Definition: And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth [part] unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 47:24. It’s a pretty interesting piece about how people are treated in the beginning of human history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying that when people start to grow and accumulate land (or food), they must give a portion to Pharaoh – who was the ruler of Egypt at the time. Let’s unpack it further: “And it shall come to pass…” : This is a way of saying “this will happen” or “this will occur.” It's a prediction about what’s going to happen. “…in the increase…” : This refers to people growing in wealth, having more land, or producing more food. Think of it like a growing farm – things are expanding. “…that ye shall give the fifth [part] unto Pharaoh…” : This is the key part. God is instructing everyone to give one-fifth (or one-fortieth) of their harvest to Pharaoh. It’s a specific amount, and it's a requirement. “and four parts shall be your own…” : God also says that everyone gets four parts – meaning they get four times as much as the fifth part. This reflects that everyone needs to contribute to the overall prosperity of the community. “…for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.” : This explains why they need to give this portion. It’s all about survival and providing for their families. The “seed of the field” refers to crops, and "their little ones" – meaning their children. In a nutshell: God wants everyone to contribute a share of their harvest to Pharaoh as a way to ensure that the community has enough resources to survive and thrive. It's a foundation for a structured system of sharing and distribution. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story about the beginning of humanity and the beginnings of civilization. It’s a foundational principle in many religious traditions, emphasizing responsibility and fairness. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example: Would you like me to explain the context of the story it comes from? Are you curious about its significance within a specific religion (like Judaism or Christianity)?