Genesis 41:39

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:

And Pharaoh {H6547} said {H559} unto Joseph {H3130}, Forasmuch {H310} as God {H430} hath shewed {H3045} thee all this, there is none so discreet {H995} and wise {H2450} as thou art:

So Pharaoh said to Yosef, "Since God has shown you all this - there is no one as discerning and wise as you -

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, โ€œSince God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou:

Commentary

Context

Genesis 41:39 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, following his years of suffering as a slave and prisoner in Egypt. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, had been troubled by two enigmatic dreams that none of his wise men or magicians could interpret. Joseph, brought from prison due to his proven ability to interpret dreams (see Genesis 40:8), revealed that the dreams foretold seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine across all the land. Crucially, Joseph attributed the interpretations not to himself, but to God (Genesis 41:16). This verse captures Pharaoh's profound realization and immediate response to Joseph's divinely inspired wisdom and practical counsel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wisdom and Discernment: Pharaoh's declaration explicitly acknowledges that Joseph's extraordinary wisdom and insight come directly from God. This highlights God as the ultimate source of true understanding and the ability to navigate complex situations. Joseph's "discreet" nature (Hebrew: nabon, meaning discerning or intelligent) and "wise" (Hebrew: chakham, meaning skillful or insightful) qualities were not inherent but divinely bestowed.
  • God's Sovereignty and Providence: Even in a pagan court, God's hand is undeniable. Pharaoh, a polytheistic ruler, recognized the power of the One True God at work through Joseph. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over nations and leaders, orchestrating events to fulfill His greater plan, which included preserving His people through the coming famine.
  • Exaltation of the Humble: This verse foreshadows Joseph's dramatic elevation from prisoner to second-in-command over all of Egypt. It illustrates how God can lift up those who are faithful and humble, using their gifts for His glory and the benefit of many, even through unexpected channels.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "discreet and wise" uses two significant Hebrew words. "Discreet" translates nabon (ื ึธื‘ื•ึนืŸ), which means "understanding," "intelligent," or "discerning." It speaks to Joseph's ability to comprehend the deeper meaning of Pharaoh's dreams and the implications for the future. "Wise" translates chakham (ื—ึธื›ึธื), referring to practical skill, insight, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. Together, these terms convey a comprehensive wisdom that encompasses both intellectual understanding and practical administrative ability, making Joseph uniquely qualified for the task ahead.

Related Scriptures

Pharaoh's acknowledgment that "God hath shewed thee all this" resonates with the biblical principle that all true wisdom comes from above. As James 1:5 states, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Joseph's unique gift of dream interpretation and foresight, as seen in his detailed counsel to Pharaoh in Genesis 41:33-36, was a direct manifestation of this divine wisdom.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:39 reminds us that God can use anyone, in any circumstance, to fulfill His purposes. Joseph's story encourages believers to:

  • Trust in God's Timing: Joseph waited many years in obscurity, but God's plan unfolded perfectly.
  • Attribute Success to God: Like Joseph, we should always acknowledge God as the source of our abilities, wisdom, and opportunities.
  • Be Prepared to Serve: When God opens a door, be ready to use your God-given talents and wisdom to serve others and bring Him glory, even in unexpected and challenging environments.
  • Seek Divine Wisdom: In facing life's challenges, we should pray for and rely on God's wisdom and discernment, knowing He is willing to provide it generously.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 41:33 (5 votes)

    ยถ Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

  • Genesis 41:28 (5 votes)

    This [is] the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God [is] about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.

  • Genesis 41:25 (4 votes)

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

  • Genesis 41:16 (3 votes)

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