Genesis 41:37

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

And the thing {H1697} was good {H3190} in the eyes {H5869} of Pharaoh {H6547}, and in the eyes {H5869} of all his servants {H5650}.

The proposal seemed good both to Pharaoh and to all his officials.

This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials.

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

Commentary

Context

Genesis 41:37 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Prior to this verse, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, had experienced two disturbing dreams that none of his wise men or magicians could interpret. Joseph, who had been unjustly imprisoned, was called before Pharaoh at the recommendation of the chief butler, whose own dream Joseph had accurately interpreted years earlier. Joseph, attributing all wisdom to God, not himself, proceeded to interpret Pharaoh's dreams as foretelling seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine across all the land. He then proposed a practical and comprehensive plan for Egypt to store grain during the years of plenty to survive the coming scarcity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wisdom and Foresight: The "thing" that was good in Pharaoh's eyes was Joseph's interpretation and, more importantly, his strategic plan for famine preparedness. This counsel was not merely human ingenuity but divinely inspired wisdom, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in human affairs.
  • Providential Guidance: This verse highlights God's intricate providence. He used Joseph's suffering and imprisonment to position him precisely where he could be elevated to a position of power, not only saving Egypt but also ultimately preserving the nascent nation of Israel, Joseph's family (compare with Genesis 50:20).
  • Effective Leadership and Administration: Pharaoh's approval underscores the sound, practical, and logical nature of Joseph's proposed administrative solution. It was a plan that made sense even to a secular ruler concerned with the welfare of his kingdom.
  • Favor and Approval: The unanimous agreement of Pharaoh and his servants signifies a dramatic shift in Joseph's fortunes. From being a forgotten prisoner, he gains immediate and overwhelming favor, paving the way for his rapid promotion.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "good" is แนญลwแธ‡ (ื˜ึนื•ื‘), which carries a broad range of meanings including pleasing, agreeable, beneficial, prosperous, and morally right. In this context, it signifies that Joseph's proposal was not just acceptable but was seen as profoundly beneficial and the correct course of action for the impending crisis. It suggests a complete endorsement of Joseph's insight and plan.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:37 reminds us that God often works through unexpected channels to achieve His purposes. Joseph's story teaches us:

  • God uses faithful individuals: Even in adversity, faithfulness to God can lead to divine elevation and impact far beyond our immediate circumstances.
  • Wisdom is valued: God-given wisdom, characterized by foresight and practical solutions, is highly valued, even by those outside the faith, and can open doors to influence. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
  • Preparation is prudent: The principle of preparing for future challenges, whether personal or societal, is affirmed by Joseph's example.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 7:10 (3 votes)

    And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

  • Proverbs 10:20 (2 votes)

    ยถ The tongue of the just [is as] choice silver: the heart of the wicked [is] little worth.

  • 2 Samuel 3:36 (2 votes)

    And all the people took notice [of it], and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.

  • Joshua 22:30 (2 votes)

    ยถ And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which [were] with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.

  • Proverbs 25:11 (2 votes)

    ยถ A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

  • 1 Kings 21:2 (2 votes)

    And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it [is] near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; [or], if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.

  • Psalms 105:19 (2 votes)

    Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.