Genesis 41

Genesis 41 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#peopleofgod and /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#bless)

Interpretation of dreams

The interpretation of dreams was important in the ancient Near East. It was seen as possible only through divine power. Yahweh gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams in order to bring himself glory and to protect Joseph and the Hebrew people. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#glory)

Joseph's character

Genesis just recorded a period of time where Joseph's ancestors and brothers struggled with sin. Joseph's character in this chapter is upright. It gained him great favor in the eyes of Pharaoh and helped to save his people. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#sin l, /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#righteous and /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#save)

<< | >>

Genesis 41:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#writing-newevent)

at the end of two full years

Two years passed after Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, who had been in prison with Joseph.

Behold, he stood

The word "behold" here marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: "He was surprised because he was standing"

he stood

"Pharaoh was standing"

Genesis 41:2

desirable and fat

"healthy and fat"

grazed in the reeds

"were eating the grass along the side of the river"

reeds

tall, thin grasses that grow in wet areas

Genesis 41:3

Behold, seven other cows

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was again surprised by what he saw.

undesirable and thin

"sick and thin"

bank of the river

"beside the river" or "riverside." This is the higher ground along the edge of a river.

Genesis 41:4

undesirable and thin

"weak and skinny." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:3.

desirable and fat

"healthy and well-fed." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.

woke up

"awakened"

Genesis 41:5

a second time

The word "second" is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: "again" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-ordinal)

Behold, seven heads

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he saw.

heads of grain

The heads are parts of the corn plant on which the seeds grow.

came up on one stalk

"grew up on one stem." The stalk is the thick or tall part of a plant.

on one stalk, wholesome and good

"on one stock and they were healthy and beautiful"

Genesis 41:6

thin and scorched by the east wind

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that were thin and burned because of the hot wind from the east" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-activepassive)

the east wind

Wind from the east blew in from the desert. The heat of the east wind was often very destructive.

sprouted up

"grew up" or "developed"

Genesis 41:7

The thin heads

The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "The thin heads of grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)

swallowed up

"ate." Pharaoh is dreaming that unhealthy corn could eat healthy corn just like a person eats food.

wholesome and full heads

"healthy and good heads." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:5.

woke up

"awakened"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he had seen.

it was a dream

"he had been dreaming"

Genesis 41:8

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#writing-newevent)

his spirit was troubled

Here the word "spirit" refers to his inner being or his emotions. Alternate translation: "he was troubled in his inner being" or "he was troubled" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-synecdoche)

He sent and called

It is understood that he sent servants. Alternate translation: "He sent his servants to call" or "He sent his servants to summon" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)

all the magicians and wise men of Egypt

Ancient kings and rulers used magicians and wise men as advisers.

Genesis 41:9

chief cupbearer

The most important person who brings drinks to the king. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:2.

I have remembered my sins today

"I realize now that I have sinned." The phrase "my sins" is used for emphasis. His "sins" are that he should have told Pharaoh something much earlier but he did not.

Genesis 41:10

Pharaoh was angry

The cupbearer is referring to Pharaoh in third person. This is a common way for someone with less power to speak to someone with greater power. Alternate translation: "You, Pharaoh, were angry" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person)

with his servants

Here "his" refers to Pharaoh. Here "servants" refers to the cupbearer and the chief baker. Alternate translation: "with us, your servants" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person)

put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, the chief baker and me

"put the chief baker and me in the prison where the captain of the guard was in charge." Here "house" refers to the prison.

the captain of the guard

The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.

the chief baker

The most important person who made food for the king. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 40:2.

Genesis 41:11

We dreamed a dream the same night, he and I

"One night we both had dreams"

We dreamed

Here "We" refers to the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-exclusive)

We dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream

"Our dreams had different meanings"

Genesis 41:12

General Information:

The chief cupbearer continues to speak to Pharaoh.

There was with us there

"In prison there was with the chief baker and me"

the captain of the guard

The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.

We told him and he interpreted for us our dreams

"We told him our dreams and he explained their meanings to us"

He interpreted for each of us according to his dream

Here "his" refers to the cupbearer and baker individually, not to the one interpreting the dream. Alternate translation: "He explained what was going to happen to both of us" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person)

Genesis 41:13

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

as he interpreted for us, so it happened

"what he explained about the dreams is what later happened"

Pharaoh restored me to my post

Here the cupbearer uses Pharaoh's title in speaking to him as a way of honoring him. Alternate translation: "You allowed me to return to my job" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person)

the other one

"the chief baker"

he hanged

Here "he" refers to Pharaoh. And, it stands for the soldiers that Pharaoh commanded to hang the chief baker. Alternate translation: "you ordered your soldiers to hang" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

Genesis 41:14

Pharaoh sent and called for

It is understood that Pharaoh sent servants. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh sent his servants to get Joseph" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)

out of the dungeon

"out of the jail" or "out of the prison"

He shaved himself

It was common practice to shave both the facial and head hair when preparing to go before Pharaoh.

came in to Pharaoh

Here "came" can be stated as "went." Alternate translation: "went before Pharaoh" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-go)

Genesis 41:15

there is no interpreter for it

"no one can explain the meaning"

you can interpret it

"you can explain its meaning"

Genesis 41:16

It is not in me

"I am not the one who can explain the meaning"

God will answer Pharaoh with favor

"God will answer Pharaoh favorably"

Genesis 41:17

behold, I stood

Pharaoh uses the word "behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

bank of the Nile

This is the higher ground along the edge of the Nile River. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:3. Alternate translation: "beside the Nile"

Genesis 41:18

Behold, seven cows

Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

fat and desirable

"well-fed and healthy." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.

grazed among the reeds

"were eating the grass along the side of the river." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:2.

Genesis 41:19

Behold, seven other cows

Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

undesirable, and thin

"weak, and skinny." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:3.

such undesirableness

The abstract noun "undesirableness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "such ugly cows" or "such worthless looking cows" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-abstractnouns)

Genesis 41:20

fat cows

"well-fed cows." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.

Genesis 41:21

it could not be known that they had eaten them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one would have been able to tell that the thin cows had eaten the fat cows" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-activepassive)

Genesis 41:22

General Information:

Pharaoh continues telling Joseph his dreams.

I looked in my dream

This begins Pharaoh's next dream after he woke up and went back to sleep. Alternate translation: "Then I dreamed again" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)

behold, seven heads

Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

seven heads

The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "seven heads of grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)

came up upon one stalk

"grew up on one stem." The stalk is the thick or tall part of a plant. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:5.

Genesis 41:23

withered

dead and dried

sprang up

"grew up" or "developed"

Genesis 41:24

The thin heads

The words "of grain" are understood. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:7. Alternate translation: "The thin heads of grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)

swallowed up

"ate." Pharaoh is dreaming that unhealthy corn could eat healthy corn just like a person eats food. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:7.

there was none that could

"there was not a single one that could" or "none of them could"

Genesis 41:25

The dreams of Pharaoh are the same

It is implied that the meanings are the same. Alternate translation: "Both dreams mean the same thing" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)

What God is about to do, he has declared to Pharaoh

Joseph speaks to Pharaoh in the third person. This is a way of showing respect. It can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "God is showing you what he will soon do" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person)

Genesis 41:26

seven good heads

The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "seven good heads of grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)

Genesis 41:27

General Information:

Joseph continues his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams

thin and undesirable cows

"skinny and weak cows." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:3.

seven thin heads scorched by the east wind

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "seven thin heads of grain scorched because of the hot wind from the east" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-activepassive)

Genesis 41:28

That is the thing which I spoke to Pharaoh ... revealed to Pharaoh

Joseph speaks to Pharaoh in the third person. This is a way of showing respect. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "These events will happen just as I have told you ... revealed to you, Pharaoh" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person)

he has revealed

"he has made known"

Genesis 41:29

Look, seven

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: seven"

seven years of great abundance will come throughout all the land of Egypt

This speaks about the years of abundance as if time is something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "there will be seven years in which there will be plenty of food throughout the land of Egypt" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)

Genesis 41:30

General Information:

Joseph continues interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.

Seven years of famine will come after them

This speaks about the seven years of famine as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "Then there will be seven years when there is very little food" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)

all the abundance will be forgotten ... and the famine will devastate the land

Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)

all the abundance will be forgotten in the land of Egypt

Here "land" refers to the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people of Egypt will forget about the years in which there was plenty of food" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-activepassive)

will devastate the land

Here "land" refers to the soil, the people, and the entire country. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

Genesis 41:31

The abundance will not be remembered ... because of the famine that will follow

Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)

because of the famine that will follow

This speaks about the famine as if it were a thing that travels and follows behind something else. Alternate translation: "because of the time of famine that will happen afterwards" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)

Genesis 41:32

That the dream was repeated to Pharaoh is because the matter has been established by God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave you two dreams to show you that he will certainly cause these things to happen" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-activepassive)

Genesis 41:33

General Information:

Joseph continues to address Pharaoh

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

let Pharaoh look

Joseph speaks to Pharaoh in third person. This is a way of showing respect. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "You, Pharaoh, should look" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person)

put him over the land of Egypt

The phrase "put him over" means to give someone authority. Alternate translation: "give him authority over the kingdom of Egypt" or "put him in charge of the kingdom of Egypt" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)

land of Egypt

Here "land" stands for all the people and everything in Egypt. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

Genesis 41:34

let them take a fifth of the crops of Egypt

The word "fifth" is a fraction. Alternate translation: "let them divide the crops of Egypt into five equal parts, then take one of those parts" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-fraction)

in the seven abundant years

"during the seven years in which there is plenty of food"

Genesis 41:35

General Information:

Joseph continues to counsel Pharaoh

Let them gather

"Allow the overseers to gather"

of these good years that are coming

This speaks of years as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "during the good years that will soon happen" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)

store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh

The phrase "under the authority of Pharaoh" means Pharaoh gives them authority. Alternate translation: "use the authority of Pharaoh to store the grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)

They should preserve it

The word "they" refers to the overseers and represents the soldiers that they should command to guard the grain. Alternate translation: "The overseers should leave soldiers there to guard the grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

Genesis 41:36

The food will be a supply for the land

Here "land" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "This food will be for the people" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

In this way the land will not be devastated by the famine

Here "land" stands for the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This way the people will not starve during the famine" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-activepassive)

Genesis 41:37

This advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh and his servants thought this was a good plan" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)

his servants

This means Pharaoh's officials.

Genesis 41:38

such a man as this

"a man like the one Joseph described"

in whom is the Spirit of God

"in whom the Spirit of God lives"

Genesis 41:39

there is none so discerning

"no one else is as capable in making decisions." See how you translated "discerning" in Genesis 41:33.

Genesis 41:40

You will be over my house

Here "house" stands for Pharaoh's palace and the people in the palace. The phrase "will be over" means Joseph will have authority over. Alternate translation: "You will be in charge of everyone in my palace" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)

according to your word will all my people be ruled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will rule over my people and they will do what you command" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-activepassive)

Only in the throne

Here "throne" stands for Pharaoh's rule as king. Alternate translation: "Only in my role as king"

Genesis 41:41

See, I have put you

The word "See" adds emphasis to what Pharaoh says next. Alternate translation: "Look, I have put you"

I have put you over all the land of Egypt

The phrase "put you over" means to give authority. Here "land" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "I put you in charge of everyone in Egypt" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

Genesis 41:42

Pharaoh took off his signet ring ... gold chain on his neck

All of these actions symbolize that Pharaoh is giving Joseph the authority to do everything that Joseph planned. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-symaction)

signet ring

This ring had Pharaoh's seal engraved on it. This gave Joseph the authority and money needed to carry out his plans.

clothes of fine linen

"Linen" here is a smooth, strong cloth made from the blue-flowered flax plant.

Genesis 41:43

He had him ride in the second chariot which he possessed

This act makes clear to the people that Joseph is second only to Pharaoh. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-symaction)

Bend the knee

"Bow down and honor Joseph." To bend the knee and bow down was a sign of honor and respect. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-symaction)

Pharaoh put him over all the land

The phrase "put you over" means to give authority. Here "land" refers to the people. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:41. Alternate translation: "I put you in charge of everyone in Egypt"(See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

Genesis 41:44

I am Pharaoh, and apart from you

Pharaoh is emphasizing his authority. Alternate translation: "As Pharaoh, I command that apart from you"

apart from you, no man will lift his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt

Here "hand" and "foot" stand for a person's actions. Alternate translation: "no person in Egypt will do anything without your permission" or "every person in Egypt must ask your permission before they do anything" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

no man

Here "man" refers to any person in general, whether male or female. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-gendernotations)

Genesis 41:45

Zaphenath-Paneah

Translators may add the following footnote: The name Zaphenath-Paneah means "a revealer of secrets." (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)

He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as a wife

Priests in Egypt were the highest and most privileged caste. This marriage signifies Joseph's place of honor and privilege. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-symaction)

gave him Asenath

"Asenath" is the name of the woman whom Pharaoh gave to Joseph as his wife. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)

daughter of Potiphera

"Potiphera" is the father of Asenath. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)

priest of On

On is a city, also called Heliopolis, which was "the City of the Sun" and the center of worship of the sun god Ra. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)

Joseph went out over the land of Egypt

Joseph traveled over the land to supervise the preparations for the coming drought.

Genesis 41:46

thirty years old

"30 years old" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-numbers)

when he stood before Pharaoh

Here "stood before" stands for Joseph starting to serve Pharaoh. Alternate translation: "when he started to serve Pharaoh" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

went throughout all the land of Egypt

Joseph is inspecting the country as he prepares to carry out his plans.

Genesis 41:47

In the seven bountiful years

"During the seven good years"

the land produced abundantly

"the land produced big harvests"

Genesis 41:48

He gathered up ... He put

Here "He" stands for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph ordered his servants to gather ... They put" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-synecdoche)

Genesis 41:49

Joseph stored up grain like the sand of the sea

This compares the grain to the sand of sea to emphasize its great quantity. Alternate translation: "The grain that Joseph stored was as plentiful as the sand on the seashore" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)

Joseph stored up ... he stopped

Here "Joseph" and "he" stand for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph had his servants store up ... they stopped" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-synecdoche)

Genesis 41:50

before the years of famine came

This speaks about years as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "before the seven years of the famine began" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)

Asenath

a woman's name. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:45. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)

daughter of Potiphera

"Potiphera" is the father of Asenath. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:45. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)

priest of On

On is a city, also called Heliopolis, which was "the City of the Sun" and the center of worship of the sun god Ra. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:45. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)

Genesis 41:51

Manasseh

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Manasseh' means 'to cause to forget.'"

father's household

This refers to Joseph's father Jacob and his family.

Genesis 41:52

Ephraim

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Ephraim' means 'to be fruitful' or 'to have children.'"

made me fruitful

Here "fruitful" means to prosper or to have children. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)

in the land of my affliction

The abstract noun "affliction" can be stated as "I have suffered." Alternate translation: "in this land where I have suffered" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-abstractnouns)

Genesis 41:53

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Genesis 41:54

in all lands

In all the surrounding nations beyond Egypt, including the land of Canaan.

but in all the land of Egypt there was food

It is implied that there was food because of Joseph commanded his people to store food during the seven good years. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)

Genesis 41:55

When all the land of Egypt was famished

Here "land" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "When all the Egyptians were starving" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

Genesis 41:56

The famine was over all the face of the whole land

The word "face" refers to the surface of the land. Alternate translation: "The famine had spread throughout the land" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)

Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians

Here "Joseph" stands for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph had his servants open all the storehouses and sell grain to the Egyptians" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-synecdoche)

Genesis 41:57

All the earth was coming to Egypt

Here "earth" stands for the people from all regions. Alternate translation: "People were coming to Egypt from all the surrounding regions" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)

in all the earth

"throughout the land." It is likely that all the different trading partners and nations that were part of the Egyptian trading routes effected by the drought came to Egypt for grain.