Genesis 47:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The people surrendered themselves into servitude and relinquished their land to sustain their lives, as the famine was extreme. ‘And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh.’ The Egyptians were forced to yield their land due to the severe famine. This demonstrates the prudence and wisdom of Joseph: he did not abandon them to suffer from starvation but acquired the entire territory for Pharaoh along with the transformation of all the Egyptians.

Joseph had the ability to distribute Egypt's wealth and lavishly expend royal treasures; however, he chose not to be reckless with resources that belonged to others. Instead of giving away bread to the needy, he opted to sell it, recognizing that if he handed it out freely to a select few, the vast majority would be left in want. He favored a system that provided abundance for all, opening the granaries so everyone could purchase grain, thus encouraging the cultivation of the land rather than offering free bread. Someone who relies on what belongs to another overlooks their own responsibilities. Therefore, he first gathered all the money and then the remaining resources, ultimately granting the land rights to the king, not to dispossess the people but to bolster the community.

Joseph, sustained by bread, brought all of Egypt under the dominion of Pharaoh. Jesus, who draws strength from the words of eternal life, will bring everything into submission to His Father (1 Cor. 15:28).