What number verse is Genesis 41:42 in the Bible?

Genesis 41:42 is the 1,238th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 41:42 sits at position 1,238.

Translation

King James Version

And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh ^H6547 took off ^H5493 his ring ^H2885 from his hand ^H3027, and put ^H5414 it upon Joseph's ^H3130 hand ^H3027, and arrayed ^H3847 him in vestures ^H899 of fine linen ^H8336, and put ^H7760 a gold ^H2091 chain ^H7242 about his neck ^H6677;

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Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Yosef's hand, had him clothed in fine linen with a gold chain around his neck

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Berean Standard Bible

Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.

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American Standard Version

And Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

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World English Bible Messianic

Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And Pharaoh tooke off his ring from his hand, and put it vpon Iosephs hand, and arayed him in garments of fine linnen, and put a golden cheyne about his necke.

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Young's Literal Translation

And Pharaoh turneth aside his seal-ring from off his hand, and putteth it on the hand of Joseph, and clotheth him with garments of fine linen, and placeth a chain of gold on his neck,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 41:42 vividly portrays the dramatic and divinely orchestrated elevation of Joseph from prisoner to vizier of Egypt. Pharaoh's bestowal of his signet ring, vestures of fine linen, and a gold chain were not mere ceremonial gestures but potent symbols of a complete transfer of authority and trust. This act publicly confirmed Joseph's appointment as the second-most powerful man in the land, entrusted with the immense responsibility of managing the nation's welfare during the impending years of plenty and famine, marking a profound reversal of his fortunes and a testament to God's sovereign plan.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is the climactic moment in the narrative of Joseph's rise to power, immediately following his miraculous interpretation of Pharaoh's perplexing dreams. In Genesis 41:1-36, Pharaoh recounts his dreams of fat and lean cows, and full and blighted ears of corn, which Joseph interprets as seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph not only interprets the dreams but also offers a practical, divinely inspired strategy for managing the crisis, advising Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the collection and storage of grain. Recognizing the Spirit of God within Joseph and the wisdom of his counsel, Pharaoh immediately elevates Joseph, bypassing all his own advisors and magicians. Verse 42 details the tangible, public symbols of this unprecedented promotion, setting the stage for Joseph's subsequent administrative actions detailed in Genesis 41:46-57.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was considered a divine ruler, and his word was law. The act of bestowing a signet ring, royal garments, and a gold chain upon an individual was a formal, public investiture, signifying the highest level of delegated authority and honor. The signet ring was crucial for authenticating official documents and decrees, making the wearer's word as binding as the pharaoh's. Fine linen (Hebrew: shesh) was a luxurious and expensive fabric, often reserved for royalty, priests, and high-ranking officials, symbolizing purity, status, and dignity. The gold chain or collar (rabiyd) was a common insignia of honor and distinction, awarded for exceptional service or as a symbol of high office, publicly displaying the wearer's favor with the monarch. These symbols communicated to the entire Egyptian court and populace that Joseph was now the vizier, the chief minister, second only to Pharaoh himself, a position of immense power and responsibility in a highly stratified society.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Providence, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events, even through human means, to fulfill His purposes. Joseph's journey from pit to prison to palace is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to exalt the humble in His perfect timing. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Wisdom and Discernment, showcasing how Joseph's divinely given ability to interpret dreams and offer sound administrative counsel led to his unprecedented promotion. Pharaoh recognized that Joseph possessed a wisdom beyond human capacity, a clear indication of God's presence. Thirdly, the verse signifies the theme of Reversal of Fortune, a recurring motif in Genesis, where God transforms seemingly hopeless situations into triumphs, demonstrating His redemptive power and bringing good out of evil, as Joseph himself would later declare in Genesis 50:20.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

The investiture of Joseph, as described in Genesis 41:42, is a moment of profound significance, transforming his identity and role through a series of symbolic actions. Pharaoh's deliberate acts were not merely ceremonial but legally binding and culturally understood declarations of Joseph's new, exalted status.

Key Word Analysis

ring (Hebrew, ṭabbaʻath', H2885): From an unused root meaning to seal (as sunk into the wax), this term refers to a signet ring. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a signet ring was a powerful symbol of authority, used to authenticate documents, decrees, and official pronouncements. By giving Joseph his own signet ring, Pharaoh effectively delegated his royal authority, empowering Joseph to act on his behalf and issue commands that carried the full weight of the king's word.
arrayed (Hebrew, lâbash', H3847): A primitive root meaning to wrap around or put on a garment. This word signifies the act of clothing someone, literally or figuratively. In this context, it marks a dramatic change in Joseph's outward appearance and, by extension, his social and political status. He was clothed in the garments of a high official, removing the rags of a prisoner and publicly declaring his new, dignified identity.
gold (Hebrew, zâhâb', H2091): From an unused root meaning to shimmer, this term refers to the precious metal gold, often used figuratively to describe something gold-colored or yellow. Here, it describes the material of the chain placed around Joseph's neck. Gold was a symbol of wealth, power, and high status in ancient Egypt, and an ornament made of gold further accentuated Joseph's elevated rank and the immense favor he had found with Pharaoh.

Verse Breakdown

"And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand": This initial action is the most significant transfer of power. Pharaoh's signet ring was the ultimate emblem of his authority. By removing it from his own hand and placing it on Joseph's, Pharaoh publicly and unequivocally delegated his executive power to Joseph. This meant Joseph could now issue decrees, sign official documents, and command the kingdom with the same legal force as Pharaoh himself. It signified absolute trust and the highest possible delegation of administrative authority.
"and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen": This act represents a complete change in Joseph's social standing and public identity. "Fine linen" (Hebrew: shesh) was a luxurious, expensive fabric worn by Egyptian royalty, priests, and high-ranking officials, symbolizing purity, honor, and elevated status. Joseph, who had been clothed in the humble garments of a slave and then the prison uniform, was now dressed in the attire of a chief minister, a visible declaration to all that his former status was gone and he was now a man of dignity and immense importance.
"and put a gold chain about his neck;": The gold chain (Hebrew: râbîyd) was an insignia of honor and distinction, often awarded for exceptional service or as a mark of royal favor. It was a public display of the wearer's high rank and the monarch's approval. This final adornment solidified Joseph's position as a favored and highly esteemed official, a visible testament to his unique standing in the pharaoh's court and his authority over the nation.

Literary Devices

The passage is rich in Symbolism, where each item bestowed upon Joseph carries profound meaning beyond its literal form. The signet ring symbolizes delegated authority and the power to act on behalf of the king. The fine linen garments symbolize a radical change in status, purity, and honor, marking Joseph's transition from prisoner to prince. The gold chain symbolizes royal favor, high distinction, and public recognition of his elevated rank. The narrative also employs Dramatic Reversal, showcasing Joseph's sudden and complete transformation from the lowest point of imprisonment to the pinnacle of power, highlighting God's ability to orchestrate unexpected outcomes. This reversal underscores the Irony of Joseph's situation, as those who intended him harm (his brothers, Potiphar's wife) inadvertently contributed to the very circumstances that led to his exaltation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 41:42 is a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over human affairs and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Joseph's dramatic elevation demonstrates that God can use even the most unjust and dire circumstances to bring about His divine purposes. His suffering and imprisonment were not wasted but were integral to preparing him for this moment of leadership, which would ultimately save not only Egypt but also his own family, preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come. This passage underscores the principle that true promotion comes from the Lord, who brings low and lifts up, and that faithfulness in adversity is often a precursor to divine exaltation.

Psalm 75:6-7 - "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
1 Peter 5:6 - "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Joseph's story, culminating in his investiture in Genesis 41:42, offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate unwavering trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan, even when our circumstances seem bleak or unjust. Joseph's faithfulness, integrity, and diligence, whether as a slave, a prisoner, or a dream interpreter, highlight the importance of serving God faithfully in every season of life, knowing that He sees our hidden obedience and prepares us for greater responsibilities. His dramatic reversal of fortune reminds us that God is able to lift up those who humble themselves before Him, demonstrating that true honor and promotion come from His hand. We are encouraged to embrace our trials as opportunities for God to refine us and to prepare us for the unique purposes He has for our lives, trusting that He is always working for our good and His glory.

Questions for Reflection

How does Joseph's journey from suffering to exaltation challenge your perspective on trials and setbacks in your own life?
In what ways can you demonstrate faithfulness and integrity in your current circumstances, regardless of how insignificant they may seem?
How does this passage encourage you to trust God's timing for promotion or breakthrough, rather than striving in your own strength?

FAQ

What was the significance of the items Pharaoh gave Joseph?

Answer: The items Pharaoh gave Joseph—his signet ring, fine linen garments, and a gold chain—were not merely gifts but profoundly significant symbols of delegated authority, honor, and trust in ancient Egyptian culture. The signet ring (Hebrew: ṭabbaʻath) granted Joseph the power to issue decrees and authenticate documents with the full legal authority of the king, making his word as binding as Pharaoh's. The fine linen (Hebrew: shesh) signified his elevated status and purity, distinguishing him from a prisoner and publicly identifying him as a high-ranking official. The gold chain (Hebrew: râbîyd) was an insignia of high office and royal favor, a visible testament to his unique position and the immense trust placed in him. Together, these items constituted a public investiture, proclaiming Joseph as the vizier, the second most powerful man in Egypt, fully empowered to act on Pharaoh's behalf and manage the entire nation.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Joseph's journey from the pit of betrayal and imprisonment to the pinnacle of power, where he became the savior of his people and the world from famine, serves as a remarkable type of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was unjustly rejected by His own people, sold for a price, and suffered immensely, enduring the ultimate humiliation of the cross. Yet, in God's perfect timing, He was dramatically exalted, not by an earthly king, but by God the Father, who gave Him "all power in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18) and bestowed upon Him "a name which is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). Just as Joseph provided physical bread to save Egypt and his family from starvation, Christ, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, became the "bread of life" (John 6:35) and the ultimate provider, saving humanity from spiritual death and eternal famine, and becoming the Lord of all, to whom "every knee should bow" (Philippians 2:10).

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Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 33–45

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

34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.

35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

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

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

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."

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 33–45. Public domain.

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Ambrose of MilanAD 397

On Joseph the Patriarch

Therefore, I believe that Joseph deserved the more mystical rewards because he spoke of mysteries. For what does the ring inserted on his finger mean, if not that the priesthood of faith was bestowed upon him, so that he might mark others himself? What does the stole, which is the garment of wisdom, mean, if not the tribute given to him by the heavenly king, the principality of prudence? The golden torque also seems to express good understanding. The chariot, likewise, signifies the lofty peak of merits.

JeromeAD 420

St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER TWO

[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.

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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Cross-References

Daniel 5:29
Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Esther 3:10
And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
Esther 8:2
And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
Daniel 5:16
And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Esther 8:10
And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:
Esther 8:15
¶ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.