TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
Why was the dream doubled for Pharaoh? Because the matter has been fixed by God, and God will shortly cause it to happen.
Berean Standard Bible
Moreover, because the dream was given to Pharaoh in two versions, the matter has been decreed by God, and He will carry it out shortly.
American Standard Version
And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh, it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
World English Bible Messianic
The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And therefore the dreame was doubled vnto Pharaoh the second time, because the thing is established by God, and God hasteth to performe it.
Young's Literal Translation
`And because of the repeating of the dream unto Pharaoh twice, surely the thing is established by God, and God is hastening to do it.
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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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John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 83
And the third time He went and spake the same thing, establishing the fact, that He was become man. For the second and third time is in the Scriptures especially indicative of truth; like as Joseph also said to Pharaoh, "Did the dream appear to thee the second time? For truth was this done, and that thou mightest be assured that this shall surely be." Therefore He too once, and twice, and three times spake the same thing, for the sake of proving the incarnation.
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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SUMMARY
Genesis 41:32, spoken by Joseph to Pharaoh, serves as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and the absolute certainty of God's impending plan. It reveals that the repetition of Pharaoh's dreams—seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine—is a divine confirmation that the event is firmly established by God and will swiftly come to pass, underscoring the reliability of prophetic revelation and the urgent necessity for human preparation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:32 KJV states, "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." This verse serves as Joseph's divine explanation for the repetition of Pharaoh's dreams, transforming them from mere omens into a certain, imminent divine decree.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Repetition is central, as the "doubling" of Pharaoh's dream is the very subject of the verse, emphasizing the certainty and importance of the divine message. This repetition serves as a form of Divine Emphasis, signaling that the message is not merely a suggestion but an unalterable decree. Joseph's interpretation acts as a Divine Oracle, where he functions as God's mouthpiece, revealing hidden truths and future events. The dreams themselves are rich in Symbolism, with the cows and ears of grain representing years of plenty and famine. Finally, the verse exhibits Climax in its revelation, moving from the observation of the doubled dream to the profound theological explanation of its divine origin, certainty, and imminent fulfillment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:32 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and the unwavering reliability of His word. It reveals a God who is not distant or passive but intimately involved in human history, orchestrating events according to His divine purpose. The doubling of the dream serves as a divine seal, ensuring that what God reveals will undoubtedly come to fruition, thereby solidifying the trustworthiness of all divine revelation. This passage underscores that God's foreknowledge is not merely predictive but prescriptive; He declares what will be, and then He brings it to pass. It also highlights God's providential care, as He provides a warning and the means for preparation, ultimately saving countless lives and preserving His chosen lineage through Joseph.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:32 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's plans are absolutely certain, and His timing is precise. Just as Pharaoh was called to heed and prepare for an undeniable future, so too are we called to trust in God's unchanging counsel and sovereign will, knowing that His promises and warnings will surely come to pass. This certainty should prompt us to live with spiritual urgency, wisely stewarding the resources and opportunities God has given us, preparing our hearts for His return, and actively participating in His kingdom work. In a world fraught with uncertainty, this verse is a bedrock of assurance: God is in control, His word is true, and His purposes will prevail. Our response should be one of faithful obedience, diligent preparation, and unwavering trust in the One who establishes and brings all things to pass.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God repeat Pharaoh's dream?
Answer: God repeated Pharaoh's dream, presenting it in two distinct but related forms (cows and ears of grain), to emphasize its absolute certainty and divine origin. The doubling served as a powerful confirmation that the message was not a mere coincidence or human invention, but a firm decree from God that would undoubtedly come to pass. This divine repetition underscored the urgency and unalterable nature of the impending events, leaving no room for doubt about their reality and demanding immediate attention and action from Pharaoh, as Joseph explains in Genesis 41:32.
Does "God will shortly bring it to pass" imply immediate fulfillment?
Answer: The phrase "God will shortly bring it to pass" (Hebrew: memaher la'asotah, "hastening to do it") signifies an imminent and swift fulfillment from God's perspective, rather than an instantaneous one. It means the events are not distant or theoretical, but are on the immediate horizon and will unfold without delay once the time is right. For Pharaoh, it meant the seven years of plenty would begin soon, followed immediately by the famine, necessitating urgent preparation. This highlights God's active involvement and the precision of His timing, underscoring that His declared purposes are not subject to human delay or alteration.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine certainty and imminent fulfillment described in Genesis 41:32 powerfully foreshadow the absolute surety of God's greater redemptive plan, centered on Jesus Christ. Just as God's plan for Egypt was established and brought to pass, so too are the prophecies concerning Christ's first coming—His miraculous birth (as foretold in Isaiah 7:14), His sinless life, His atoning death (the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world), and His glorious resurrection (as declared in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)—firmly established and guaranteed by God. The "shortly" of Pharaoh's dream finds its ultimate echo in the New Testament's repeated declaration of Christ's imminent return (e.g., Revelation 22:7), urging believers to live in constant readiness and faithful stewardship. The entire narrative of salvation history, from creation to consummation, is God's "established thing" that He "will shortly bring to pass" through His Son, Jesus, ensuring the ultimate triumph of His kingdom and the redemption of His people, as promised in Matthew 24:35.