Genesis 41:25

KJV

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

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/genesis/40-8 "Joseph interprets the chief butler's dream")). 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](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph's humble declaration to Pharaoh")). 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](/genesis/15-13 "God's prophecy to Abraham about his descendants")) and Jacob ([Genesis 28:12-15](/genesis/28-12-15 "Jacob's dream at Bethel")). 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'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "God reveals His secrets to His servants")
* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "God in heaven reveals mysteries")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God declares the end from the beginning")

### 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](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph's humble declaration to Pharaoh")) 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](/john/1-18 "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.")). 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](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). 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](/ephesians/1-9-10 "God's plan to unite all things in 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 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.