Genesis 41:28 kjv

This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh.

Genesis 41:28 nkjv

This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.

Genesis 41:28 niv

"It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do.

Genesis 41:28 esv

It is as I told Pharaoh; God has shown to Pharaoh what he is about to do.

Genesis 41:28 nlt

"This will happen just as I have described it, for God has revealed to Pharaoh in advance what he is about to do.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 28 Meaning

This verse states Joseph's direct interpretation of Pharaoh's troubling dreams, affirming that the dreams are a revelation from God about future events. It means that what God has purposed to bring about concerning Egypt’s prosperity and impending famine, He has shown to Pharaoh, making the king aware of divine action that is imminent and certain.

Genesis 41 28 Context

Genesis chapter 41 details Joseph’s miraculous ascent from prison to second-in-command of Egypt. Pharaoh had two unsettling dreams – one of seven fat cows eaten by seven lean cows, and another of seven full ears of grain consumed by seven thin, blighted ears. Unable to find an interpretation from any of Egypt's wise men or magicians, the chief butler remembers Joseph’s interpretive skill. Joseph is immediately brought before Pharaoh. Crucially, before interpreting, Joseph declares, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer" (Gen 41:16). Genesis 41:28 then serves as Joseph's reaffirmation within his comprehensive interpretation: the dreams are one, divinely given message from the true God, revealing what He is actively purposing and bringing about in the land of Egypt – seven years of abundant harvests followed by seven years of severe famine. Historically, ancient Egyptian culture deeply respected dreams as divine messages, and their economy was entirely dependent on the Nile’s flooding, making a famine of such scale an existential threat. Joseph’s interpretation and subsequent counsel for preparation would thus have been incredibly significant to Pharaoh and the nation. This episode highlights God's sovereign control over nations and natural phenomena, demonstrating His power over all human wisdom and pagan deities.

Genesis 41 28 Word analysis

• "This": Refers to the specific, precise interpretation Joseph is about to provide or has just begun to provide concerning Pharaoh's dreams. It underscores the definite nature and certainty of the divine message.
• "is the thing" (דָּבָר - dâvâr): In Hebrew, dâvâr is more than just a "thing"; it can mean a word, matter, affair, event, or even a prophecy. Here, it conveys the substantive, factual, and divinely decreed nature of the matter. It's the central truth or message being communicated. It is definite, emphasizing a pre-determined reality.
• "which I have spoken unto Pharaoh": Joseph asserts clarity and consistency, reiterating that this is the core of his message. It signifies his conviction in the truth of his interpretation, emphasizing that this revelation comes through him but not from him.
• "what God" (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim): This is a direct, singular reference to the supreme Creator God. In Pharaoh's court, surrounded by polytheism, Joseph intentionally attributes the dreams and their interpretation not to any of Egypt's numerous gods or magical forces, but to the God, implicitly highlighting His omnipotence and unique authority over all creation. It’s a profound theological statement.
• "is about to do" (עֹשֶׂה - ‘ōseh): This present participle indicates an immediate, active, and definite intention. God is not merely foretelling an event that might happen, but actively orchestrating and bringing it into existence. It conveys divine agency and unwavering purpose in the unfolding future events for Egypt.
• "He hath showed" (הִגִּיד - higgîd): This word from the root NGD (naga) means "to declare," "make known," or "reveal." It emphasizes God's sovereign act of disclosure. This knowledge is not gleaned by human ingenuity or magical arts but is a direct, divinely imparted revelation of His counsel.
• "unto Pharaoh": This emphasizes the direct recipient of this significant revelation. Despite Pharaoh being a pagan king, God sovereignly chooses to reveal His plans directly to him through Joseph, not merely for Pharaoh's sake, but for the good of Egypt and, ultimately, to further His overarching redemptive plan for the nation of Israel.

• "This is the thing...unto Pharaoh": This phrase marks the formal beginning of Joseph's interpretation, clearly stating its origin and purpose. It declares the divine authority and veracity behind his words.
• "what God is about to do He hath showed unto Pharaoh": This is the crux of the verse. It declares God's foreknowledge, sovereignty, and active involvement in shaping history. God is not distant but intimately involved in earthly affairs, revealing His future actions to those whom He chooses. This also implies God's purposefulness – He reveals not just to inform, but to allow for a response and preparation, fitting into His larger providence.

Genesis 41 28 Bonus section

• The "word" (davar) in the Hebrew context is often pregnant with active, creative power, reflecting God's "let there be" in Genesis 1. Thus, "the thing" revealed is not just information but a definite, pre-ordained reality God is bringing to pass.
• The dramatic contrast between the impotence of Pharaoh's magicians and Joseph’s reliance on the true God establishes a clear polemic, underscoring the supremacy of Israel's God over all pagan systems. This scene is a subtle yet profound demonstration of Yahweh's unparalleled power.
• This specific revelation about the famine and subsequent plenty directly aligns with God's overarching covenant with Abraham, setting the stage for the descent of Jacob's family into Egypt and their later preservation, ensuring the continuation of the chosen lineage and the unfolding of salvation history.

Genesis 41 28 Commentary

Genesis 41:28 stands as a foundational statement in Joseph’s interpretation, powerfully attributing Pharaoh's dreams and their meaning directly to God. It underpins the entire narrative that follows, emphasizing not Joseph's cleverness, but God's omniscience and omnipotence. This verse serves as a crucial theological assertion in a pagan context, positioning Elohim as the ultimate Revealer of secrets and Controller of destiny, far superior to any human wisdom or Egyptian deity. God is depicted as actively involved in the course of history, sovereignly determining periods of prosperity and hardship, and then providentially revealing His intentions to prepare humanity. This pre-notification highlights God's merciful care, providing an opportunity for discernment and preparation against future adversity, ultimately serving His grand redemptive plan which included bringing Jacob's family into Egypt. This concept encourages believers to look for God’s hand in world events and to humbly seek His wisdom and revelation for understanding the times.

• Example: In modern times, the principle encourages a faithful response to warnings, whether they are prophetic or simply prudent observations of life's seasons, urging preparation rather than despair in the face of coming challenges, just as Joseph advised storage in times of plenty for future scarcity.