Keraia
Genesis 41

Genesis 41:36

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams · Genesis 41:14–36
Read Genesis 41

Translations

Modern
This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.”
Traditional
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.
Literal
…and the food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine that shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not be cut off by the famine.”
Latin
Et præparetur futuræ septem annorum fami, quæ oppressura est Ægyptum, et non consumetur terra inopia.

Original

Hebrew
English
This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.”

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

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 Servant: Good: Joseph Wisdom of Joseph