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The fat of the land

Genesis 45:18
And I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.
Read in Context

Modern Meaning

What Does “The fat of the land” Mean?

The best and richest of what is available.

Biblical Origin

Where Does This Phrase Come From?

When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, Pharaoh invited Jacob's family to Egypt with this promise of abundance. "Fat" in this context means the richest, most desirable portion — the cream of the crop.

The phrase appears in Genesis 45:18 in the King James Version of the Bible, first published in 1611.

Usage Today

How Is It Used Today?

Describes living luxuriously. "After the promotion, they're living off the fat of the land."

The KJV Verse

Genesis 45:18

And I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.

Read Genesis 45:18 with commentary →

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