Genesis 41:33

Translations

Modern

Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt.

Traditional

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

Literal

And now, let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

Latin

Nunc ergo provideat rex virum sapientem et industrium, et præficiat eum terræ Ægypti:

Original

Hebrew

English

Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt.

Notes

Genesis 41:33–36

God’s message required a response. It was not given just to satisfy curiosity about the future. Joseph’s advice showed that he was wise and able to plan well. This is why Pharaoh chose him to lead (41:37–40).
Joseph set up a system to store food. He placed one main leader over the work and local leaders in each area. He collected one-fifth (20 percent) of the grain and stored it for future needs. Later, wisdom literature (see study note on 37:2–50:26) teaches the same idea: plan for the future instead of living only for the present (see Proverbs 6:6–8; 27:12).

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 Famine Symbolic Numbers Visions

Related verses

Genesis 41:39
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.
Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
Daniel 4:27
Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”
Deuteronomy 1:13
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
Exodus 18:19–22
Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him.

People

Pharaoh: Egyptian ruler during Joseph's time

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

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

Topics

Dream: Pharaoh Economics: Political Egypt: Israel in Joseph Counsels Pharaoh Government: Paternal Functions of Joseph: Son of Jacob of Pharaoh Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Wisdom Prisoners: Joseph Promotion: Joseph, from Imprisoned Slave to Prince Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Rulers: Character and Qualifications of Servant: Good: Joseph Wisdom of Joseph

Genesis 41:33

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