Genesis 41:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then 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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then Pharaoh summoned Yosef, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothes, and came in to Pharaoh.

Berean Standard Bible:

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.

American Standard Version:

Then 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.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then Pharaoh^{H6547} sent^{H7971} and called^{H7121} Joseph^{H3130}, and they brought him hastily^{H7323} out of the dungeon^{H953}: and he shaved^{H1548} himself, and changed^{H2498} his raiment^{H8071}, and came in^{H935} unto Pharaoh^{H6547}.

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Commentary for Genesis 41:14

Genesis 41:14 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph, a key figure in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. This verse occurs within the context of the Joseph narrative, which spans Genesis 37-50. The historical context is set in ancient Egypt, during the period when the Hebrews, or Israelites, were living there, having initially migrated to Egypt during the time of Joseph's father, Jacob.

In the verses leading up to Genesis 41:14, Pharaoh has been troubled by dreams that no one in his court could interpret. Joseph, known for his ability to interpret dreams, has been languishing in prison after being falsely accused of attempted rape by the wife of his Egyptian master, Potiphar. The chief butler, whom Joseph had previously interpreted a dream for while in prison, remembers Joseph's gift and recommends him to Pharaoh.

The themes present in this verse include divine providence, as Joseph's God-given ability to interpret dreams is about to be realized at the highest level of Egyptian society. It also touches on the theme of redemption and transformation, as Joseph is abruptly brought from the depths of a dungeon to stand before the ruler of Egypt. His preparation for meeting Pharaoh—shaving and changing his clothes—symbolizes a transition from his old life as a prisoner to a new role as an interpreter of dreams and, eventually, a leader in Egypt.

The act of shaving and changing clothes is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where beards were a sign of maturity and status, and clothing often indicated one's social position. By shaving and changing his attire, Joseph is not only adhering to the customs of cleanliness and presentation before a king but also physically and symbolically shedding his identity as a prisoner to assume the mantle of a respected advisor.

This verse sets the stage for Joseph's rise to power, which will ultimately lead to his family's relocation to Egypt and the preservation of the Israelite line during a severe famine. It underscores the biblical motif of God working through the trials and tribulations of individuals to bring about a greater purpose.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6547
   There are 230 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פַּרְעֹה
   Transliteration: Parʻôh
   Pronunciation: par-o'
   Description: of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings; Pharaoh.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7971
   There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלַח
   Transliteration: shâlach
   Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).
   
3. Strong's Number: H7121
   There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרָא
   Transliteration: qârâʼ
   Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3130
   There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יוֹסֵף
   Transliteration: Yôwçêph
   Pronunciation: yo-safe'
   Description: future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph. Compare יְהוֹסֵף.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7323
   There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רוּץ
   Transliteration: rûwts
   Pronunciation: roots
   Description: a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush); break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.
   
6. Strong's Number: H953
   There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בּוֹר
   Transliteration: bôwr
   Pronunciation: bore
   Description: from בּוּר (in the sense of בֹּאר); a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison); cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1548
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּלַח
   Transliteration: gâlach
   Pronunciation: gaw-lakh'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be bald, i.e. (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste; poll, shave (off).
   
8. Strong's Number: H2498
   There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָלַף
   Transliteration: châlaph
   Pronunciation: khaw-laf'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to slide by, i.e. (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change; abolish, alter, change, cut off, go on forward, grow up, be over, pass (away, on, through), renew, sprout, strike through.
   
9. Strong's Number: H8071
   There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שִׂמְלָה
   Transliteration: simlâh
   Pronunciation: sim-law'
   Description: perhaps by permutation for the feminine of סֶמֶל (through the idea of a cover assuming the shape of the object beneath); a dress, especially a mantle; apparel, cloth(-es, -ing), garment, raiment. Compare שַׂלְמָה.
   
10. Strong's Number: H935
    There are 2307 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בּוֹא
    Transliteration: bôwʼ
    Pronunciation: bo
    Description: a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications); abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way.