Genesis 41:46 kjv

And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:46 nkjv

Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:46 niv

Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt.

Genesis 41:46 esv

Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:46 nlt

He was thirty years old when he began serving in the court of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. And when Joseph left Pharaoh's presence, he inspected the entire land of Egypt.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 46 Meaning

Genesis 41:46 records a pivotal moment in Joseph's life, stating that he was thirty years old when he commenced his service as a chief administrator before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Following his appointment, Joseph immediately began his duties, traveling throughout the land to oversee and implement the plan for famine preparation. This verse marks his dramatic transition from a prisoner to a powerful and trusted leader, indicating the divine timing and purpose behind his elevation.

Genesis 41 46 Context

Genesis 41:46 concludes the narrative arc of Joseph's elevation in Egypt. Prior to this, Joseph, at seventeen years old, had been betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery in Egypt, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Throughout his trials, Joseph consistently displayed faithfulness and integrity, and God was clearly with him. In Genesis 41, Pharaoh is troubled by dreams that none of his wise men or magicians can interpret. The cupbearer, whom Joseph had previously interpreted a dream for in prison, remembers Joseph and recommends him to Pharaoh. Joseph, attributing his ability to God, successfully interprets Pharaoh's dreams, warning of seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine. He then proposes a strategic plan to gather and store grain during the years of plenty. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him as the chief administrator over all Egypt. This verse then immediately details the commencement of Joseph's significant and pivotal duties. The verses that follow Gen 41:46 describe Joseph's active administration during the years of plenty and the beginning of the famine.

Genesis 41 46 Word analysis

• Joseph (יוֹסֵף - Yosef): Meaning "He adds" or "May he add." This name foreshadows his role in preserving and increasing life, not only for his family but for all of Egypt, adding blessings and provision during famine. It highlights divine increment and blessing.
• was thirty years old (בֶּן־שְׁלֹשִׁים שָׁנָה - ben shloshim shanah): Literally "son of thirty years." This is a significant age in ancient Near Eastern and biblical contexts. It often marked maturity and fitness for serious public service or ministry. For example, Levites began their active service at this age (Num 4:3), and Jesus commenced His public ministry around this age (Lk 3:23). Joseph's 13 years of suffering (from 17 to 30) were a period of divine preparation for this grand role.
• when he stood before (בְּעָמְדוֹ לִפְנֵי - b’omdo lifnei): More than merely appearing; it signifies assuming a position of service, authority, or presenting oneself for a specific task. In this context, it denotes formal appointment and the commencement of his official duties as vizier, second only to Pharaoh himself. This is a posture of recognition and empowerment.
• Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה - Par'oh): The title for the king of Egypt. Represents the ultimate human authority in the land. Joseph's elevation to serve Pharaoh underscores God's ability to elevate His faithful servants to positions of great influence, even over pagan rulers, for His redemptive purposes.
• king of Egypt (מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם - melekh Mitsrayim): Reaffirms Pharaoh's absolute dominion. It stresses the enormity of Joseph's promotion and the vastness of the responsibility he undertook.
• And Joseph went out (וַיֵּצֵא יוֹסֵף - va-yetse Yosef): Implies immediate action. Joseph did not delay or simply rest on his newfound prestige; he actively began his work, demonstrating diligence and readiness.
• from the presence of Pharaoh (מִלִּפְנֵי פַרְעֹה - milifnei Par'oh): Literally "from before the face of Pharaoh." This highlights the direct nature of his appointment and dismissal to duty by Pharaoh himself. He had received direct orders and authority.
• and went through all the land of Egypt (וַיַּעֲבֹר בְּכָל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם - va-ya’avor b’chol eretz Mitsrayim): Indicates extensive, diligent activity. Joseph undertook a comprehensive tour to inspect, organize, and supervise the grain collection and storage throughout the entire country. This signifies his commitment to practical administration and efficient execution of the famine relief plan. This isn't a mere walk but a strategic undertaking.

Genesis 41 46 Bonus section

The rapid succession of events in Joseph's life, from being called from prison to standing before Pharaoh and then being given full authority, demonstrates a compressed timeline of divine elevation. The "thirty years old" mark highlights a crucial period of maturation for leadership in biblical history, often symbolizing readiness for significant divine assignments after years of personal growth and trial. This verse also implicitly contrasts Joseph's wisdom, which came directly from God, with the futile attempts of Egypt's wise men and magicians. Joseph, a Hebrew monotheist, became the sole source of a solution for an entire polytheistic nation, showcasing the supremacy of the One True God. This account sets the stage for the next phase of God's covenant plan, where Joseph's administrative efforts would eventually save not only Egypt but also his own family, enabling the preservation and growth of the Israelites before their Exodus.

Genesis 41 46 Commentary

Genesis 41:46 encapsulates the dramatic fulfillment of God's providence in Joseph's life. After years of testing and refinement in slavery and prison, Joseph, at the mature age of thirty, is instantly elevated from the depths of a dungeon to the pinnacle of Egyptian power, second only to Pharaoh. This promotion is a direct result of God's gift of wisdom and interpretation, demonstrating that true authority and anointing come from above. The verse immediately transitions from his appointment to his action, highlighting his proactive and diligent character. Joseph's readiness to "go through all the land of Egypt" signals his deep understanding of the task and his commitment to implement the divine strategy for national preservation. It underscores that God prepares and positions individuals for His greater purposes, using their trials as training grounds for future influence and service, ultimately to preserve His covenant people.