Genesis 41:32 kjv
And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Genesis 41:32 nkjv
And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Genesis 41:32 niv
The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.
Genesis 41:32 esv
And the doubling of Pharaoh's dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about.
Genesis 41:32 nlt
As for having two similar dreams, it means that these events have been decreed by God, and he will soon make them happen.
Genesis 41 32 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 19:15 | "One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established." | Principle of multiple witnesses/confirmation |
| 2 Cor 13:1 | "This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." | Paul applies the principle of confirmation |
| Matt 18:16 | "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." | Jesus reinforces legal/spiritual confirmation |
| 1 Tim 5:19 | "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." | Application of the principle in church |
| Psa 33:11 | "The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations." | God's plans are eternally established |
| Isa 14:24 | "The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:" | God's purpose is guaranteed to stand |
| Prov 19:21 | "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand." | Human plans contrasted with God's stand |
| Isa 46:10 | "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" | God declares and executes His will |
| Heb 6:17 | "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:" | God's counsel is immutable and confirmed |
| Num 11:23 | "And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not." | God's power ensures quick fulfillment |
| Isa 60:22 | "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time." | God hastens fulfillment in His time |
| Hab 2:3 | "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." | Prophecy is certain, fulfilled on time |
| Rom 9:28 | "For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." | God's decisive and quick action |
| Isa 45:7 | "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things." | God's ultimate sovereignty and action |
| Dan 2:28 | "But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;" | God reveals secrets through dreams |
| Gen 15:12-14 | "And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram... and he said unto Abram, Know of a surety..." | God communicates through a deep sleep/vision |
| Joel 2:28 (Acts 2:17) | "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:" | God's continued use of dreams/visions in latter days |
| 1 Sam 3:19 | "So Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground." | God ensures His words are fulfilled |
| John 5:17 | "But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." | God is continually at work |
| Jer 29:11 | "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." | God's plan is purposeful and certain |
| Phil 1:6 | "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" | God performs His work to completion |
Genesis 41 verses
Genesis 41 32 Meaning
Genesis 41:32 signifies that the repetition of Pharaoh's dream was a divine indicator of the absolute certainty and immutability of the message it conveyed. It declared that the event foreshadowed by the dreams was firmly established by God Himself, assuring Pharaoh that its fulfillment would come to pass quickly and without delay, by God's direct agency. This underscored the dream's divine origin and the reliability of Joseph's interpretation.
Genesis 41 32 Context
Genesis chapter 41 details Pharaoh's two disturbing dreams—one about seven fat cows being eaten by seven thin cows, and another about seven full ears of grain being devoured by seven thin ones. Troubled, Pharaoh summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt, but none could interpret his dreams. This set the stage for Joseph's miraculous entry into Pharaoh's court, called by the chief butler who remembered Joseph's interpretive ability in prison. Joseph, clarifying that the power was God's, not his own, interprets the dreams as prophetic of seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine across all Egypt and beyond. Verse 32, specifically, acts as Joseph's final confirmation to Pharaoh regarding the certainty and imminence of the events, thereby validating the urgency of the subsequent action Joseph advises for preparation.
Historically and culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies, including Egypt, placed great significance on dreams as divine or spiritual omens, often requiring trained interpreters. Pharaoh's inability to find an interpretation within his own system highlighted the impotence of the Egyptian gods and the superior wisdom and power of the one true God, Yahweh, working through His servant, Joseph. This instance served as a subtle polemic, showcasing God's sovereignty over the most powerful earthly ruler and demonstrating His capacity to reveal and control future events, contrary to polytheistic beliefs where deities were often capricious or limited.
Genesis 41 32 Word analysis
- And for that the dream was doubled:
- Doubled (`פַּעֲמַיִם` - pa'amayim): Literally "twice" or "two times." In a prophetic or revelatory context, repetition serves to emphasize certainty and confirmation. It functions as a divine seal of approval, signifying that the message is not accidental, nor subject to change. This concept echoes the legal principle of establishing truth by the testimony of two or more witnesses (Deut 19:15), extending it to divine revelation, confirming the reliability of God's word.
- unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God,
- Established (`נָכוֹן` - nakon): Meaning "firmly set," "prepared," "confirmed," "made ready," or "certain." It implies unshakeable stability and absolute validity. When applied to God, it signifies that His decrees are unalterable.
- by God (`מֵאֵת הָאֱלֹהִים` - me'et ha'elohim): This phrase highlights the ultimate divine source of the dream and its meaning. It emphasizes that this certainty and establishment are not by chance, by human design, or by any pagan deity, but by the sovereign `Elohim`, the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer. Joseph consistently points to God as the source of wisdom and revelation (Gen 41:16), subtly challenging the self-sufficiency of the Egyptian worldview and its reliance on their pantheon.
- and God will shortly bring it to pass.
- shortly (`מְמַהֶרֶת` - memahrereth): Implies urgency, speed, or haste. This indicates that there will be no delay in the fulfillment of the prophecy; God will execute it in swift succession, adding to the sense of inevitability and requiring immediate action from Pharaoh. It communicates the promptness of divine timing.
- bring it to pass (lit. "making haste to do it"): Reinforces God's active involvement in the unfolding events. It is not merely a passive prediction, but a declaration of God's active intention to execute His plan promptly.
Genesis 41 32 Bonus section
The concept of "doubling" as divine confirmation can be seen as an act of divine grace, ensuring a clear and unmistakable warning for Pharaoh. God often provides multiple confirmations to remove doubt, especially when a critical decision or event is imminent. Furthermore, this verse highlights Joseph's prophetic accuracy, which would elevate his standing in Pharaoh's eyes, preparing the way for his rapid promotion (Gen 41:38-40). Joseph, as an individual, embodied God's truth in a foreign, pagan land, becoming a beacon of God's wisdom. This narrative also foreshadows the future deliverance of the house of Israel through God's providential care in Egypt, aligning with His overarching covenantal plan.
Genesis 41 32 Commentary
Genesis 41:32 serves as a pivotal summary statement, affirming the absolute divine certainty of the prophecy concerning the seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph's explanation that the dreams were "doubled" indicates not redundancy but emphasis, providing irrefutable divine confirmation for Pharaoh. This repetition acts as God's signature, validating the truth of the impending events. The phrase "the thing is established by God" underscores His sovereignty, asserting that these momentous events are not mere happenstance but fixed decrees from the Creator, highlighting His control over the world and its future. The further assurance that "God will shortly bring it to pass" introduces the critical element of imminence, urging immediate action and strategic preparation. Through Joseph, God demonstrates His ability not only to reveal future events but also to orchestrate their precise timing, confirming His omnipotence over creation, including natural cycles and the rise and fall of nations. This also sets the stage for the crucial role Israel, through Joseph, will play in divine providence, affecting not only Egypt but potentially the survival of Jacob's family and many others during the coming famine.