Genesis 41:37 kjv

And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

Genesis 41:37 nkjv

So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants.

Genesis 41:37 niv

The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials.

Genesis 41:37 esv

This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants.

Genesis 41:37 nlt

Joseph's suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 37 Meaning

The verse indicates that Joseph's well-structured plan for famine management was not only accepted but deeply pleasing and inherently excellent in the judgment of Pharaoh and all his chief officials. This signifies unanimous governmental approval of the divine wisdom manifested through Joseph's practical policy, ensuring its full endorsement and readiness for implementation.

Genesis 41 37 Context

Genesis chapter 41 details Pharaoh’s two troubling dreams of seven fat animals eaten by lean ones, and seven healthy grain stalks devoured by blighted ones. Despite consulting his most skilled magicians and wise men, no one could interpret the dreams. Eventually, Joseph, having been imprisoned, is remembered by the chief cupbearer and summoned to Pharaoh’s presence. Joseph humbly attributes his interpretive ability solely to God, revealing the dreams' meaning as seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. More than just interpretation, Joseph provides a strategic administrative plan for the nation to gather and store grain during the prosperous years, thus preparing for the impending famine. Verse 37 specifically captures the profound and unanimous positive reception of this divine strategy by Pharaoh and all his key advisors, marking the critical transition point leading to Joseph's remarkable elevation and the outworking of God's ultimate plan to preserve Jacob’s lineage.

Genesis 41 37 Word analysis

• And the thing was good (וַיִּיטַב הַדָּבָר - wa-yi'ṭav ha'da'var):

  • וַיִּיטַב (wa-yi'ṭav): "And it was good," "it seemed good," or "it pleased." This Hiphil imperfect form of יטב (yatav) denotes an action of becoming good or pleasing. It indicates that Joseph’s plan was perceived as intrinsically excellent, fitting, and beneficial, confirming its objective merit. This positive judgment reflects the inherent wisdom within the plan itself.
  • הַדָּבָר (ha'da'var): "the word," "the matter," or "the plan/thing." This term refers directly to Joseph's specific administrative counsel for dealing with the famine (Gen 41:33-36). It signifies a weighty and substantial proposal, highlighting that its content, derived from divine wisdom, was compelling and well-reasoned.

• in the eyes of Pharaoh (בְּעֵינֵי פַרְעֹה - b'ey'nay Phar'oh):

  • בְּעֵינֵי (b'ey'nay): "in the eyes of." This common Hebrew idiom signifies judgment, opinion, or approval. It conveys that the plan was subjectively pleasing and objectively suitable from Pharaoh’s perspective, granting it legitimacy and executive endorsement.
  • פַרְעֹה (Par'oh): "Pharaoh." The title of the absolute monarch of Egypt. His acceptance was paramount for any state policy. His readiness to trust and value the counsel of a foreign prisoner demonstrates the overwhelming and undeniable quality of Joseph's divinely inspired wisdom.

• and in the eyes of all his servants (וּבְעֵינֵי כָּל־עֲבָדָיו - u'v'ey'nay kol-'avadei'v):

  • וּבְעֵינֵי (u'v'ey'nay): "and in the eyes of." The repetition of the idiom emphasizes the universality of the approval. The conjunction 'and' (וּ) highlights the consensus beyond the singular decision of Pharaoh.
  • כָּל־עֲבָדָיו (kol-'avadei'v): "all his servants." This refers to Pharaoh's entire council of high-ranking officials and advisors present. Their collective approval suggests there was no dissent or rival proposal, cementing the governmental backing needed for effective implementation. This unanimous endorsement underscores the evident rationality and efficacy of Joseph's divinely sourced strategy.

Genesis 41 37 Bonus section

• The fact that both Pharaoh and "all his servants" agreed immediately indicates the profound wisdom of Joseph's proposal. It was not merely tolerated but genuinely pleased and seemed perfectly aligned with their understanding of effective governance for such a crisis. This unanimous acceptance cleared any potential political hurdles for Joseph's elevation and plan implementation.
• This verse is an example of God giving favor not only for His people, but using the very wisdom He imparts to gain that favor and secure His wider purposes for history.
• The speed and completeness of the acceptance contrast sharply with the failure of Egypt's own wise men to even interpret the dreams, underscoring the qualitative superiority of God-given wisdom over human cleverness.

Genesis 41 37 Commentary

Genesis 41:37 succinctly captures a pivotal moment of transition. After enduring years of tribulation, Joseph, through divine inspiration, presents a plan so compelling that it earns immediate, complete, and unanimous approval from the highest echelons of Egyptian power. The "goodness" (yatav) of his proposal indicates its inherent wisdom and practical suitability, resonating with Pharaoh and his officials not merely as a suggestion, but as the optimal course of action. This scene powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over nations and their leaders, guiding their decisions—even those of pagan rulers—to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Joseph's ability to seamlessly transition from interpreting divine revelation to providing sound, actionable economic strategy highlights that true biblical wisdom is not merely spiritual insight but also practical knowledge applicable to every sphere of life, including governmental administration, thereby showcasing God's holistic provision and wisdom for all aspects of human existence.