Genesis 41:16

KJV

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph {H3130} answered {H6030} Pharaoh {H6547}, saying {H559}, It is not in me {H1107}: God {H430} shall give {H6030} Pharaoh {H6547} an answer {H6030} of peace {H7965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef answered Pharaoh, "It isn't in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer that will set his mind at peace."

Berean Standard Bible

“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

American Standard Version

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In a moment of profound humility and unwavering faith, Joseph responds to Pharaoh's inquiry about his dream-interpreting abilities by unequivocally disavowing any personal power. Instead, he attributes the capacity for divine insight solely to God, declaring that the Almighty will provide Pharaoh with an "answer of peace." This pivotal statement not only sets the stage for Joseph's miraculous elevation and Egypt's salvation from famine but also serves as a foundational declaration of God's supreme sovereignty and His active involvement in human affairs, even within a pagan kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 41:16 is a pivotal turning point in the Joseph narrative, occurring immediately after Pharaoh, troubled by two vivid dreams, summons Joseph from prison. The preceding verses detail Pharaoh's distress and the chief butler's belated remembrance of Joseph's interpretive gift from [Genesis 40](/genesis/40 "Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison"). Joseph's response in this verse directly addresses Pharaoh's initial question about his supposed ability, effectively redirecting the focus from himself to God. This sets the theological framework for the subsequent interpretation and Joseph's elevation, emphasizing that the miraculous events are divinely orchestrated, not humanly contrived. It transitions the narrative from Joseph's personal suffering to his role as a divine instrument for national and regional salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society where dreams were considered significant omens, often interpreted by priests, magicians, and wise men who served the pharaoh. The pharaoh himself was considered a divine king, a living god, and his dreams were believed to hold profound implications for the state. Joseph, a Hebrew slave, stood before the most powerful monarch of the ancient world. In this setting, for Joseph to immediately deny his own power and attribute the ability to interpret dreams to his God, Yahweh, was a radical and counter-cultural act. It challenged the prevailing Egyptian worldview that relied on human wisdom, magic, and a pantheon of gods, instead asserting the singular authority and power of the God of Israel over even the most powerful earthly ruler.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all circumstances, even using a pagan king's dreams and a forgotten prisoner to fulfill His purposes. Secondly, it highlights **Humility as a Prerequisite for Exaltation**, as Joseph's self-effacing declaration prepares the way for his dramatic elevation, echoing principles found later in Scripture about God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble (e.g., [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "God Opposes the Proud")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God as the Source of True Wisdom and Revelation**, contrasting divine insight with human wisdom or occult practices, a theme consistently seen in passages like [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "God Reveals Secrets to Daniel") where God reveals mysteries. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant People**, as Joseph's preservation and elevation are ultimately part of God's larger plan to preserve the nascent nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **not in me (Hebrew, _bilʻădêy'_):** This phrase, derived from the root meaning "without" or "except," conveys a strong sense of negation and exclusion. Joseph is emphatically stating that the ability to interpret dreams does not originate from himself, his own wisdom, or any inherent power. It is a complete disavowal of personal credit, positioning himself as utterly devoid of this capacity independently. This highlights his profound humility and his recognition that he is merely an instrument.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This is the generic Hebrew term for God, often used to refer to the supreme God, as it is here. Its plural form (though singular in meaning when referring to the one God) can also imply majesty or intensity. Joseph's use of "God" here, rather than a specific name like Yahweh, may have been a diplomatic choice in Pharaoh's court, but it unequivocally points to the one true, supreme deity as the source of revelation, distinguishing Him from the numerous gods of Egypt. It asserts the divine, supernatural origin of the impending interpretation.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** More than just the absence of conflict, _shalom_ is a rich Hebrew concept encompassing wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, health, and flourishing. When Joseph declares that God will give an "answer of peace," he is not merely promising an interpretation, but a divine solution that will bring comprehensive well-being and a positive, beneficial outcome to Pharaoh and his kingdom. It implies a resolution that restores order and ensures prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying,"**: This introductory clause sets the scene for Joseph's direct address to the most powerful man in Egypt. It emphasizes the immediate and direct nature of his response, highlighting the tension and expectation in the royal court.
* **"[It is] not in me:"**: This is Joseph's immediate and radical declaration of self-denial. He firmly rejects any notion that his ability to interpret dreams stems from his own wisdom, skill, or power. This phrase is a powerful statement of humility, contrasting sharply with the self-aggrandizement often expected in such a high-stakes situation. It establishes from the outset that the ensuing interpretation will be a supernatural act, not a human one.
* **"God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace."**: This is the core theological assertion. Joseph shifts the focus entirely from himself to God, identifying the true source of wisdom and revelation. The future tense ("shall give") indicates certainty and divine initiative. The "answer of peace" signifies that the interpretation will not only be accurate but will also bring about a beneficial, comprehensive, and prosperous outcome for Pharaoh and his kingdom, reflecting God's providential care and ultimate purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Joseph's response in [Genesis 41:16](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph's Humble Reply to Pharaoh") is rich with literary and theological significance. The primary device employed is **Direct Speech**, which immediately reveals Joseph's character and theological conviction without narrative commentary. His opening phrase, "It is not in me," functions as a powerful **Negation** and **Contrast**, setting up a stark dichotomy between human inability and divine capability. This serves to immediately deflate any potential for self-glory and elevate God as the sole agent. The phrase "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace" is a profound **Theological Declaration**, asserting divine sovereignty and the beneficial nature of God's revelation. This declaration also contains **Irony**, as the one who has been unjustly imprisoned is now the one who will bring "peace" and salvation to the very kingdom that has held him captive, demonstrating God's reversal of human circumstances. Furthermore, the entire scene is a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Joseph's future role as a divinely appointed deliverer who brings salvation and well-being, much like a greater Deliverer to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's humble declaration in [Genesis 41:16](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph's Humble Reply to Pharaoh") serves as a profound theological statement, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the affairs of nations and the revelation of divine mysteries. It underscores the biblical truth that true wisdom and understanding do not originate from human intellect, magical arts, or pagan deities, but solely from the one true God. Joseph's immediate redirection of credit to God, even in a moment of personal triumph and opportunity, exemplifies the principle that God exalts those who humble themselves and use their gifts for His glory. This moment is not just about interpreting dreams; it's about establishing God's authority in a pagan land and demonstrating His providential care for His people, even through unexpected means.

* [1 Peter 5:6](/1-peter/5-6 "Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")
* [Job 12:22](/job/12-22 "God Reveals Deep Things")
* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "God Reveals Secrets to Daniel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's response in [Genesis 41:16](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph's Humble Reply to Pharaoh") offers a timeless paradigm for believers: a profound call to humility and an unwavering commitment to glorifying God in all circumstances. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal achievement, Joseph's immediate and emphatic denial of his own ability serves as a powerful counter-cultural witness. It reminds us that any talent, insight, or success we possess is a gift from God, and true wisdom begins with acknowledging His supremacy. When faced with opportunities to excel or challenges that demand solutions, our first impulse should be to lean not on our own understanding, but on God, trusting that He can provide clarity and bring about an "answer of peace" – a comprehensive well-being and flourishing outcome – through us, for His purposes. Joseph teaches us that God delights in using humble vessels to accomplish His mighty will, reminding us to cultivate a heart that consistently attributes all glory to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to take credit for your abilities or successes, rather than attributing them to God?**
* **How does Joseph's humility challenge your understanding of true strength and influence in the world?**
* **What "answers of peace" might God be wanting to bring through you if you fully surrendered your perceived abilities to Him?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's sovereignty in your daily life, especially in challenging or high-stakes situations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph not take credit for himself, especially after all he had suffered?**

Answer: Joseph's refusal to take credit, stating "It is not in me," demonstrates his profound humility and deep-seated faith. After years of unjust suffering and imprisonment, he understood that any ability or insight he possessed was a gift from God, not a personal accomplishment. Attributing the interpretation solely to God ensured that God received all the glory, aligning with Joseph's character as one who consistently lived in awareness of God's presence and sovereignty, even in the most challenging circumstances (as seen in [Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "The Lord Was with Joseph")). His focus was on God's will and glory, not personal vindication or advancement.

**What is the significance of "answer of peace" (shalom) in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _shalom_ (שָׁלוֹם, H7965) is much broader than just the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and flourishing. By saying "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace," Joseph implied that God's interpretation would not merely be a decoding of the dreams but a comprehensive, beneficial solution that would bring about the well-being and prosperity of Pharaoh and his entire kingdom. It indicated a divine answer that would lead to a flourishing outcome, providing not just information but a path to national salvation and security, as indeed it did through the famine plan (see [Genesis 41:33-36](/genesis/41-33-36 "Joseph's Counsel to Pharaoh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in his profound humility and his divinely appointed role as a deliverer, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, though unjustly imprisoned and seemingly forgotten, was exalted by God to a position of immense power to save his people and the world from a devastating famine, so too was Christ, though unjustly crucified and buried, exalted by God to the highest place to bring salvation to all who believe. Joseph's declaration, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace," echoes Christ's own consistent humility and absolute reliance on the Father. Jesus repeatedly stated that He did nothing of His own accord but only what He saw the Father doing (as in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself") and [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "Jesus in the Father, and the Father in Jesus")). Both Joseph and Christ served as divinely appointed mediators, bringing God's wisdom, provision, and ultimately, _shalom_—wholeness, reconciliation, and eternal well-being—to a world in desperate need, all according to God's sovereign and redemptive plan (as seen in [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Christ Reconciles All Things")).

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

2 Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

Genesis 40:8

And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and [there is] no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, [Do] not interpretations [belong] to God? tell me [them], I pray you.

Daniel 2:47

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Acts 3:12

¶ And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

Daniel 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Daniel 2:30

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for [any] wisdom that I have more than any living, but for [their] sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.