Genesis 41:1

¶ And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.

And it came to pass at the end {H7093} of two full {H3117} years {H8141}, that Pharaoh {H6547} dreamed {H2492}: and, behold, he stood {H5975} by the river {H2975}.

At the end of two years, Pharaoh had a dream: he was standing beside the Nile River;

After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile,

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.

Commentary

Genesis 41:1 marks a pivotal turning point in the life of Joseph and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. After two long years of being forgotten in prison, following his accurate interpretation of the chief butler's dream, the narrative shifts dramatically with Pharaoh's mysterious dreams, setting the stage for Joseph's remarkable elevation.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Joseph's continued imprisonment, despite his faithful service and accurate prophetic interpretations. The phrase "at the end of two full years" underscores the significant passage of time, emphasizing the delay and testing of Joseph's faith. It highlights divine timing, showing that God orchestrates events not on human schedules, but according to His perfect plan. Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of his day, experiences dreams that trouble him deeply, providing the catalyst for Joseph's release and rise to prominence. The setting "by the river" implicitly refers to the Nile, the lifeblood of ancient Egypt, which will feature prominently in Pharaoh's dream imagery.

Key Themes

  • Divine Timing and Providence: The two-year delay demonstrates God's sovereign control over time and circumstances. Even when things seem stagnant or forgotten, God is at work behind the scenes, preparing the way for His purposes to be fulfilled. This period of waiting served to humble Joseph and prepare him for the immense responsibility he was about to receive.
  • Dreams as Divine Communication: In the book of Genesis, dreams frequently serve as a direct channel of divine revelation. From God speaking to Abimelech in a dream to Joseph's own prophetic dreams, they are a means by which God reveals His will and future events. Pharaoh's dream here is not merely a psychological phenomenon but a divinely sent message with profound implications for Egypt and beyond.
  • Elevation and Deliverance: This verse marks the beginning of Joseph's dramatic shift from prisoner to prime minister. Pharaoh's inability to find an interpreter for his dreams creates the desperate need that only Joseph can meet, leading to his deliverance from prison and his elevation to a position of immense power and influence.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Two full years": The Hebrew phrase for "two full years" (שְׁנָתַיִם יָמִים, shenatayim yamim) literally means "two years of days," emphasizing the complete and exact duration of the period. It underscores the precision of God's timing, even in seemingly long delays.
  • "Pharaoh dreamed": The Hebrew word for "dreamed" (חָלַם, chalam) is significant, highlighting the recurring motif of dreams as a vehicle for divine revelation throughout the Joseph narrative and earlier in Genesis.
  • "The river": The Hebrew word used here is יְאֹר (ye'or), which specifically refers to the Nile River, the lifeblood of ancient Egypt. Its mention sets the scene for the dream's imagery, which is deeply rooted in the Egyptian agricultural and ecological context.

Significance and Application

Genesis 41:1 is a powerful reminder of God's perfect timing and His sovereign control over all circumstances. For those experiencing periods of waiting, delay, or forgottenness, this verse offers encouragement that God is at work, even when it seems nothing is happening. Joseph's story teaches us patience, trust in God's providence, and the understanding that trials can be preparatory for greater purposes. It also highlights how God uses unexpected means—even the dreams of a pagan king—to accomplish His divine will and bring about His intended outcome, not only for individuals but for nations.

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Cross-References

  • Esther 6:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

  • Isaiah 19:5 (3 votes)

    And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.

  • Genesis 31:21 (3 votes)

    So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face [toward] the mount Gilead.

  • Genesis 40:5 (3 votes)

    ¶ And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which [were] bound in the prison.

  • Exodus 4:9 (3 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour [it] upon the dry [land]: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry [land].

  • Ezekiel 29:3 (3 votes)

    Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

  • Deuteronomy 11:10 (3 votes)

    For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, [is] not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst [it] with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: