Genesis 41:25

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

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}.

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

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.

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

Commentary

Genesis 41:25 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Joseph, as he stands before Pharaoh, poised to interpret the king's troubling dreams. This verse immediately establishes the divine origin and unified message of Pharaoh's visions, setting the stage for Joseph's detailed prophecy.

Context

Prior to this verse, Pharaoh has been deeply disturbed by two vivid dreams: first, seven fat cows devoured by seven lean cows, and then seven full ears of corn consumed by seven thin, blighted ears. None of Egypt's wise men or magicians could interpret them, leading the chief butler to remember Joseph's ability to interpret dreams while in prison (see Genesis 40:8). Joseph, brought directly from the dungeon, immediately deflects any personal credit, stating, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace" (Genesis 41:16). This humility underscores his role as a vessel for divine revelation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The central theme is that God is actively revealing future events to Pharaoh through the dreams. Joseph clarifies that both dreams, though distinct in imagery, convey a singular message from the Almighty. This highlights God's sovereign control over history and His willingness to communicate His plans.
  • God's Sovereignty: Joseph emphasizes that it is "God" (Hebrew: Elohim) who "hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do." This reinforces the biblical concept of God's absolute authority and foreknowledge, demonstrating that even the powerful Pharaoh is subject to God's ultimate plan.
  • Joseph's Humility and Faith: Despite being given a grand opportunity, Joseph consistently attributes his interpretive ability to God, not himself. This deep faith and humility are hallmarks of his character and were crucial for God to use him mightily.
  • The Unity of God's Message: The phrase "The dream of Pharaoh is one" is crucial. It means the two dreams are not separate prophecies but two distinct confirmations of the same impending event, emphasizing the certainty and importance of the message.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "God" used here is Elohim, a plural noun often used with a singular verb, emphasizing the majestic and powerful nature of the one true God. Joseph's declaration that "God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do" points to God's active, direct intervention in human affairs, revealing His future actions before they unfold. This concept of God revealing His secrets is also seen in other prophets, such as Amos 3:7.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:25 reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances and that He often works in mysterious ways to accomplish His purposes. Just as He revealed future events to Pharaoh through Joseph, He continues to guide and direct human history. For believers, this verse offers comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unclear. It also challenges us to be attentive to how God might be speaking to us, whether through His Word, through prayer, or through circumstances, and to respond with faith and obedience, just as Joseph did.

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 2:45 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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