Genesis 41:16 kjv

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

Genesis 41:16 nkjv

So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace."

Genesis 41:16 niv

"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

Genesis 41:16 esv

Joseph answered Pharaoh, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer."

Genesis 41:16 nlt

"It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied. "But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease."

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 16 Meaning

Joseph's response to Pharaoh unequivocally states that the ability to interpret dreams does not originate from human capability but directly from God. He clarifies that God alone possesses the power and wisdom to provide a revelation, which Joseph delivers as a conduit. The "answer of peace" signifies that this divine interpretation will not merely be an explanation but a comprehensive, beneficial solution bringing well-being, wholeness, and resolution to Pharaoh and Egypt.

Genesis 41 16 Context

Genesis 41:16 occurs during a critical moment in Joseph's life and the narrative of Israel. Pharaoh has summoned Joseph from prison, having heard of his ability to interpret dreams, particularly after his own wise men and magicians failed to provide answers to his two unsettling dreams. Pharaoh directly tells Joseph in the preceding verse (Gen 41:15), "I have heard of you, that when you hear a dream, you can interpret it." Joseph's response in verse 16 is a direct answer to this assertion of his personal interpretive prowess. Historically, Egyptian society deeply engaged in dream interpretation, viewing it often as a skill practiced by priests or magicians through human art and pagan deity consultation. Joseph's statement sharply contrasts with this prevailing polytheistic belief system, implicitly polemicizing against the self-exalting, man-centered wisdom of Egypt by attributing all interpretative power solely to the God of Israel. It sets the stage for a divine revelation that transcends human ability and idolatrous practices.

Genesis 41 16 Word analysis

• And Joseph answered Pharaoh: Joseph (יוֹסֵף, Yosef) responds directly and promptly to Pharaoh's summons and implicit expectation. His response is not hesitant but confident, born of faith.
• saying: (לֵאמֹר, lē’mor) This introductory particle signifies that the following words are a direct, significant declaration, drawing attention to the verbal content of Joseph's response.
• It is not in me: (בִּלְעָדַי, bil‘aday, 'without me' or 'apart from me'). This phrase constitutes a profound and immediate denial of any inherent personal ability or self-reliance concerning dream interpretation. Joseph utterly disclaims individual prowess, humbling himself before God and man. This declaration underscores his faith that any power or insight he might possess is not his own.
• God: (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) While Elohim is a general term for God, in Joseph's mouth, it specifically refers to Yahweh, the one true God, God of his fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His use of this name in Pharaoh's pagan court is a bold theological statement, proclaiming that the source of true revelation is distinct from Egyptian deities and magic. It subtly establishes monotheism's claim over polytheism.
• shall give Pharaoh: (יַעֲנֶה אֶת־פַּרְעֹה, ya‘aneh ’et-par‘oh, 'will answer Pharaoh'). God is explicitly identified as the active agent. The verb "shall give" (or "will answer") emphasizes God's sovereign initiative. Joseph portrays himself not as the interpreter, but as a vessel through whom God will speak directly to the king.
• an answer of peace: (שָׁלוֹם, shalom). This phrase is highly significant. Shalom goes far beyond merely "peace" in a superficial sense. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, health, and a state of divinely-ordained order. The interpretation God will provide through Joseph will not only clarify the dreams' meaning but will also offer a constructive, beneficial solution leading to the welfare and prosperity of Egypt, bringing order out of potential chaos, thus demonstrating God's good purposes.
• Words-group Analysis: "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace." This entire statement serves as Joseph's fundamental declaration of utter dependence on God. It stands in stark contrast to the human pride and reliance on magical arts typical of Egyptian court diviners. Joseph's statement redirects all glory from himself to the divine source, preemptively ensuring that when the accurate interpretation is given, the credit for Egypt's salvation from famine will be attributed solely to God.

Genesis 41 16 Bonus section

Joseph's statement here is a testament to his spiritual maturity forged through years of trial and suffering. It highlights a core biblical principle: humility precedes exaltation (Luke 14:11; 1 Pet 5:6). His steadfast witness of Yahweh in a powerful pagan land not only serves as a remarkable prophetic act but also foreshadows the call for God's people to represent divine truth in a hostile world. Joseph's stance here directly relates to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan, showing how God works through seemingly insignificant and suffering individuals who acknowledge His supremacy, to bring about deliverance for His purposes and for the benefit of all. This event illustrates the clash between the spiritual realm and worldly wisdom, where true divine wisdom, mediated through a humble servant, ultimately proves superior to all human knowledge and magic.

Genesis 41 16 Commentary

Joseph's response in Genesis 41:16 is a pivotal moment that encapsulates profound theological truth. Confronted by Pharaoh's expectation of human skill, Joseph's immediate and unequivocal denial of personal ability ("It is not in me") demonstrates radical humility and complete self-renunciation. He deflects all potential glory from himself and redirects it to the rightful source: God. This is not false modesty but an authentic expression of his unwavering faith and his consistent witness (recall Gen 40:8). By declaring, "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace," Joseph establishes himself not as an interpreter by personal gift, but as a humble instrument and vessel through whom God’s sovereign power and divine wisdom will be manifested. The promised "answer of peace" (shalom) highlights God's benevolent character, ensuring that the revelation will lead to a solution bringing well-being and wholeness for the kingdom. Joseph’s integrity, faithfulness, and God-centered perspective at the lowest point of his life position him to be God's chosen agent for great deliverance.