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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 41:33–45. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The good advice that Joseph gave to Pharaoh, which was, 1. That in the years of plenty he should lay up for the years of famine, buy up corn when it was cheap, that he might both enrich himself and supply the country when it would be dear and scarce. Note, Fair warning should always be followed with good counsel. Therefore the prudent man foresees the evil, that he may hide himself. God has in his word told us of a day of trial and exigence before us, when we shall need all the grace we can get, and all little enough, "Now, therefore, provide accordingly." Note, further, Times of gathering must be diligently improved, because there will come a time of spending. Let us go to the ant, and learn of her this wisdom, Pro 6:6-8. 2. Because that which is everybody's work commonly proves nobody's work, he advises Pharaoh to appoint officers who should make it their business, and to select some one person to preside in the affair, Gen 41:33. Probably, if Joseph had not advised this, it would not have been done; Pharaoh's counsellors could no more improve the dream than his magicians interpret it; therefore it is said of him (Psa 105:22) that he taught the senators wisdom. Hence we may justly infer with Solomon (Ecc 4:13), Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king.
II.The great honour that Pharaoh did to Joseph.
1.He gave him an honourable testimony: He is a man in whom the Spirit of God is; and this puts a great excellency upon any man; such men ought to be valued, Gen 41:38. He is a nonsuch for prudence: There is none so discreet and wise as thou art, Gen 41:39. Now he is abundantly recompensed for the disgrace that had been done him; and his righteousness is as the morning light, Psa 37:6.
2.He put him into an honourable office; not only employed him to buy up corn, but made him prime-minister of state, comptroller of the household - Thou shalt be over my house, chief justice of the kingdom - according to thy word shall all my people be ruled, or armed, as some read it, and then it bespeaks him general of the forces. Him commission was very ample: I have set thee over all the land of Egypt (Gen 41:41); without thee shall no man life up his hand or foot (Gen 41:44); all the affairs of the kingdom must pass through his hand. Nay (Gen 41:40), only in the throne will I be greater than thou. Note, It is the wisdom of princes to prefer those, and the happiness of people to have those preferred, to places of power and trust, in whom the Spirit of God is. It is probable that there were those about the court who opposed Joseph's preferment, which occasioned Pharaoh so often to repeat the grant, and with that solemn sanction (Gen 41:44), I am Pharaoh. When the proposal was made that there should be a corn-master-general nominated, it is said (Gen 41:37), Pharaoh's servants were all pleased with the proposal, each hoping for the place; but when Pharaoh said to them, "Joseph shall be the man," we do not read that they made him any answer, being uneasy at it, and acquiescing only because they could not help it. Joseph had enemies, no doubt, archers that shot at him, and hated him (Gen 49:23), as Daniel, Dan 6:4.
3.He put upon him all the marks of honour imaginable, to recommend him to the esteem and respect of the people as the king's favourite, and one whom he delighted to honour.
(1.)He gave him his own ring, as a ratification of his commission, and in token of peculiar favour; or it was like delivering him the great seal.
(2.)He put fine clothes upon him, instead of his prison garments. For those that are in kings' palaces must wear soft clothing; he that, in the morning, was dragging his fetters of iron, before night was adorned with a chain of gold.
(3.)He made him ride in the second chariot to his own, and ordered all to do homage to him: "Bow the knee, as to Pharaoh himself." (4.) He gave him a new name, to show his authority over him, and yet such a name as bespoke the value he had for him, Zaphnathpaaneah - A revealer of secrets. (5.) He married him honourably to a prince's daughter. Where God had been liberal in giving wisdom and other merits, Pharaoh was not sparing in conferring honours. Now this preferment of Joseph was,
[1.]An abundant recompense for his innocent and patient suffering, a lasting instance of the equity and goodness of Providence, and an encouragement to all good people to trust in a good God.
[2.]It was typical of the exaltation of Christ, that great revealer of secrets (Joh 1:18), or, as some translate Joseph's new name, the Saviour of the world. The brightest glories of the upper world are put upon him, the highest trust is lodged in his hand, and all power is given to him both in heaven and earth. He is gatherer, keeper, and disposer, of all the stores of divine grace, and chief ruler of the kingdom of God among men. The work of minsters is to cry before him, "Bow the knee; kiss the Son."
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Do you see how even Pharaoh realized that these things became clear to Joseph through a revelation from on high? I mean, whom would we find, he is saying, so imbued with grace as to have the spirit of God in him? “He said to Joseph, ‘Since God has revealed all this to you, there is no person more discerning than you.’ ” Consider in this instance how, when the resourceful God wishes to put his decisions into effect, no difficulty can arise from events that occur in the meantime. Witness, for example, the slaughter that nearly occurred, so to say, at the hands of his brothers, the selling, the accusation that led him into the utmost peril, imprisonment for such a long period of time, and how after all this happened to him he was raised, you might almost say, to the royal throne.
[Daniel 2:48] "Then the king elevated Daniel to a high position, and gave him many great gifts and set him up as governor over all the provinces of Babylon..." In this matter also the slanderous critic of the Church has ventured to castigate the prophet because he did not reject the gifts and because he willingly accepted honor of the Babylonians. He fails to consider the fact that it was for this very purpose that the king had beheld the dream and that the secrets of its interpretation were revealed by a mere lad, that Daniel might increase in importance and that in the place of captivity he might become ruler over all the Chaldeans, to the end that the omnipotence of God might be made known. We read that this same thing happened in the case of Joseph at the court of Pharaoh and in Egypt (Genesis 41:38-43), and also in the case of Mordecai at the court of Ahasuerus (Esther 8:1-2). The purpose was that the Jews, as captives and sojourners in each of these nations, might receive encouragement as they beheld men of their own nation constituted as governors over the Egyptians or the Chaldeans, as the case might be.
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Summary
Genesis 41:39 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's life, as Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of his time, profoundly acknowledges Joseph's extraordinary wisdom and discernment. After Joseph accurately interpreted Pharaoh's troubling dreams and presented a comprehensive, divinely inspired strategy to mitigate an impending global famine, Pharaoh declared that Joseph's unparalleled insight originated directly from God. This declaration not only validated Joseph's prophetic gift but also immediately elevated him from a prisoner to the second-highest position in Egypt, showcasing God's sovereign orchestration to preserve His covenant people.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 41:39 is the climax of a dramatic narrative arc within Joseph's life story, following years of unjust suffering, first as a slave sold by his brothers and then as a prisoner in Egypt. The preceding verses detail Pharaoh's disturbing dreams of seven fat cows consumed by seven lean cows, and seven full ears of grain devoured by seven thin, scorched ears. When none of Egypt's wise men or magicians could interpret these dreams, Joseph was brought from prison, having previously interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40:8). Joseph's consistent and humble attribution of all interpretive ability to God alone (Genesis 41:16) sets the stage for Pharaoh's profound recognition in this verse. Pharaoh's declaration immediately precedes Joseph's dramatic promotion and the practical implementation of his famine-preparedness plan.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was a highly structured, polytheistic society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine king, a living god. Dreams were taken seriously as potential messages from the gods, and their interpretation was a specialized skill often attributed to priests or magicians. For Pharaoh to be so deeply troubled by dreams that he sought outside counsel, and then to publicly acknowledge the God of a Hebrew slave as the source of superior wisdom, was an extraordinary and unprecedented event. This highlights the immense pressure Pharaoh felt and the undeniable clarity of Joseph's interpretation and proposed solution, which resonated with practical necessity in an agrarian society dependent on the Nile's annual inundation.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of Divine Providence, demonstrating God's meticulous and sovereign control over all circumstances, even the decisions of pagan rulers, to fulfill His purposes. It exemplifies the theme of God's Exaltation of the Humble, as Joseph, though unjustly imprisoned, is suddenly elevated to a position of immense power. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of Divine Wisdom and Revelation, asserting that true wisdom and understanding come directly from God, as evidenced by Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and devise a national strategy that no human could replicate. This divine wisdom is not merely intellectual but also profoundly practical, as seen in Joseph's detailed counsel for famine preparedness (Genesis 41:33-36).
Exposition and Analysis
In Genesis 41:39, Pharaoh's declaration regarding Joseph is a profound acknowledgment of divine intervention and human excellence. His words are not merely praise but a public testimony to the source of Joseph's extraordinary capabilities.
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H3045) means "to know" (properly, to ascertain by seeing), but also extends to "making known," "instructing," or "designating." When Pharaoh says God "hath shewed" Joseph all this, he is acknowledging that God has revealed, instructed, or made known these deep insights and future events to Joseph. It implies a direct, divine impartation of knowledge, far beyond human reasoning or natural observation.
This primitive root (H995) signifies "to separate mentally" or "to distinguish," leading to the broader meaning of "to understand," "discern," "be prudent," or "have intelligence." Pharaoh's use of this word highlights Joseph's profound intellectual capacity to grasp the deep meaning of the dreams and their far-reaching implications, demonstrating a discerning intelligence that could separate truth from confusion and understand complex realities.
Derived from the root (H2450) meaning "to be wise," this term refers to practical skill, insight, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. It encompasses not just intellectual understanding but also the practical acumen to devise and implement a workable solution. Pharaoh's recognition of Joseph as "wise" points to his administrative genius, evident in his detailed plan for storing and distributing grain, which was not merely an interpretation but a comprehensive, actionable strategy for national survival.
Verse Breakdown
"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,"
This opening clause establishes the speaker and the recipient, emphasizing the direct and authoritative nature of Pharaoh's address. It highlights the dramatic shift in Joseph's status, as the most powerful man in Egypt is now speaking directly to a former prisoner, seeking his counsel.
"Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this,"
This is the crucial theological statement. Pharaoh, a polytheistic ruler, attributes Joseph's extraordinary insight and foresight not to Joseph's own intellect or to Egyptian deities, but explicitly to "God" (אֱלֹהִים, ʼĕlôhîym). This acknowledges a divine source for Joseph's wisdom, recognizing that the comprehensive understanding of the dreams and the practical solution proposed were beyond human capability and could only come from a higher power.
"[there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:"
This declaration is Pharaoh's profound commendation of Joseph's unique abilities. It asserts Joseph's unparalleled intellectual discernment ("discreet," bîyn) and practical administrative skill ("wise," châkâm). This statement underscores Joseph's exceptional qualification for the task ahead, making it clear that his wisdom was not merely theoretical but profoundly practical and unmatched by anyone else in Egypt.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Divine Attribution, where Pharaoh, a pagan monarch, explicitly credits Joseph's wisdom to "God" (Elohim). This is significant as it demonstrates God's power to reveal Himself even to those outside the covenant and to work through unexpected channels. The phrase "none so discreet and wise as thou art" serves as Hyperbole or Exaggeration, emphasizing the absolute and unparalleled nature of Joseph's wisdom in Pharaoh's eyes. This rhetorical device underscores the dramatic impact Joseph's divine insight had on the ruler, elevating him above all others. Furthermore, the entire scene is rich with Dramatic Irony, as the audience knows Joseph's journey from pit to prison, and now witnesses his sudden, divinely orchestrated exaltation, fulfilling earlier prophetic dreams through seemingly adverse circumstances.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 41:39 stands as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating that true wisdom and understanding are divine gifts. It illustrates God's sovereign ability to elevate and use His chosen instruments, even from the most unlikely circumstances, to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Pharaoh's recognition of God's hand in Joseph's wisdom underscores the universal reach of God's power and revelation, capable of impressing truth upon the hearts of even pagan rulers for the sake of His overarching plan. This moment highlights that God's wisdom is not merely intellectual but profoundly practical, enabling His servants to navigate complex challenges and provide solutions that preserve life.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 41:39 offers profound encouragement for believers today. Joseph's journey, marked by betrayal, slavery, and unjust imprisonment, culminates in a moment of divine vindication and unparalleled elevation. This reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and He can use even the most challenging circumstances to prepare us for His greater purposes. Like Joseph, we are called to live with integrity, humility, and faithfulness, consistently attributing our gifts, successes, and opportunities to God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all wisdom and provision. This passage challenges us to be ready to serve when God opens a door, utilizing our God-given talents and discerning wisdom to bless others and bring glory to His name, even in environments that may seem hostile or secular. In all of life's complexities, we are encouraged to seek God's wisdom diligently, trusting that He will generously provide the discernment needed for every situation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How did Pharaoh, a pagan ruler, recognize the God of Joseph?
Pharaoh's recognition was primarily pragmatic and undeniable. The accuracy of Joseph's dream interpretation, which precisely foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine, was beyond human capability. Furthermore, Joseph's proposed administrative solution (Genesis 41:33-36) was so comprehensive and wise that it surpassed anything Pharaoh's own advisors could offer. Joseph consistently pointed to God as the source of his wisdom, making it clear that this was not his own doing (Genesis 41:16). God, in His sovereignty, can impress His truth upon anyone, even those who do not yet fully know Him, to accomplish His purposes and demonstrate His power.
What is the significance of Joseph being called "discreet and wise"?
The Hebrew terms used, bîyn (discreet/discerning) and châkâm (wise/skillful), highlight Joseph's comprehensive and divinely-sourced abilities. Bîyn refers to his profound intellectual understanding and discernment, enabling him to grasp the deep meaning of the dreams and their far-reaching implications for the nation. Châkâm denotes his practical skill and administrative genius, evident in his ability to devise a concrete, actionable plan for national survival. This combination signifies that God's wisdom is not merely theoretical but profoundly practical, equipping His servants with both insight and the ability to apply that insight effectively for the benefit of others.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joseph's exaltation in Genesis 41:39, based on his divinely-granted wisdom and ability to save a nation from famine, serves as a profound type of Jesus Christ. Joseph, though innocent, suffered immensely through betrayal and unjust imprisonment, only to be elevated by God to a position of unparalleled authority to preserve life. Similarly, Jesus Christ, the perfectly innocent Lamb of God, endured suffering, death, and burial, only to be exalted by God to the highest position, becoming the ultimate deliverer who saves not just a nation from physical famine, but all humanity from eternal spiritual death and separation from God. Christ is the very wisdom of God incarnate (1 Corinthians 1:24), the ultimate interpreter of God's will and plan for salvation, and the one through whom all creation is sustained and redeemed. Joseph's divinely granted wisdom and his role as a preserver of physical life point forward to Jesus, the true and greater Joseph, who, through His perfect wisdom, sacrifice, and resurrection, provides eternal sustenance and salvation for all who believe in Him.