What number verse is Genesis 41:25 in the Bible?

Genesis 41:25 is the 1,221st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 41:25 sits at position 1,221.

Translation

King James Version

And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph ^H3130 said ^H559 unto Pharaoh ^H6547, The dream ^H2472 of Pharaoh ^H6547 is one ^H259: God ^H430 hath shewed ^H5046 Pharaoh ^H6547 what he is about to do ^H6213.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef said to Pharaoh, "The dreams of Pharaoh are the same: God has told Pharaoh what he is about to do.

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Berean Standard Bible

At this, Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do.

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American Standard Version

And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: what God is about to do he hath declared unto Pharaoh.

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World English Bible Messianic

Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dream of Pharaoh is one. What God is about to do he has declared to Pharaoh.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Then Ioseph answered Pharaoh, Both Pharaohs dreames are one. God hath shewed Pharaoh, what he is about to doe.

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Young's Literal Translation

And Joseph saith unto Pharaoh, `The dream of Pharaoh is one: that which God is doing he hath declared to Pharaoh;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 41:25 marks the pivotal moment Joseph begins to interpret Pharaoh's disturbing dreams, declaring that the two visions are, in essence, a singular, unified message from God. This concise yet profound statement immediately establishes the divine origin of the dreams, asserting God's active involvement in revealing future events to Pharaoh, thereby setting the stage for Joseph's detailed prophecy and demonstrating God's sovereign control over human history and His providential care.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is the crucial turning point in the narrative of Joseph's rise to power and the salvation of Egypt and the surrounding world. Immediately preceding it, Pharaoh has recounted his two perplexing dreams—one of seven fat cows devoured by seven lean ones, and another of seven full ears of grain consumed by seven thin, blighted ears. Despite consulting all of Egypt's wise men and magicians, no one could provide an interpretation, causing the king great distress and highlighting the limitations of human wisdom. It is at this impasse that the chief butler, remembering Joseph's accurate dream interpretations while they were imprisoned together, recommends him to Pharaoh (Genesis 40:8). Joseph, brought directly from the dungeon, humbly deflects any personal credit, stating, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace" (Genesis 41:16). This profound humility underscores Joseph's role as a mere vessel for divine revelation, preparing Pharaoh for a message directly from the Almighty. This verse, then, is Joseph's immediate, divinely inspired response, setting the authoritative tone for the entire interpretation that follows.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Egypt placed immense importance on dreams, viewing them as potential messages from the gods. Pharaoh, as the divine king, would have been particularly attuned to such omens, and his inability to understand these specific dreams would have been a source of significant anxiety, potentially signaling divine displeasure or impending disaster. The presence of "wise men and magicians" (often priests or scribes skilled in interpreting omens) reflects the sophisticated but ultimately limited nature of Egyptian spiritual practices. Unlike the polytheistic and often unpredictable deities of Egypt, Joseph presents a singular, sovereign God (Elohim) who not only reveals the future but actively orchestrates it. This stark contrast would have been striking to Pharaoh, demonstrating the unique power and foreknowledge of Joseph's God. The very act of a Hebrew slave interpreting the dreams of the most powerful man in the world also highlights God's ability to elevate the humble and work through unexpected channels, even within a pagan empire.
Key Themes: Genesis 41:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Sovereignty and Providence, showcasing God's absolute control over history, even in the affairs of a pagan nation and its ruler. God is not merely reacting to events but actively orchestrating them, revealing His plans to His chosen servants. Secondly, it highlights God's Communication with Humanity, demonstrating His willingness to disclose His will and future events, sometimes through dreams, to prepare humanity for what is to come. This aligns with the broader theme of God speaking to patriarchs like Abraham (Genesis 15:13) and Jacob (Genesis 28:12-15). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of Humility as a Channel for Divine Revelation. Joseph's consistent refusal to take credit for his abilities, instead attributing all wisdom and interpretation to God, positions him as a pure vessel for God's message, a stark contrast to the self-aggrandizing magicians of Egypt. Finally, it reinforces the theme of God's Faithfulness to His Covenant People, as the events set in motion by this interpretation will ultimately lead to the preservation of Jacob's family during the famine, fulfilling God's promises of a great nation.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

dream (Hebrew, chălôwm', H2472): From the root châlam (to dream), this word refers specifically to a vision or message received in sleep. In biblical context, dreams are often significant vehicles for divine communication, distinct from mere nocturnal imaginings. Joseph's identification of Pharaoh's visions as "the dream" (singular, with the definite article) immediately elevates them beyond mere psychological phenomena to a unified, divinely inspired revelation, emphasizing their authoritative and prophetic nature.
one (Hebrew, ʼechâd', H259): This numeral signifies unity, singularity, or oneness. In this context, its use is crucial for Joseph's interpretation. Despite Pharaoh having two distinct dreams with different imagery (cows and grain), Joseph declares them to be "one" in their message and origin. This emphasizes the coherence, certainty, and divine confirmation of the prophecy. It implies that the message is not fragmented or contradictory, but a singular, unified decree from God, leaving no room for doubt about its truthfulness or urgency.
shewed (Hebrew, nâgad', H5046): A primitive root meaning "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest," "to announce," "to predict," or "to explain." This word conveys the idea of a clear, explicit, and authoritative declaration. When Joseph states that God "hath shewed" Pharaoh, he is asserting that God has not merely hinted or suggested, but has plainly and directly revealed His intentions. It highlights God's active role as the revealer of hidden things and His direct intervention in human affairs, making His future actions known.

Verse Breakdown

"And Joseph said unto Pharaoh,": This opening phrase establishes Joseph's role as the divine messenger. Having just been brought from prison and humbly disavowing any personal ability, Joseph now speaks with authority, not of himself, but as a conduit for God's word. This sets the stage for a pronouncement that carries divine weight.
"The dream of Pharaoh [is] one:": This is the core interpretive statement. Joseph immediately cuts through the confusion caused by two distinct dreams, declaring them to be a singular, cohesive message. The repetition of the dream's theme (seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine) through different imagery (cows and grain) serves to confirm and emphasize the certainty and divine origin of the prophecy. Joseph's insight here is not based on human logic but on divine revelation, recognizing the underlying unity of God's communication.
"God hath shewed Pharaoh what he [is] about to do.": This clause explicitly attributes the source and purpose of the dreams. Joseph unequivocally states that "God" (Hebrew: Elohim, emphasizing His majestic and powerful nature) is the one who "shewed" (revealed, manifested, declared) these things. Crucially, the dreams are not merely symbolic representations of abstract concepts but a direct revelation of future actions that God Himself is orchestrating. This highlights God's sovereign control over history, demonstrating that future events are not random but part of His predetermined plan, which He is now preparing to execute.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several significant literary devices. Conciseness is evident in Joseph's direct and impactful statement, immediately cutting to the core truth without preamble, underscoring the authority of his message. The Repetition of the word "Pharaoh" (twice) and the implicit repetition of the dream's core message (despite different imagery) serve to emphasize the singular focus on the king's experience and the unified nature of God's revelation. Divine Disclosure is the overarching device, as the verse explicitly states that God "hath shewed" Pharaoh, positioning the dreams as a direct act of divine communication rather than mere human conjecture. Furthermore, the verse functions as Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the detailed prophecy of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, which God is preparing to bring upon Egypt and the surrounding lands, thereby demonstrating God's sovereign control over global events.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 41:25 serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in human history. It reveals a God who is not distant or disengaged but intimately aware of and orchestrating future events, even those impacting powerful pagan nations. This divine foreknowledge and control are not arbitrary but purposeful, often revealed to prepare humanity for what is to come and to accomplish His redemptive plans. Joseph's immediate attribution of the dreams' source to God underscores the principle that true wisdom and prophetic insight originate solely from the divine, not from human ingenuity or magical arts. This humility in acknowledging God as the ultimate source is a recurring theme in the lives of God's chosen servants, who become pure channels for His truth. The declaration that the dreams are "one" also speaks to the unity and consistency of God's message; even when conveyed through diverse means or seemingly disparate images, God's word is coherent, infallible, and certain.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 41:25 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic, confusing, or beyond human control. Just as He revealed future events to Pharaoh through Joseph, He continues to guide and direct human history according to His perfect, unified plan. For us, this verse fosters deep trust in God's ultimate control, even when our own circumstances are unclear or when global events seem overwhelming. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that any wisdom, insight, or ability we possess comes from Him, and that we are merely instruments in His hands. Furthermore, it challenges us to be attentive to how God might be speaking to us—primarily through His inspired Word, but also through prayer, the counsel of wise believers, and the circumstances He orchestrates in our lives. Our response should be one of faith, obedience, and a willingness to be used by Him, just as Joseph was. Even in the face of uncertainty, we can rest in the assurance that God "hath shewed" us what He is about to do through His revealed Word, giving us peace and direction.

Questions for Reflection

How does Joseph's immediate attribution of the dream's source to God challenge our tendency to seek human explanations or take personal credit for insights?
In what ways can we cultivate a posture of humility that allows God to speak and work through us more effectively?
How does the "oneness" of Pharaoh's dreams encourage us to see the unity and coherence of God's plan throughout Scripture and in our own lives?

FAQ

What is the significance of Joseph stating, "The dream of Pharaoh [is] one," when Pharaoh had two distinct dreams?

Answer: Joseph's statement means that although Pharaoh experienced two separate dreams (one about cows and one about ears of grain), they both conveyed the exact same message and prophecy. The repetition of the theme, though with different imagery, served to emphasize the certainty, urgency, and divine confirmation of the impending events. It was God's way of doubling down on the message, ensuring Pharaoh understood its singular importance and truthfulness, leaving no room for doubt. This unified message prepared Pharaoh for the detailed interpretation of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine, underscoring the infallible nature of God's revelation.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Genesis 41:25, while directly about Joseph's interpretation, profoundly points forward to Christ as the ultimate revealer of God's eternal plan and the ultimate provider of salvation. Joseph, as the one who disclosed what God "is about to do" to save Egypt from impending famine, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joseph brought clarity and an "answer of peace" (Genesis 41:16) to Pharaoh's troubled mind, Jesus Christ is the ultimate revealer of God's secret plan for humanity's salvation, disclosing the very heart and will of the Father (John 1:18). Moreover, Christ is the one in whom all of God's promises and redemptive plans find their unified fulfillment; He is the singular "dream" or central purpose of God's redemptive history, bringing an "answer of peace" and true provision for spiritual famine, far greater than any physical sustenance Joseph could offer (John 6:35). Through Christ, God has "shewed" us His ultimate act of salvation, demonstrating His sovereign control over all history to bring about the redemption of His people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Ephesians 1:9-10).

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Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 17–32

17 ¶ And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:

18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:

19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:

20 And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:

21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:

23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:

24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.

25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.

27 And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.

28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.

29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;

31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.

32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

Here, I. Pharaoh relates his dream. He dreamt that he stood upon the bank of the river Nile, and saw the kine, both the fat ones and the lean ones, come out of the river. For the kingdom of Egypt had no rain, as appears, Zac 14:18, but the plenty of the year depended upon the overflowing of the river, and it was about one certain time of the year that it overflowed. If it rose to fifteen or sixteen cubits, there was plenty; if to twelve or thirteen only, or under, there was scarcity. See how many ways Providence has of dispensing its gifts; yet, whatever the second causes are, our dependence is still the same upon the first Cause, who makes every creature that to us that it is, be it rain or river.

II. Joseph interprets his dream, and tells him that it signified seven years of plenty now immediately to ensue, which should be succeeded by as many years of famine. Observe, 1. The two dreams signified the same thing, but the repetition was to denote the certainty, the nearness, and the importance, of the event, Gen 41:32. Thus God has often shown the immutability of his counsel by two immutable things, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. The covenant is sealed with two sacraments; and in the one of them there are both bread and wine, wherein the dream is one, and yet it is doubled, for the thing is certain. 2. Yet the two dreams had a distinct reference to the two things wherein we most experience plenty and scarcity, namely, grass and corn. The plenty and scarcity of grass for the cattle were signified by the fat kine and the lean ones; the plenty and scarcity of herb for the service of man by the full ears and the thin ones. 3. See what changes the comforts of this life are subject to. After great plenty may come great scarcity; how strong soever we may think our mountain stands, if God speak the word, it will soon be moved. We cannot be sure that tomorrow shall be as this day, next year as this, and much more abundant, Isa 56:12. We must learn how to want, as well as how to abound. 4. See the goodness of God in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine, that provision might be made accordingly. Thus he sets the one over-against the other, Ecc 7:14. With what wonderful wisdom has Providence, that great housekeeper, ordered the affairs of this numerous family from the beginning hitherto! Great variety of seasons there have been, and the product of the earth is sometimes more and sometimes less; yet, take one time with another, what was miraculous concerning the manna is ordinarily verified in the common course of Providence, He that gathers much has nothing over, and he that gathers little has no lack, Exo 16:18. 5. See the perishing nature of our worldly enjoyments. The great increase of the years of plenty was quite lost and swallowed up in the years of famine; and the overplus of it, which seemed very much, yet did but just serve to keep men alive, Gen 41:29-31. Meat for the belly, and the belly for meats, but God shall destroy both it and them, Co1 6:13. There is bread which endures to everlasting life, which shall not be forgotten, and which it is worth while to labour for, Joh 6:27. Those that make the things of this world their good things will find but little pleasure in remembering that they have received them, Luk 16:25. 6. Observe, God revealed this beforehand to Pharaoh, who, as king of Egypt, was to be the father of his country, and to make prudent provision for them. Magistrates are called shepherds, whose care it must be, not only to rule, but to feed.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 17–32. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

Daniel 2:45
Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
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 2:29
As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.
Revelation 4:1
¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Joshua 11:6
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
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.
Genesis 41:16
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.