Genesis 41:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for that the dream {H2472} was doubled {H8138} unto Pharaoh {H6547} twice {H6471}; it is because the thing {H1697} is established {H3559} by {H5973} God {H430}, and God {H430} will shortly {H4116} bring it to pass {H6213}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated at the climax of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's deeply troubling dreams. Having spent years unjustly imprisoned, Joseph is miraculously brought before the most powerful ruler of his day. Pharaoh's two distinct but thematically identical dreams—first of fat and lean cows, then of full and withered ears of grain—have left him distraught and his wise men baffled. Joseph, attributing his interpretive ability solely to God (as seen in [Genesis 41:16](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph's Humility Before Pharaoh")), reveals that both dreams convey a singular, urgent message of impending plenty followed by devastating famine. Verse 32 functions as Joseph's theological explanation for the dreams' repetition, transforming them from mere omens into a certain, imminent divine decree, thereby setting the stage for his strategic counsel in [Genesis 41:33-36](/genesis/41-33-36 "Joseph's Counsel to Pharaoh").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dreams were often considered significant conduits for divine messages, omens, or warnings. Rulers like Pharaoh frequently consulted dream interpreters or diviners. The doubling of a dream, however, would have been particularly unsettling, signaling an intensified message or an undeniable decree from the gods. Egypt, being an agricultural society heavily dependent on the Nile's annual inundation, was acutely vulnerable to fluctuations in weather patterns, making the threat of a prolonged famine a matter of national existential crisis. The concept of a god establishing a decree and bringing it to pass swiftly would resonate within a polytheistic framework, yet Joseph's interpretation unequivocally points to the singular, supreme God of Israel, Yahweh, as the ultimate orchestrator of these events and the source of this certain revelation.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:32 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates God's **divine sovereignty** over all creation, including nature, human affairs, and the destinies of nations, as seen in His foreknowledge and control over the impending famine. It highlights the **reliability and certainty of divine revelation**; when God speaks, especially through prophetic dreams or words, His message is unfailingly true and will come to pass. Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **divine providence**, demonstrating how God actively works through seemingly ordinary or even adverse circumstances (like Joseph's imprisonment) to achieve His purposes and preserve His people, echoing the overarching narrative of [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Good Purpose"). It also implicitly introduces the theme of **wise stewardship and preparation** in response to God's warnings, a theme that Joseph's subsequent advice will develop.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 41:32 KJV](/genesis/41-32 "Genesis 41:32 in the 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
* **Dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** This word refers to a nocturnal vision, often understood in the ancient world as a means of divine communication. In this context, the "dream" is not a product of Pharaoh's subconscious but a direct, divinely orchestrated revelation from God. The doubling of this "dream" signifies its extraordinary importance and undeniable truth, distinguishing it from ordinary dreams or human conjectures.
* **Established (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** This primitive root conveys the idea of something being firm, fixed, prepared, or unalterable. When applied to God's actions, it signifies a divine decree that is unchangeable, certain, and already set in motion. The "thing" (H1697, _dâbâr_), or matter, is not merely a possibility but a divinely ordained reality, confirming God's absolute sovereignty over future events. It implies a plan that is not only certain but also prepared and made ready by God Himself.
* **Shortly (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** This word signifies urgency, swiftness, or promptness. It implies that the events foretold in the dream are not for a distant future but are on the immediate horizon. God will "hasten to do it" (as the Hebrew literally suggests), indicating that once the appointed time arrives, the events will unfold without delay. This imparts a sense of immediacy and demands urgent attention and preparation from Pharaoh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice;":** Joseph explains that the repetition of the dream, presenting the same message through two distinct symbolic narratives, is not a coincidence but a deliberate act of divine emphasis. In biblical thought, repetition or the testimony of "two or three witnesses" (as seen in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "The Law of Two or Three Witnesses")) establishes certainty and undeniable truth. Here, God Himself provides the double witness, leaving no room for doubt about the message's veracity and urgency.
* **"it is because the thing [is] established by God,":** This clause highlights the divine origin and unalterable nature of the prophecy. The "thing" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_, meaning "word" or "matter") refers to the impending seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph declares that this future reality is not a random occurrence but a firm decree "established by God." This signifies God's absolute sovereignty and foreknowledge, demonstrating His control over history, nature, and human destiny. What God has purposed, He will bring to pass.
* **"and God will shortly bring it to pass.":** This final clause emphasizes the imminence and swiftness of God's action. The phrase "shortly bring it to pass" (literally, "hastening to do it") conveys that the prophecy is not for a distant future but is on the immediate horizon. It demands urgent attention and preparation, as the events will unfold precisely and without delay once God's appointed time arrives. This divine urgency directly prompts Joseph's subsequent counsel for strategic action and resource management.

#### 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.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Not")

### 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
* **How does the certainty of God's plans, as revealed in this verse, impact your sense of security and trust in Him amidst life's uncertainties?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be "doubling" a message to you, indicating its importance and urgency?**
* **What does it mean for you, practically, to "prepare" for God's established purposes in your life or in the world?**
* **How does the concept of God "shortly bringing it to pass" motivate you to live with greater spiritual intentionality and readiness?**

### 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](/genesis/41-32 "Genesis 41:32 - The Doubled Dream's Meaning").

**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](/genesis/41-32 "Genesis 41:32 - The Certainty of God's Plan") 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](/isaiah/7-14 "Prophecy of the Virgin Birth")), His sinless life, His atoning death (the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His glorious resurrection (as declared in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "Christ's Death and Resurrection"))—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](/revelation/22-7 "Behold, I Am Coming Soon")), 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](/matthew/24-35 "Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Not").

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

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

2 Corinthians 13:1

¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Isaiah 14:24

¶ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:

Isaiah 14:27

For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?