Genesis Chapter 41

Commentary

The Dreams of Pharaoh

1And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. 2And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. 3And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. 4And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. 5And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. 6And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. 7And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. 8And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

9Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: 10Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker: 11And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. 12And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. 13And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams

14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. 15And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. 16And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. 17And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: 18And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow: 19And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness: 20And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: 21And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke. 22And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: 23And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: 24And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.

25And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. 26The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. 27And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. 28This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. 29Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: 30And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; 31And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. 32And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. 33Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. 35And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. 36And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

Joseph Given Charge of Egypt

37And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

38And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? 39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 41And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 42And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 44And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. 45And 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.

The Seven Years of Plenty

46And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. 48And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. 49And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

The Sons of Joseph

50And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. 51And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. 52And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

The Famine Begins

53And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. 54And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. 56And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. 57And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

The Dreams of Pharaoh

1 It happened at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and behold, he stood by the river. 2 Behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. 3 Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river. 4 The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke. 5 He slept and dreamed a second time: and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good. 6 Behold, seven heads of grain, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 8 It happened in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all of Egypt’s magicians and wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh.

9 Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults today. 10 Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief baker. 11 We dreamed a dream in one night, I and he. We dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. 12 There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. To each man according to his dream he interpreted. 13 It happened, as he interpreted to us, so it was: he restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams

14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh. 15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” 16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” 17 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, “In my dream, behold, I stood on the brink of the river: 18 and behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, fat and sleek. They fed in the marsh grass, 19 and behold, seven other cattle came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ugliness. 20 The thin and ugly cattle ate up the first seven fat cattle, 21 and when they had eaten them up, it couldn’t be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the beginning. So I awoke. 22 I saw in my dream, and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, full and good: 23 and behold, seven heads of grain, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads of grain. I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”

25 Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dream of Pharaoh is one. What God is about to do he has declared to Pharaoh. 26 The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one. 27 The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted with the east wind; they will be seven years of famine. 28 That is the thing which I spoke to Pharaoh. What God is about to do he has shown to Pharaoh. 29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt. 30 There will arise after them seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land, 31 and the plenty will not be known in the land by reason of that famine which follows; for it will be very grievous. 32 The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. 33 “Now therefore let Pharaoh look for a discreet and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt’s produce in the seven plenteous years. 35 Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 The food will be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; that the land not perish through the famine.”

Joseph Given Charge of Egypt

37 The thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

38 Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” 39 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because God has shown you all of this, there is none so discreet and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and according to your word will all my people be ruled. Only in the throne I will be greater than you.” 41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck, 43 and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without you shall no man lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

The Seven Years of Plenty

46 Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 In the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly. 48 He gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was around every city, he laid up in the same. 49 Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped counting, for it was without number.

50 To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.” 52 The name of the second, he called Ephraim: “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

The Famine Begins

53 The seven years of plenty, that were in the land of Egypt, came to an end. 54 The seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.” 56 The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Joseph opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 All countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

The Dreams of Pharaoh

1 After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, 2 when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. 3 After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river. 4 And the cows that were sickly and thin devoured the seven sleek, well-fed cows.

Then Pharaoh woke up, 5 but he fell back asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk. 6 After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind. 7 And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream.

8 In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.

9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures. 10 Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. 11 One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. 12 Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually. 13 And it happened to us just as he had interpreted: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.”

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams

14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.

15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

16 “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18 when seven cows, well-fed and sleek, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. 19 After them, seven other cows—sickly, ugly, and thin—came up. I have never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt! 20 Then the thin, ugly cows devoured the seven well-fed cows that were there first. 21 When they had devoured them, however, no one could tell that they had done so; their appearance was as ugly as it had been before. Then I awoke.

22 In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, growing on a single stalk. 23 After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind. 24 And the thin heads of grain swallowed the seven plump ones.

I told this dream to the magicians, but no one could explain it to me.”

25 At this, Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. 26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. 27 Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine.

28 It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. 29 Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, 30 but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land. 31 The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe.

32 Moreover, because the dream was given to Pharaoh in two versions, the matter has been decreed by God, and He will carry it out shortly.

33 Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest a of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. 35 Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. 36 This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.”

Joseph Given Charge of Egypt

37 This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God b abides?”

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”

41 Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” c So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.

44 And Pharaoh declared to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your permission, no one in all the land of Egypt shall lift his hand or foot.”

45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, d and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, e to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt.

The Seven Years of Plenty

46 Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.

47 During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully. 48 During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he laid up the food from the fields around it. 49 So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure.

50 Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, f saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.” 52 And the second son he named Ephraim, g saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

The Famine Begins

53 When the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54 the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt. 55 When extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.”

56 When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.

 

Footnotes:

34 a See LXX; MT a fifth from the land
38 b Or the spirit of the gods
43 c That is, “Abrek,”  probably an Egyptian word that sounds similar to the Hebrew for kneel
45 d Zaphenath-paneah  probably means Revealer of Mysteries  or God speaks and lives .
45 e That is, Heliopolis, as in LXX; also in verse 50
51 f Manasseh  sounds like the Hebrew for making to forget .
52 g Ephraim  sounds like the Hebrew for making fruitful  or twice fruitful .

The Dreams of Pharaoh

1And it cometh to pass, at the end of two years of days that Pharaoh is dreaming, and lo, he is standing by the River, 2and lo, from the River coming up are seven kine, of fair appearance, and fat in flesh, and they feed among the reeds; 3and lo, seven other kine are coming up after them out of the River, of bad appearance, and lean in flesh, and they stand near the kine on the edge of the River, 4and the kine of bad appearance and lean in flesh eat up the seven kine of fair appearance, and fat -- and Pharaoh awaketh. 5And he sleepeth, and dreameth a second time, and lo, seven ears are coming up on one stalk, fat and good, 6and lo, seven ears, thin, and blasted with an east wind, are springing up after them; 7and the thin ears swallow the seven fat and full ears -- and Pharaoh awaketh, and lo, a dream. 8And it cometh to pass in the morning, that his spirit is moved, and he sendeth and calleth all the scribes of Egypt, and all its wise men, and Pharaoh recounteth to them his dream, and there is no interpreter of them to Pharaoh.

9And the chief of the butlers speaketh with Pharaoh, saying, 'My sin I mention this day: 10Pharaoh hath been wroth against his servants, and giveth me into charge in the house of the chief of the executioners, me and the chief of the bakers; 11and we dream a dream in one night, I and he, each according to the interpretation of his dream we have dreamed. 12And there is with us a youth, a Hebrew, servant to the chief of the executioners, and we recount to him, and he interpreteth to us our dreams, to each according to his dream hath he interpreted, 13and it cometh to pass, as he hath interpreted to us so it hath been, me he put back on my station, and him he hanged.'

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams

14And Pharaoh sendeth and calleth Joseph, and they cause him to run out of the pit, and he shaveth, and changeth his garments, and cometh in unto Pharaoh. 15And Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'A dream I have dreamed, and there is no interpreter of it, and I -- I have heard concerning thee, saying, Thou understandest a dream to interpret it,' 16and Joseph answereth Pharaoh, saying, 'Without me -- God doth answer Pharaoh with peace.' 17And Pharaoh speaketh unto Joseph: 'In my dream, lo, I am standing by the edge of the River, 18and lo, out of the River coming up are seven kine, fat in flesh, and of fair form, and they feed among the reeds; 19and lo, seven other kine are coming up after them, thin, and of very bad form, and lean in flesh; I have not seen like these in all the land of Egypt for badness. 20'And the lean and the bad kine eat up the first seven fat kine, 21and they come in unto their midst, and it hath not been known that they have come in unto their midst, and their appearance is bad as at the commencement; and I awake. 22'And I see in my dream, and lo, seven ears are coming up on one stalk, full and good; 23and lo, seven ears, withered, thin, blasted with an east wind, are springing up after them; 24and the thin ears swallow the seven good ears; and I tell unto the scribes, and there is none declaring to me.'

25And Joseph saith unto Pharaoh, 'The dream of Pharaoh is one: that which God is doing he hath declared to Pharaoh; 26the seven good kine are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years, the dream is one; 27and the seven thin and bad kine which are coming up after them are seven years, and the seven empty ears, blasted with an east wind, are seven years of famine; 28this is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: That which God is doing, he hath shewn Pharaoh. 29'Lo, seven years are coming of great abundance in all the land of Egypt, 30and seven years of famine have arisen after them, and all the plenty is forgotten in the land of Egypt, and the famine hath finished the land, 31and the plenty is not known in the land because of that famine afterwards, for it is very grievous. 32'And because of the repeating of the dream unto Pharaoh twice, surely the thing is established by God, and God is hastening to do it. 33'And now, let Pharaoh provide a man, intelligent and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt; 34let Pharaoh make and appoint overseers over the land, and receive a fifth of the land of Egypt in the seven years of plenty, 35and they gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and heap up corn under the hand of Pharaoh -- food in the cities; and they have kept it, 36and the food hath been for a store for the land, for the seven years of famine which are in the land of Egypt; and the land is cut off by the famine.'

Joseph Given Charge of Egypt

37And the thing is good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants,

38and Pharaoh saith unto his servants, 'Do we find like this, a man in whom the spirit of God is?' 39and Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'After God's causing thee to know all this, there is none intelligent and wise as thou; 40thou -- thou art over my house, and at thy mouth do all my people kiss; only in the throne I am greater than thou.' 41And Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'See, I have put thee over all the land of Egypt.' 42And Pharaoh turneth aside his seal-ring from off his hand, and putteth it on the hand of Joseph, and clotheth him with garments of fine linen, and placeth a chain of gold on his neck, 43and causeth him to ride in the second chariot which he hath, and they proclaim before him, 'Bow the knee!' and -- to put him over all the land of Egypt. 44And Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'I am Pharaoh, and without thee a man doth not lift up his hand and his foot in all the land of Egypt;' 45and Pharaoh calleth Joseph's name Zaphnath-Paaneah, and he giveth to him Asenath daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, for a wife, and Joseph goeth out over the land of Egypt.

The Seven Years of Plenty

46And Joseph is a son of thirty years in his standing before Pharaoh king of Egypt, and Joseph goeth out from the presence of Pharaoh, and passeth over through all the land of Egypt; 47and the land maketh in the seven years of plenty by handfuls. 48And he gathereth all the food of the seven years which have been in the land of Egypt, and putteth food in the cities; the food of the field which is round about each city hath he put in its midst; 49and Joseph gathereth corn as sand of the sea, multiplying exceedingly, until that he hath ceased to number, for there is no number.

The Sons of Joseph

50And to Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine cometh, whom Asenath daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, hath borne to him, 51and Joseph calleth the name of the first-born Manasseh: 'for, God hath made me to forget all my labour, and all the house of my father;' 52and the name of the second he hath called Ephraim: 'for, God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of mine affliction.'

The Famine Begins

53And the seven years of plenty are completed which have been in the land of Egypt, 54and the seven years of famine begin to come, as Joseph said, and famine is in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt hath been bread; 55and all the land of Egypt is famished, and the people crieth unto Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh saith to all the Egyptians, 'Go unto Joseph; that which he saith to you -- do.' 56And the famine has been over all the face of the land, and Joseph openeth all places which have corn in them, and selleth to the Egyptians; and the famine is severe in the land of Egypt, 57and all the earth hath come to Egypt, to buy, unto Joseph, for the famine was severe in all the earth.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Genesis 41?
2Introduction to Genesis 41
3Context of Genesis 41
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Genesis 41 Unique Insights
7Genesis 41 Connections to Yeshua
8Genesis 41 Scriptural Echoes
9Genesis 41 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Genesis 41?

Introduction to Genesis 41

Genesis 41 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph’s life and God’s sovereign plan for His people Israel. This chapter dramatically illustrates how יהוה (Yahweh) can suddenly elevate someone from the depths of suffering to the heights of authority, demonstrating His perfect timing and omniscient wisdom. The narrative showcases how God uses dreams, wisdom, and providence to position Joseph as Egypt’s second-in-command, setting the stage for the preservation of both Egypt and his own family during a devastating famine.

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In this remarkable chapter, we witness the transformation of a Hebrew prisoner into Zaphenath-paneah, the Egyptian vizier who would save countless lives through divinely-given wisdom and administrative skill. The story serves as a powerful testament to how God can use seasons of preparation and suffering to cultivate the character and competencies needed for His greater purposes.

Context of Genesis 41

Within the immediate context of Genesis, chapter 41 serves as the culmination of Joseph’s personal trials and the beginning of his public ministry. This pivotal chapter bridges the gap between Joseph’s imprisonment in chapter 40 and the eventual reunion with his family that begins in chapter 42. It represents the fulfillment of Joseph’s earlier dreams from Genesis 37:5-11, though in a way neither he nor his family could have anticipated.

In the broader biblical narrative, Genesis 41 demonstrates how God sovereignly works to preserve His covenant people through whom the Messiah would eventually come. The chapter’s events set up the migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt, fulfilling God’s prophecy to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14 about his descendants becoming strangers in a foreign land. This divine orchestration shows how יהוה (Yahweh) uses seemingly unrelated events – dreams, famines, and political appointments – to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

The chapter also serves as a prototype for how God would later use other Jewish leaders in gentile courts, such as Daniel, Mordecai, and Nehemiah, to preserve and prosper His people in exile. This recurring pattern throughout Scripture demonstrates God’s sovereignty over nations and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • Dreams (חֲלוֹם, chalom): The Hebrew word appears multiple times in this chapter, carrying the connotation of divine communication. Unlike regular dreams (הרהורים, hirhurim), chalom specifically indicates prophetic dreams sent by God. The root connects to being made healthy or whole (חלם), suggesting these dreams were meant to bring wholeness to Egypt through divine warning and wisdom.
  • Wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah): Used to describe Joseph’s divine insight, this term goes beyond mere intelligence to encompass practical skill, moral insight, and spiritual discernment. The Egyptian counselors had knowledge (דַעַת, da’at) but lacked true wisdom that comes from God.
  • Spirit (רוּחַ, ruach): When Pharaoh recognizes the “Spirit of God” in Joseph, he uses this Hebrew term which encompasses both divine presence and empowerment. This marks one of the earliest explicit references to the Spirit’s role in enabling leadership and wisdom.
  • Overseer (פָּקִיד, paqid): The term used for Joseph’s appointed position carries administrative and supervisory connotations, derived from a root meaning “to visit” or “to attend to.” It implies both authority and responsibility for care.
  • Abundance (שָׂבָע, sava): This word appears repeatedly in describing the seven good years, carrying connotations of both quantity and satisfaction. It’s contrasted with רָעָב (ra’av, famine), creating a theological picture of God’s provision versus deprivation.
  • Discerning (נָבוֹן, navon): Used to describe Joseph’s character, this term comes from the root בִּין (bin), meaning to understand or discern. It implies both intellectual comprehension and practical wisdom in application.
  • Preserved Life (חָיָה, chayah): The verb used when Joseph preserves life through his administration carries messianic overtones, foreshadowing how the Messiah would ultimately preserve life through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
  • Forgot (שָׁכַח, shakach): Used to describe how the cupbearer forgot Joseph, this word carries connotations of willful neglect rather than mere memory failure. It’s contrasted with God’s faithful remembrance of His covenant people.
  • Revealed (גָּלָה, galah): The term used for God’s revelation of the dreams’ meaning suggests uncovering or removing a veil, pointing to divine disclosure of previously hidden truth.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1’s opening “At the end of two full years” (מִקֵּץ שְׁנָתַיִם יָמִים) uses precise temporal language rather than the more common “after these things” (אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה). This specificity emphasizes God’s precise timing and the completion of Joseph’s preparation period.
  • In verse 8, the phrase “troubled spirit” (וַתִּפָּעֶם רוּחוֹ) is used instead of the more common “afraid” (ירא), suggesting a deeper spiritual disturbance rather than mere fear. This choice highlights the supernatural nature of the dreams.
  • Verse 16’s “It is not in me” (בִּלְעָדָי) literally means “apart from me,” emphasizing Joseph’s complete dependence on God rather than merely expressing humility. This construction powerfully contrasts with Egyptian beliefs in human divinity.
  • The description of Joseph as “discerning and wise” (נָבוֹן וְחָכָם) in verse 33 uses two distinct terms for wisdom rather than a simple repetition, emphasizing both practical and spiritual aspects of divine wisdom.
  • Verse 38’s “Spirit of God” (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים) uses the plural form of God (Elohim) rather than a singular deity reference, subtly suggesting divine fullness even in a pagan context.
  • The name given to Joseph, “Zaphenath-paneah” (צָפְנַת פַּעְנֵחַ), is carefully chosen to reflect both Egyptian and Hebrew meanings, possibly meaning both “revealer of secrets” in Hebrew and “God speaks and lives” in Egyptian.
  • Verse 51’s explanation of Manasseh’s name uses wordplay connecting “forget” (נַשַּׁנִי) with “toil” (עֲמָלִי), suggesting divine transformation of suffering rather than mere forgetfulness.
  • The repeated use of “gather” (צָבַר) rather than “store” (אָצַר) in verses about food collection emphasizes active administration rather than passive accumulation.
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Genesis 41 Unique Insights

The number symbolism in this chapter carries profound significance in both Jewish and Egyptian contexts. The doubling of Pharaoh’s dream echoes the double dreams of Joseph in Genesis 37, creating a literary framework that emphasizes divine certainty. In Hebrew numerology, the number two (שְׁנַיִם, shnayim) represents confirmation, while seven (שֶׁבַע, sheva) symbolizes completeness. The fourteen years (seven good, seven bad) thus represent a complete divine cycle of preparation and fulfillment.

Rabbinic tradition, particularly in Midrash Rabbah, notes that Joseph’s elevation occurred on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This timing is seen as significant, as Rosh Hashanah is traditionally associated with God’s sovereignty over nations and judgment regarding provision. The early church father Origen saw in Joseph’s elevation a type of the Messiah’s exaltation after suffering, noting how both Joseph and Jesus were rejected by their brothers before being recognized as saviors.

The Egyptian setting provides fascinating historical context. The title “Zaphenath-paneah” given to Joseph may reflect the Egyptian phrase “Djed-pa-nuter-ef-ankh,” meaning “the god speaks and he lives.” This Egyptian name, combined with Joseph’s marriage to Asenath, daughter of a priest of On (Heliopolis), shows how God can work through cultural assimilation while maintaining spiritual integrity. Archaeological evidence from the Middle Kingdom period confirms administrative practices similar to those implemented by Joseph, including grain storage systems and census-taking.

The chapter also contains subtle allusions to Egyptian mythology that would have resonated with its original audience. The Nile River, central to Pharaoh’s dream, was worshipped as the god Hapi, yet here it serves merely as a channel for the true God’s revelation. The fat and lean cows may reference Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of fertility, showing how יהוה (Yahweh) exercises authority over what Egyptians considered divine.

Genesis 41 Connections to Yeshua

Joseph’s exaltation from prisoner to prince powerfully foreshadows the Messiah’s journey from suffering servant to exalted King. Just as Joseph was lifted from the pit (בּוֹר, bor) to the palace, Yeshua descended to the depths before His glorious ascension. The parallels are striking: both were rejected by their brothers, suffered unjustly, and were eventually elevated to positions of authority for the salvation of many.

The wisdom demonstrated by Joseph prefigures the Messiah’s role as the embodiment of divine wisdom. Just as Joseph interpreted dreams through God’s Spirit, Yeshua would later declare, “Something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42), offering divine wisdom that surpasses human understanding. Joseph’s administration of Egypt’s resources foreshadows Christ’s role as the bread of life (John 6:35), providing spiritual sustenance to a dying world.

Furthermore, Joseph’s Gentile bride, Asenath, anticipates the Messiah’s love for His bride, the Church, which includes both Jews and Gentiles. The names of Joseph’s sons, Manasseh (“causing to forget”) and Ephraim (“fruitful”), prophetically point to how the Messiah would cause us to forget our former troubles and make us fruitful in His kingdom.

Genesis 41 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter’s themes resonate throughout Scripture in remarkable ways. The motif of divine dreams appears again in Daniel, where another Hebrew exile interprets dreams for a gentile king (Daniel 2). The pattern of suffering before exaltation echoes through David’s life and finds ultimate expression in the Messiah’s path to glory (Philippians 2:5-11).

Joseph’s wisdom in administration parallels Solomon’s later prayer for wisdom to govern God’s people (1 Kings 3:9). His preservation of life during famine foreshadows Elijah’s provision during drought (1 Kings 17) and ultimately points to Christ’s provision of living bread (John 6:51).

The theme of God using foreign powers for His purposes recurs in Cyrus’s decree (Ezra 1), Esther’s position in Persia, and Daniel’s influence in Babylon. Each instance demonstrates God’s sovereignty over nations and His faithful care for His people.

Genesis 41 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to trust God’s timing even in seasons of apparent forgetfulness or delay. Joseph waited two full years after interpreting the cupbearer’s dream, yet God was preparing both him and the circumstances for a greater purpose. In our own lives, apparent setbacks may be divine setups for future blessing and ministry.

Joseph’s immediate deflection of credit for dream interpretation reminds us to maintain humility even when God grants us success. His response, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer,” models how we should point others to God rather than taking credit for His gifts.

The chapter also teaches us about stewardship and preparation. Joseph’s careful administration during the years of plenty ensured survival during the years of famine. This principle applies to our spiritual lives as well – we should store up God’s Word and wisdom during times of abundance to sustain us through periods of spiritual drought.

Did You Know

  • The ancient Egyptian title “Zaphenath-paneah” given to Joseph may have multiple meanings, including “the one who knows things” in Hebrew and “the god speaks and he lives” in Egyptian, reflecting his dual role in both cultures.
  • The marriage of Joseph to Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, connected him to one of Egypt’s most important religious centers. On (Heliopolis) was the center of Ra worship and Egyptian wisdom literature.
  • The seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine align with known Egyptian climate patterns influenced by Nile flood cycles. Ancient Egyptian records document several extended periods of famine.
  • Joseph’s age of 30 when entering Pharaoh’s service parallels David’s age when becoming king and the traditional age for priests beginning their ministry.
  • The Egyptian practice of storing grain in family tombs during their lifetime may explain why Joseph’s brothers later assumed they might be enslaved for finding money in their grain sacks – tomb robbery was a capital offense.
  • The ring given to Joseph by Pharaoh was likely a signet ring (חוֹתָם, hotam) used for official documents, symbolizing delegated authority. Archaeological examples of such rings have been found from this period.
  • The fine linen (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) mentioned in Joseph’s investiture was the same material later used in the Tabernacle, suggesting both luxury and sacred significance.
  • The gold chain around Joseph’s neck was a specific Egyptian symbol of authority called the “Gold of Praise,” given to officials who had done great service to Pharaoh.
  • The practice of people crying “Abrek!” before Joseph may derive from an Egyptian word meaning “attention” or “make way,” though some scholars connect it to the Hebrew “to kneel.”
  • Joseph’s strategic grain storage system may have utilized the ancient Egyptian pits called “shuneh,” which archaeologists have discovered could preserve grain for years.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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