Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands. New American Standard Bible Only the land of the priests he did not buy, because the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh, and they lived off the allotment which Pharaoh gave them. Therefore, they did not sell their land. NASB 1995 Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh, and they lived off the allotment which Pharaoh gave them. Therefore, they did not sell their land. NASB 1977 Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh, and they lived off the allotment which Pharaoh gave them. Therefore, they did not sell their land. Legacy Standard Bible Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh, and they ate off the allotment which Pharaoh gave them. Therefore, they did not sell their land. Amplified Bible Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh, and they lived on the amount which Pharaoh gave them, so they did not sell their land. Berean Annotated Bible However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land, for it had been given to them by Pharaoh (great house). They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; so they did not sell their land. Christian Standard Bible The only land he did not acquire belonged to the priests, for they had an allowance from Pharaoh. They ate from their allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land. Holman Christian Standard Bible The only land he didn’t acquire was the priests’ portion, for it was given to them by Pharaoh. They lived off the rations Pharaoh had given them; therefore they did not sell their land. American Standard Version Only the land of the priests bought he not: for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them; wherefore they sold not their land. Contemporary English Version except the priests. The king gave the priests a regular food allowance, so they did not have to sell their land. English Revised Version Only the land of the priests bought he not: for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them; wherefore they sold not their land. GOD'S WORD® Translation But he didn't buy the priests' land because the priests received an income from Pharaoh, and they lived on that income. That's why they didn't sell their land. Good News Translation The only land he did not buy was the land that belonged to the priests. They did not have to sell their lands, because the king gave them an allowance to live on. International Standard Version However, he did not purchase land belonging to the priests, because the priests held an allotment, previously provided to them by Pharaoh, from which they lived. That's why they did not sell their land. NET Bible But he did not purchase the land of the priests because the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh and they ate from their allotment that Pharaoh gave them. That is why they did not sell their land. New Heart English Bible Only he did not buy the land of the priests, for the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh, and they lived off their allotment which Pharaoh gave them. Therefore they did not have to sell their land. Webster's Bible Translation Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them by Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHowever, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land, for it had been given to them by Pharaoh. They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; so they did not sell their land. World English Bible Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOnly the ground of the priests he has not bought, for the priests have a portion from Pharaoh, and they have eaten their portion which Pharaoh has given to them, therefore they have not sold their ground. Berean Literal Bible Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for a fixed portion belonged to the priests from Pharaoh, and they ate their fixed portion that Pharaoh gave to them. Upon thus they did not sell their land. Young's Literal Translation Only the ground of the priests he hath not bought, for the priests have a portion from Pharaoh, and they have eaten their portion which Pharaoh hath given to them, therefore they have not sold their ground. Smith's Literal Translation Only the land of the priests he bought not; for to the priests a portion from Pharaoh, and they ate their portion which Pharaoh gave to them; for this they sold not their lands. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleExcept the land of the priests, which had been given them by the king: to whom also a certain allowance of food was given out of the public stores, and therefore they were not forced to sell their possessions. Catholic Public Domain Version except the land of the priests, which had been delivered to them by the king. To these also a portion of food was supplied out of the public storehouses, and, for this reason, they were not compelled to sell their possessions. New American Bible Only the priests’ lands Joseph did not acquire. Since the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived off the allowance Pharaoh had granted them, they did not have to sell their land. New Revised Standard Version Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh, and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOnly the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had a grant from Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Only he did not buy the land of the Priests, because there was a standing covenant with the Priests from the presence of Pharaoh, and they were eating their portion that Pharaoh had given them; because of this they did not sell their land. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Only the land of the priests bought he not, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them; wherefore they sold not their land. Brenton Septuagint Translation except only the land of the priests; Joseph bought not this, for Pharao gave a portion in the way of gift to the priests; and they ate their portion which Pharao gave them; therefore they sold not their land. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joseph's Leadership During the Famine…21and Joseph reduced the people to servitude from one end of Egypt to the other. 22However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land, for it had been given to them by Pharaoh. They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; so they did not sell their land. 23Then Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh this day, here is seed for you to sow in the land.… Cross References However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land, Deuteronomy 18:1-2 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. Numbers 18:20 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. Joshua 13:33 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as He had promised them. for it had been given to them by Pharaoh. Genesis 45:18-20 Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’ / You are also directed to tell them: ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your young children and your wives, and bring your father and come back. / But pay no regard to your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’” 2 Chronicles 31:4-5 Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. / As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; Daniel 1:5 The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service. 2 Kings 25:30 And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life. 2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet. so they did not sell their land. Ezekiel 48:14 They must not sell or exchange any of it, and they must not transfer this best part of the land, for it is holy to the LORD. Leviticus 25:34 But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession. Numbers 36:7 No inheritance in Israel may be transferred from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. Exodus 1:11 So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. Exodus 12:32 Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” Leviticus 25:32-34 As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. / So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. / But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession. Deuteronomy 10:9 That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. Joshua 13:14 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The food offerings to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, just as He had promised them. Treasury of Scripture Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: why they sold not their lands. of the priests. Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. Genesis 41:45,50 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt… 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers. for the priests. Deuteronomy 12:19 Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth. Joshua 21:1-45 Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel; … Ezra 7:24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them. Jump to Previous Allotment Allowance Assigned Ate Bought Buy Eat Eaten Fixed Food Ground However Lands Need Pharaoh Portion Priests Received Regular Sell Sold WhereforeJump to Next Allotment Allowance Assigned Ate Bought Buy Eat Eaten Fixed Food Ground However Lands Need Pharaoh Portion Priests Received Regular Sell Sold WhereforeGenesis 47 1. Joseph presents his father, and five of his brothers before Pharaoh.11. He gives them habitation and maintenance. 13. He gets the Egyptian's money; 16. their cattle; 18. and their lands, except the priests', to Pharaoh. 23. He restores the land for a fifth. 28. Jacob's age. 29. He swears Joseph to bury him with his fathers. However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land In the context of Genesis 47, Joseph, acting on behalf of Pharaoh, acquired all the land in Egypt during a severe famine, except for the land belonging to the priests. This exemption highlights the special status of the priestly class in ancient Egypt, who were often supported by the state. This reflects a broader biblical theme where religious leaders are set apart, as seen in the Levitical priesthood in Israel (Numbers 18:20-24). The priests' exemption from land acquisition underscores their societal role and the respect afforded to religious duties. for it had been given to them by Pharaoh They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied so they did not sell their land Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe son of Jacob who rose to power in Egypt and managed the distribution of grain during the famine. 2. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt who appointed Joseph to oversee the land and resources during the famine. 3. Egyptian Priests Religious leaders in Egypt who were exempt from selling their land due to their special provision from Pharaoh. 4. Egypt The land where Joseph served and where the events of the famine and land acquisition took place. 5. Famine A severe shortage of food that affected Egypt and surrounding regions, leading to Joseph's strategic management of resources. Teaching Points Divine ProvisionGod ensures provision for those who serve Him, as seen in the special treatment of the Egyptian priests. Stewardship and Wisdom Joseph's management of resources during the famine demonstrates the importance of wise stewardship and planning. Respect for Religious Roles The exemption of the priests' land from acquisition shows a respect for religious roles and their societal importance. God's Sovereignty in Crisis Even in times of crisis, God orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Joseph's leadership during the famine. Cultural Context and God's Plan Understanding the cultural context of Egypt helps us see how God works within different systems to achieve His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 47:22?2. Why did priests not sell their land according to Genesis 47:22? 3. How does Genesis 47:22 reflect God's provision for spiritual leaders? 4. What other Scriptures show God's care for those serving Him? 5. How can we support spiritual leaders in our community today? 6. What lessons from Genesis 47:22 apply to stewardship of resources? 7. Why did the priests not sell their land in Genesis 47:22? 8. How does Genesis 47:22 reflect God's provision for religious leaders? 9. What historical evidence supports the land ownership of priests in Genesis 47:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 47? 11. Why is there no clear non-biblical documentation of both a severe seven-year famine and the Hebrews thriving in Egypt (Genesis 47)? 12. Exodus 2:2 - How could a newborn be successfully hidden for three months without detection by Pharaoh's forces? 13. Why does the historical record offer little to no evidence of a mass Egyptian servitude to Pharaoh as portrayed in Genesis 47:13-20? 14. What are the key events in the Book of Genesis? What Does Genesis 47:22 Mean Priests’ Land Unacquired“However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land …” (Genesis 47:22a) • Joseph purchased every other parcel in Egypt for Pharaoh during the famine (Genesis 47:20–21), yet the priests’ territory remained untouched. • This distinction underscores God’s orderly design for society: even in crisis, spiritual ministry remains protected. Compare Numbers 18:20–24, where the Levites are likewise exempt from holding agricultural land so they can focus on sacred duties. • By recording this exemption, the narrative affirms that those set apart for worship were shielded from economic upheaval, reflecting the priority given to spiritual service (cf. 1 Samuel 2:28). Pharaoh’s Provision to Priests “… for it had been given to them by Pharaoh.” (Genesis 47:22b) • Pharaoh himself had previously granted the priests an allotment, establishing a royal endowment for their livelihood (see Genesis 41:45, where Joseph marries into a priestly family, showing the office’s high esteem). • This royal generosity mirrors later biblical patterns in which governing authorities support God’s servants—e.g., Ezra 7:21–24, where Persian kings supply temple needs. • The arrangement demonstrates that civil leadership can recognize and uphold the sanctity of religious vocation without conflict (Romans 13:3–4 notes rulers as God’s ministers for good). Rations Sustain the Priests “They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; so they did not sell their land.” (Genesis 47:22c) • Because their daily sustenance was guaranteed, the priests never faced the desperation that drove other Egyptians to surrender property (Genesis 47:13–19). • This steady provision freed them to maintain worship practices on behalf of the nation, much like the later Levites who rely on tithes so they can “stand to minister” (Deuteronomy 18:5). • The text subtly points to God’s faithfulness in safeguarding worship even when the surrounding world is shaken (Psalm 37:18–19). summary Genesis 47:22 highlights God-ordained protection for those devoted to sacred service. While famine forced the rest of Egypt to relinquish land, the priests retained theirs because Pharaoh—God’s providential instrument—had already secured their allotment and daily rations. This preserved the nation’s spiritual life in crisis and models the biblical principle that material provision should free ministers to focus on worship and teaching. The verse therefore underscores both divine care for His servants and the enduring priority of true worship amid temporal upheaval. (22) The priests had a portion assigned to them of Pharaoh.--Herodotus (ii. 37) mentions that it was still the custom in Egypt for the priests to have a daily allowance of' cooked food. Very probably this usage began in Joseph's time; but it is not here ascribed to him, but to the king himself. Being thus supplied with food, they did not sell their lands; and with this, again, the Greek accounts tally, as they represent the king, the priests, and the warriors as the only landholders in Egypt. The last class, however, held their land from the king.Verse 22. - Only the land of the priests (so the LXX., Vulgate, and Chaldee render cohen, which, however, sometimes signifies a prince) bought he not; for the priests had a portion - not of land (Lange, Kalisch), but of food (Keil, Murphy) - assigned them of Pharaoh (not of Joseph, who must not, therefore, be charged with the sin of extending a State allowance to an idolatrous priesthood), and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands, - that is, in consequence of the State aliment which they enjoyed (during the period of the famine) they did not require to alienate their lands.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew However,רַ֛ק (raq) Adverb Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless he did not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no acquire קָנָ֑ה (qā·nāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own the priests’ portion הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest of the land, אַדְמַ֥ת (’aḏ·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 127: Ground, land for כִּי֩ (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction it had been given to them by Pharaoh. פַּרְעֹ֗ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings They lived off וְאָֽכְל֤וּ (wə·’ā·ḵə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 398: To eat the rations that חֹ֨ק (ḥōq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute Pharaoh פַּרְעֹ֔ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings supplied; נָתַ֤ן (nā·ṯan) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set so עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against they did not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no sell מָכְר֖וּ (mā·ḵə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4376: To sell their land. אַדְמָתָֽם׃ (’aḏ·mā·ṯām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 127: Ground, land Links Genesis 47:22 NIVGenesis 47:22 NLT Genesis 47:22 ESV Genesis 47:22 NASB Genesis 47:22 KJV Genesis 47:22 BibleApps.com Genesis 47:22 Biblia Paralela Genesis 47:22 Chinese Bible Genesis 47:22 French Bible Genesis 47:22 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 47:22 Only he didn't buy the land (Gen. 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