Genesis 41:39 kjv

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Genesis 41:39 nkjv

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

Genesis 41:39 niv

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.

Genesis 41:39 esv

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.

Genesis 41:39 nlt

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 39 Meaning

Genesis 41:39 declares Pharaoh's immediate recognition of God's direct revelation to Joseph, acknowledging that no one in Egypt, or perhaps anywhere, possessed Joseph's level of understanding and practical wisdom. This verse signifies the pivotal moment of Joseph's elevation from prisoner to prime minister, not based on his own merit, but on God's divine gift of insight and skill for the salvation of Egypt and, by extension, the world of that time.

Genesis 41 39 Context

Genesis chapter 41 describes Pharaoh's troubling dreams and the inability of all his magicians and wise men to interpret them. Joseph, imprisoned, is remembered by the chief cupbearer and brought before Pharaoh. Joseph explicitly denies any personal power, attributing the ability to interpret to God. He then not only interprets Pharaoh's dreams of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine but also proposes a comprehensive plan for managing the crisis. Verse 39 follows immediately after Joseph presents this plan, revealing Pharaoh's profound impression and decisive action based on Joseph's divinely-inspired wisdom. The historical context involves ancient Egypt's absolute monarchy, where Pharaoh was considered a living deity or divine intermediary. The prevailing polytheistic beliefs of Egypt meant that wisdom was typically sought from their own pantheon or the royal court's scholars. Pharaoh's acknowledgment of Elohim, the God of Joseph, implicitly serves as a subtle polemic against the supposed sufficiency of Egyptian deities and wisdom traditions in the face of true divine revelation.

Genesis 41 39 Word analysis

• Then: Signifies an immediate consequence or response to Joseph's interpretation and proposal.
• Pharaoh: The powerful, divine ruler of Egypt. His word is law, making his pronouncement absolute.
• said to Joseph: Direct address, signaling importance and the beginning of Joseph's elevation.
• Since God: Original Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). This general term for "God" is significant as it comes from the mouth of a pagan king in polytheistic Egypt. It denotes a powerful divine being, acknowledged as the true source of Joseph's knowledge, implicitly recognizing a power greater than the Egyptian gods. This isn't necessarily conversion but a pragmatic recognition of divine supremacy in this specific revelation.
• has shown you: Original Hebrew: ה ו ד י עַ (hodia'), a Hiphil perfect form of ידע (yada'), meaning "to cause to know," "to make known," "to instruct." It strongly emphasizes that this knowledge is divinely imparted, a direct revelation, not Joseph's inherent ability.
• all this: Refers to the interpretation of the dreams and the wise plan for the famine. It encompasses both understanding of future events and practical strategic foresight.
• there is none so: Hebrew: אֵין (ein) - "there is not," creating a strong superlative statement of unparalleled quality.
• discerning: Original Hebrew: נָבוֹן (navon). This describes one who possesses understanding, insight, and discernment (from the root בִּין, bin, "to discern," "to understand"). It suggests the ability to grasp profound concepts, distinguish truths, and understand underlying causes, critical for interpreting the dreams and foreseeing the future.
• and wise: Original Hebrew: חָכָם (chakham). This describes one who possesses practical wisdom, skill, and sound judgment (from the root חָכַם, chakham, "to be wise"). It refers to the ability to apply knowledge effectively, plan shrewdly, and execute tasks skillfully—qualities essential for managing a national crisis and the intricate administrative structure Joseph proposed.
• as you are: Original Hebrew: כָּמוֹךָ (kamokha). This phrase completes the superlative, emphatically stating Joseph's unique and unmatched capability, directly linking his exceptional qualities to the divine revelation Pharaoh just acknowledged.
• Pharaoh said to Joseph... as you are: This phrase demonstrates Pharaoh's pragmatic acknowledgment of Elohim as the source of Joseph's wisdom. He doesn't convert but recognizes the practical efficacy of Joseph's God. The pairing of navon (insightful understanding) and chakham (practical wisdom) perfectly captures Joseph's complete fitness for the task. His qualities surpass all Egyptian experts. Pharaoh is looking for a solution, and he sees that Elohim has provided it through Joseph. This elevates Joseph to a unique status, setting the stage for his administrative role.

Genesis 41 39 Bonus section

Pharaoh's confession, while recognizing Elohim's power, doesn't suggest he became a monotheist. His acknowledgement is likely pragmatic; he needs wisdom to save his kingdom, and Joseph's God has delivered where his own gods and wise men failed. This verse subtly contrasts the ineffective "wisdom" of the world (Egyptian magicians/wise men) with the true, effective wisdom granted by God. This narrative not only elevates Joseph but also highlights God's strategic intervention in history to preserve the nascent nation of Israel, aligning with His covenantal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The event prefigures later instances of God using non-believers, like Cyrus in Isaiah 45, to accomplish His divine will. It further underscores a theme found throughout Scripture: God chooses to reveal Himself and work through unexpected people and circumstances to display His glory.

Genesis 41 39 Commentary

Genesis 41:39 serves as the climax of Joseph's long journey from pit to prison to palace. Pharaoh, a monarch believed to embody divinity, subordinates himself to the revelation given by Elohim through a Hebrew prisoner. This powerful confession of divine wisdom coming from the highest secular authority in the then-known world elevates Joseph not as a magician or a clever man, but as a vessel of the true God. The emphasis is on God's initiative ("God has shown you") and Joseph's resultant unique qualifications ("none so discerning and wise"). Pharaoh’s immediate decision to elevate Joseph underscores the divine validation of Joseph's counsel, confirming God's sovereignty over nations and His use of unlikely figures to fulfill His purposes. It's a testament to God's providence, showing that divine favor, not human influence or earthly status, is the true source of power and authority. This principle highlights that God raises those who humble themselves and recognize Him as the source of all wisdom and power.