Genesis 41:41 kjv

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:41 nkjv

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt."

Genesis 41:41 niv

So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt."

Genesis 41:41 esv

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt."

Genesis 41:41 nlt

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt."

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 41 Meaning (as heading h2)

Genesis 41:41 marks a pivotal moment of radical elevation and divine vindication. It declares Pharaoh's sovereign decree that places Joseph, a former prisoner and slave, in a position of ultimate authority second only to Pharaoh himself, over the entirety of the land of Egypt. This unprecedented appointment grants Joseph comprehensive administrative and economic power, transforming his status from one of the lowest to the most influential in the known world.

Genesis 41 41 Cross References (as heading h2)

Genesis 41 41 Context (as heading h2)

Genesis chapter 41 begins with Pharaoh's troubling dreams and his kingdom's inability to interpret them, leading the chief cupbearer to recall Joseph's gift of dream interpretation. Joseph is hastily brought from prison, emphasizing that he cannot interpret dreams on his own but that "God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." Joseph proceeds to interpret Pharaoh's two dreams as seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine. More significantly, he advises Pharaoh on a strategic plan for storing grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of famine. This comprehensive solution, rooted in divine revelation, impresses Pharaoh and his officials immensely. They recognize that "the Spirit of God" is in Joseph. Pharaoh then acknowledges Joseph's unique wisdom and insight as unparalleled, declaring his intention to place Joseph in charge of this monumental task, culminating in the specific decree of verse 41. The immediate context highlights divine revelation, exceptional wisdom, and practical governance. The broader biblical context positions this event as crucial to God's covenant plan, providing the means to preserve Jacob's family and prepare for the formation of the nation of Israel.

Genesis 41 41 Word analysis (as heading h2)

• And Pharaoh (וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה - vayyomer Parʻoh): "Pharaoh" is the title of the Egyptian king. His word holds absolute authority and represents the highest human power in Egypt. His direct statement signifies an undeniable, immediate, and official decree. This powerful human voice acts as an instrument of divine purpose.

• said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): A common Hebrew verb indicating a speech or declaration. In this context, it is a formal and official proclamation, an exercise of supreme executive power.

• to Joseph (אֶל יוֹסֵף - el Yosef): This directly addresses the recipient of the decree, highlighting the specific focus of Pharaoh's authority. Joseph, whose name means "He will add" or "He adds," receives the ultimate addition of honor and power. This verbal address marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes, from silent suffering to being personally addressed by the world's most powerful ruler.

• “See, (הִנֵּה - hinneh): This Hebrew particle is often translated as "behold" or "lo." It acts as an imperative to draw immediate attention to what is being said, signaling the profound significance and astonishing nature of the announcement that follows. It's a call to observe the reality of the situation.

• I have set (נָתַתִּי - natatti): From the verb נָתַן (nathan), meaning "to give," "to place," "to set," or "to appoint." The Qal perfect tense used here indicates a completed action with lasting results. While Pharaoh proclaims his action, the theological understanding is that God is the ultimate one who has "set" Joseph in this position, using Pharaoh as His agent. This emphasizes divine sovereignty.

• you (אֹתְךָ - otkeha): The direct object, emphasizing Joseph's personal and unique elevation. It stresses the direct and singular nature of this appointment.

• over (עַל - al): A preposition meaning "upon," "over," "against," or "concerning." In this context, it signifies a position of authority, supervision, and governance. Joseph is not merely in Egypt but placed over it, indicating his superior standing.

• all the land (כָּל־אֶרֶץ - kol-erets): "All" (כָּל - kol) means the totality, entire extent, without exception. "Land" (אֶרֶץ - erets) refers specifically to the territory of Egypt. This phrase conveys the comprehensive scope of Joseph's dominion – his authority is not localized or partial but covers the whole nation.

• of Egypt.” (מִצְרָיִם - Mitsrayim): The name of the ancient empire. Specifying "Egypt" defines the geographical and political entity over which Joseph now holds supreme authority.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • Pharaoh said to Joseph: This immediate and direct address highlights the shift in power dynamics. The most powerful man in Egypt, an individual often seen as divine by his people, is now speaking to a Hebrew slave as an equal, or rather, preparing to make him his functional superior. It underscores the incredible reversal orchestrated by God.
  • “See, I have set you: The exclamation "See" emphasizes the sudden and profound nature of this declaration. The first-person "I have set you" (spoken by Pharaoh) points to his absolute royal prerogative, yet behind it lies the unseen hand of God who truly sets up and brings down rulers. It's a statement of sovereign will, divinely prompted.
  • over all the land of Egypt: This phrase specifies the expansive and unqualified scope of Joseph's new power. It's not just a region or a department, but the entirety of Egypt – its administration, resources, and people are now under his dominion, a stark contrast to his former bondage and imprisonment.

Genesis 41 41 Commentary (as heading h2)

Genesis 41:41 marks the climax of Joseph's journey from pit to pinnacle, a divine turnaround unparalleled in Scripture until the exaltation of Christ. Pharaoh's decree is a human acknowledgment of divine wisdom operating through Joseph. It signals not merely an appointment but a sovereign act of God. Pharaoh, despite being the powerful earthly monarch, acts as a willing, divinely influenced agent in promoting Joseph. This promotion, "over all the land of Egypt," grants Joseph universal stewardship below Pharaoh, entrusting him with unprecedented power and responsibility to execute the famine relief plan. This elevation serves multiple purposes: to save the lives of many, including Joseph's family, and to ensure the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel, thereby advancing God's redemptive plan promised to Abraham. It highlights God's ability to orchestrate the most improbable scenarios to fulfill His purposes, exalting the humble and utilizing the systems of the world to accomplish His divine will.

Genesis 41 41 Bonus section (as heading h2)

• The transition from a slave's loincloth to royal robes and from a prison cell to the palace, with Pharaoh's word as the catalyst, signifies an instant, complete transformation orchestrated by God, a testament to His instantaneous ability to change circumstances.
• The absence of resistance from Pharaoh's officials to Joseph's appointment underscores the undeniable divine wisdom perceived in Joseph (Gen 41:37-39). Even in a powerful pagan court, God ensures His will prevails.
• Joseph's position as "ruler over all Egypt" is a type of messianic office. Just as Joseph provided salvation through physical sustenance during a time of great need, so too does Christ provide ultimate salvation and spiritual nourishment, being set "over all things" by God (Eph 1:22).
• The event signifies a divine appointment, not merely a human job offer. Pharaoh's declaration solidifies Joseph's authority, making him God's designated deliverer for His people and the surrounding nations during the impending crisis.