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)
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)
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, /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#righteous and /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#save)
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)
Two years passed after Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, who had been in prison with Joseph.
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"
"Pharaoh was standing"
"healthy and fat"
"were eating the grass along the side of the river"
tall, thin grasses that grow in wet areas
The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was again surprised by what he saw.
"sick and thin"
"beside the river" or "riverside." This is the higher ground along the edge of a river.
"weak and skinny." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:3.
"healthy and well-fed." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.
"awakened"
The word "second" is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: "again" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-ordinal)
The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he saw.
The heads are parts of the corn plant on which the seeds grow.
"grew up on one stem." The stalk is the thick or tall part of a plant.
"on one stock and they were healthy and beautiful"
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)
Wind from the east blew in from the desert. The heat of the east wind was often very destructive.
"grew up" or "developed"
The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "The thin heads of grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)
"ate." Pharaoh is dreaming that unhealthy corn could eat healthy corn just like a person eats food.
"healthy and good heads." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:5.
"awakened"
The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he had seen.
"he had been dreaming"
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)
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)
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)
Ancient kings and rulers used magicians and wise men as advisers.
The most important person who brings drinks to the king. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:2.
"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.
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)
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 the chief baker and me in the prison where the captain of the guard was in charge." Here "house" refers to the prison.
The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.
The most important person who made food for the king. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 40:2.
"One night we both had dreams"
Here "We" refers to the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-exclusive)
"Our dreams had different meanings"
The chief cupbearer continues to speak to Pharaoh.
"In prison there was with the chief baker and me"
The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.
"We told him our dreams and he explained their meanings to us"
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)
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.
"what he explained about the dreams is what later happened"
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 chief baker"
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)
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 jail" or "out of the prison"
It was common practice to shave both the facial and head hair when preparing to go before Pharaoh.
Here "came" can be stated as "went." Alternate translation: "went before Pharaoh" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-go)
"no one can explain the meaning"
"you can explain its meaning"
"I am not the one who can explain the meaning"
"God will answer Pharaoh favorably"
Pharaoh uses the word "behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.
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"
Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.
"well-fed and healthy." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.
"were eating the grass along the side of the river." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:2.
Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.
"weak, and skinny." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:3.
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)
"well-fed cows." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.
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)
Pharaoh continues telling Joseph his dreams.
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)
Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.
The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "seven heads of grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)
"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.
dead and dried
"grew up" or "developed"
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)
"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 not a single one that could" or "none of them could"
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)
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)
The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "seven good heads of grain" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)
Joseph continues his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams
"skinny and weak cows." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:3.
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)
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 made known"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: seven"
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)
Joseph continues interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.
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)
Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)
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)
Here "land" refers to the soil, the people, and the entire country. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)
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)
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)
Joseph continues to address Pharaoh
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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)
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)
Here "land" stands for all the people and everything in Egypt. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
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)
"during the seven years in which there is plenty of food"
Joseph continues to counsel Pharaoh
"Allow the overseers to gather"
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)
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)
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)
Here "land" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "This food will be for the people" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
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)
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)
This means Pharaoh's officials.
"a man like the one Joseph described"
"in whom the Spirit of God lives"
"no one else is as capable in making decisions." See how you translated "discerning" in Genesis 41:33.
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)
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)
Here "throne" stands for Pharaoh's rule as king. Alternate translation: "Only in my role as king"
The word "See" adds emphasis to what Pharaoh says next. Alternate translation: "Look, I have put you"
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)
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)
This ring had Pharaoh's seal engraved on it. This gave Joseph the authority and money needed to carry out his plans.
"Linen" here is a smooth, strong cloth made from the blue-flowered flax plant.
This act makes clear to the people that Joseph is second only to Pharaoh. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-symaction)
"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)
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)
Pharaoh is emphasizing his authority. Alternate translation: "As Pharaoh, I command that apart from you"
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)
Here "man" refers to any person in general, whether male or female. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-gendernotations)
Translators may add the following footnote: The name Zaphenath-Paneah means "a revealer of secrets." (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)
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)
"Asenath" is the name of the woman whom Pharaoh gave to Joseph as his wife. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)
"Potiphera" is the father of Asenath. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)
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 traveled over the land to supervise the preparations for the coming drought.
"30 years old" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-numbers)
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)
Joseph is inspecting the country as he prepares to carry out his plans.
"During the seven good years"
"the land produced big harvests"
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)
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)
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)
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)
a woman's name. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:45. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)
"Potiphera" is the father of Asenath. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:45. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)
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)
Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Manasseh' means 'to cause to forget.'"
This refers to Joseph's father Jacob and his family.
Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Ephraim' means 'to be fruitful' or 'to have children.'"
Here "fruitful" means to prosper or to have children. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)
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)
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In all the surrounding nations beyond Egypt, including the land of Canaan.
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)
Here "land" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "When all the Egyptians were starving" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
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)
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)
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)
"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.