Genesis 41:16

Translations

Modern

“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

Traditional

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

Literal

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will answer Pharaoh with peace.”

Latin

Respondit Joseph: Absque me Deus respondebit prospera Pharaoni.

Original

Hebrew

English

“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

Notes

Genesis 41:16

Joseph knew that only God could explain Pharaoh’s dreams (compare 40:8). He was sure God would reveal their meaning, as the dreams had a purpose (41:25, 28).

Genesis 41:1–46

God had used two dreams to identify Joseph as a leader among his brothers (37:5–11). He used two dreams to test Joseph’s faith in prison (40:5–14). Now God used two more dreams to raise Joseph from prison to a place of high honor and authority.

Joseph had shown that he was faithful in small tasks. Now God would give him responsibility over greater things.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Joseph Pharaoh Symbolic Numbers Visions

Related verses

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
Genesis 40:8
“We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”
Daniel 2:47
The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”
Acts 3:12
And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
Numbers 12:6
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.
Daniel 2:18–23
…urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
Daniel 4:2
I am pleased to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
Acts 3:7
Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
Daniel 2:28–30
But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:
Acts 14:14–15
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting,
2 Kings 6:27
He answered, “If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or the winepress?”

People

Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt Pharaoh: Egyptian ruler during Joseph's time

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Butler Dreams Famine Genesis, Book of Interpreter Jacob Nile River Patriarchs, Period of the Prophecy Wheat

Topics

Dream: Pharaoh Dreams: God the Only Interpreter of Egypt: Israel in Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Pharaoh Humility: Exemplified Humility: Joseph Interpreter of Dreams Joseph: Son of Jacob of Pharaoh Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Humility Prisoners: Joseph Promotion: Joseph, from Imprisoned Slave to Prince Prophets: Inspiration of Servant: Good: Joseph Seven: Years of Abundance For Seven: Years: A Famine Lasted in Egypt For Wisdom of Joseph

Genesis 41:16

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