Genesis 41:15

KJV

And 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} said {H559} unto Joseph {H3130}, I have dreamed {H2492} a dream {H2472}, and there is none that can interpret {H6622} it: and I have heard {H8085} say {H559} of thee, that thou canst understand {H8085} a dream {H2472} to interpret {H6622} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh said to Yosef, "I had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; but I've heard it said about you that when you hear a dream, you can interpret it."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And 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 when thou hearest a dream thou canst interpret it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:15 records the pivotal moment when Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt, directly addresses Joseph, a Hebrew prisoner, admitting his profound distress over uninterpretable dreams and acknowledging Joseph's unique reputation for understanding such divine messages. This encounter marks the culmination of God's providential plan to elevate Joseph from the dungeon to a position of immense influence, setting the stage for the revelation of a coming famine and the preservation of many lives, including the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the chief butler's belated remembrance of Joseph's dream-interpreting ability, as detailed in [Genesis 41:9-13](/genesis/41-9-13 "Genesis 41:9-13 - The Chief Butler Remembers Joseph"). After years of unjust imprisonment and suffering, including being forgotten by the very man he helped ([Genesis 40:23](/genesis/40-23 "Genesis 40:23 - The Chief Butler Forgets Joseph")), Joseph is abruptly summoned from the dungeon to the royal court. Pharaoh, deeply troubled by two vivid dreams that none of his own wise men or magicians could interpret ([Genesis 41:8](/genesis/41-8 "Genesis 41:8 - Pharaoh's Troubled Spirit")), finds himself in a state of desperation. This dramatic shift in Joseph's circumstances highlights God's perfect timing and His sovereign hand in orchestrating events to bring Joseph into the presence of the most powerful man in the known world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, dreams were often seen as divine communications, and their interpretation was a highly valued skill, typically the domain of the priestly class, royal advisors, or specialized magicians. Pharaoh's admission of helplessness underscores the extraordinary nature of his dreams and the spiritual bankruptcy of his court in this specific instance. The inability of his own esteemed advisors to provide an interpretation would have been a significant crisis, challenging the perceived wisdom and spiritual authority of his kingdom. This vacuum of understanding paved the way for God to demonstrate His power and wisdom through an unlikely source—a Hebrew slave, thereby revealing the supremacy of the God of Israel over the gods of Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God meticulously orchestrates seemingly unrelated events, even suffering and forgetfulness, to fulfill His greater purposes, as seen throughout Joseph's life from [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal") onwards. It also highlights the **Contrast Between Human Wisdom and Divine Revelation**, showing the limitations of human intellect and pagan practices when confronted with God's direct communication. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the theme of **Deliverance and Preservation**, as Joseph's interpretation will lead to the salvation of Egypt and, crucially, the nascent nation of Israel from a devastating famine, a theme echoed in God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham found in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - God's Covenant with Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Pharaoh's address to Joseph in Genesis 41:15 is concise yet laden with profound significance, revealing both his personal predicament and his perception of Joseph's unique gift.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** This word (H2472) refers to a vision or message received during sleep. In this context, it emphasizes the profound and troubling nature of Pharaoh's nocturnal experiences, which he recognized as more than mere subconscious activity but as significant, divinely-sent messages requiring interpretation. The repetition of "dream" within the verse underscores its centrality to Pharaoh's distress and Joseph's unique ability.
* **interpret (Hebrew, _pâthar'_):** This primitive root (H6622) means "to open up" or "to unravel," and figuratively, "to interpret" a dream. Pharaoh's use of this word highlights his desperate need for someone to unlock the hidden meaning of his dreams, a task that has proven impossible for all his own wise men. It points to the idea of revealing something concealed, which is precisely what Joseph, by God's power, is about to do.
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H8085) means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention or even obedience. Pharaoh's statement, "I have heard say of thee," indicates that Joseph's reputation for dream interpretation was not merely a rumor but a well-attested fact that had reached the highest echelons of the kingdom, likely through the chief butler's testimony. It signifies that the information about Joseph's gift was credible and compelling enough to warrant his immediate summons to the royal presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,"**: This phrase marks a dramatic and divinely orchestrated turning point in Joseph's life. From being a forgotten prisoner, he is now brought directly into the presence of the most powerful man in the known world. This direct address signifies the king's urgent need and the sudden elevation of Joseph from obscurity to the highest court.
* **"I have dreamed a dream, and [there is] none that can interpret it:"**: Pharaoh's opening confession immediately establishes his vulnerability and the failure of his own esteemed advisors. His admission that "none can interpret it" highlights the spiritual and intellectual void within his court, where human wisdom and pagan practices proved utterly insufficient to discern God's message. This sets the stage for a divine revelation that transcends human capabilities and prepares the way for God's chosen instrument.
* **"and I have heard say of thee, [that] thou canst understand a dream to interpret it."**: This final clause reveals Joseph's reputation, which, despite his imprisonment, had reached the highest echelons of Egyptian society. Pharaoh's phrasing implies a unique, almost innate, ability on Joseph's part, contrasting sharply with the failed attempts of his own experts. This sets up Joseph's humble but powerful response in [Genesis 41:16](/genesis/41-16 "Genesis 41:16 - Joseph Attributes Interpretation to God"), where he immediately deflects credit from himself to God, clarifying the true source of his understanding and setting the theological tone for the entire encounter.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the most powerful ruler in the world, surrounded by his wise men, finds himself utterly helpless and dependent on a Hebrew slave, a prisoner, for understanding. This reversal of status underscores the limitations of human power and wisdom in the face of divine revelation. **Foreshadowing** is also at play; Pharaoh's desperate need for an interpreter foreshadows Joseph's subsequent elevation to a position of immense authority, which will ultimately lead to the preservation of many lives. Furthermore, the **Contrast** between the failed attempts of Pharaoh's magicians and Joseph's divinely-empowered ability highlights the supremacy of the God of Israel over the pagan deities and practices of Egypt, setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration of God's sovereign control over all nations and circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:15 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous orchestration of events, demonstrating His divine sovereignty and providence. It illustrates how God uses seemingly adverse circumstances—Joseph's unjust suffering, imprisonment, and even the chief butler's forgetfulness—to bring about His precise purposes. Pharaoh's inability to find an interpreter among his own wise men underscores the limitations of human wisdom and pagan practices when confronted with divine revelation, highlighting that true understanding and insight come from God alone. This encounter is a crucial step in God's plan to preserve the lineage of Abraham and the nascent nation of Israel during a severe famine, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

* [Psalm 105:19](/psalms/105-19 "Joseph's Time of Testing")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:15 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's timing is perfect, and He often uses unexpected circumstances and individuals to achieve His purposes. Joseph's long period of suffering culminated in a single, dramatic day of elevation, teaching us patience and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when our circumstances seem bleak or delayed. This verse encourages us to recognize that any gifts or abilities we possess are from God, to be used not for personal gain but for His glory and the benefit of others, just as Joseph immediately attributed his interpretive power to the Almighty. Our current situations do not limit God's ability to work through us, and He can open doors that no human can shut, even placing us before powerful figures to declare His truth and demonstrate His wisdom. We are called to remain faithful and ready, knowing that God can turn our deepest trials into our greatest opportunities for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's journey in this passage encourage you to trust God's timing in your own life, especially during periods of waiting or suffering?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you, even through difficult circumstances, for a future purpose that you cannot yet see?**
* **How can you, like Joseph, be ready to humbly attribute any gifts or successes to God, rather than taking personal credit?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh's own wise men and magicians fail to interpret his dreams?**

Answer: Pharaoh's wise men and magicians failed because the dreams were a direct divine revelation from the God of Israel, not a message decipherable by human wisdom, pagan rituals, or Egyptian magical practices. Their inability highlighted that the interpretation required supernatural insight, which only God could provide through His chosen instrument, Joseph. This demonstrated the impotence of their spiritual systems in the face of the true God's communication, as also seen in the plagues in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt").

**How did Joseph's reputation reach Pharaoh's ears while he was in prison?**

Answer: Joseph's reputation for interpreting dreams reached Pharaoh through the chief butler. After being restored to his position, the butler finally remembered Joseph's accurate interpretation of his own dream and the baker's dream years prior ([Genesis 40:1-23](/genesis/40-1-23 "Genesis 40:1-23 - Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison")). When Pharaoh was in distress over his own uninterpretable dreams, the chief butler recounted Joseph's unique ability to the king ([Genesis 41:9-13](/genesis/41-9-13 "Genesis 41:9-13 - The Chief Butler Remembers Joseph")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's journey from suffering servant to deliverer, and his role as an interpreter of divine mysteries, powerfully prefigures Christ. Just as Joseph was unjustly imprisoned and forgotten, only to be elevated by God to save a nation from famine, so too was Christ unjustly condemned and crucified, only to be exalted by God to bring spiritual salvation to all who believe ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, revealing God's will and future plans, points to Jesus as the ultimate revealer of God's truth, the very Word made flesh who fully discloses the Father ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Furthermore, Joseph's position as a deliverer who provided sustenance (grain) for the world foreshadows Christ, the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who provides eternal sustenance and deliverance from spiritual death. Joseph's elevation from the pit to the palace, becoming a source of life for many, mirrors Christ's resurrection and ascension, through which He became the source of eternal life for all humanity ([Romans 5:17-19](/romans/5-17-19 "Romans 5:17-19 - Righteousness Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 5:16

And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Daniel 5:12

Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

Genesis 41:9

¶ Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

Genesis 41:13

And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.

Psalms 25:14

The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.