Back to Genesis 41

Genesis 41:38-44

Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because God has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you. You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater than you.” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. He made him ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh. Without you, no man shall lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.”

World English Bible · Public Domain
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Genesis 41:38-44 sits inside this longer paragraph.

The thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because God has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you. You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater than you.” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. He made him ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh. Without you, no man shall lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.” Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”

    Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because God has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you.

    You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater than you.”

    Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

    Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck.

    He made him ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt.

    Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh. Without you, no man shall lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.”

  • KJV King James Version

    And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

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

    Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

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

    And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

    And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

    And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

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  • JPS JPS Tanakh (1917)

    And Pharaoh said unto his servants: 'Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the spirit of God is?'

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

    Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled; only in the throne will I be greater than thou.'

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

    And Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck.

    And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him: 'Abrech'; and he set him over all the land of Egypt.

    And Pharaoh said unto Joseph: 'I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.'

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Cross-references (66)

  • Job 32:8 (v38) But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.
  • Daniel 5:14 (v38) I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light, understanding, and excellent wisdom are found in you.
  • Numbers 27:18 (v38) Yahweh said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.
  • Daniel 5:11 (v38) There is a man in your kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father light and understanding and wisdom,…
  • Daniel 4:18 (v38) “This dream I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom…
Show all 58 cross-references
  • Daniel 5:29 (vv40, 42) Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning…
  • Daniel 5:7 (v42) The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon,…
  • Proverbs 22:29 (vv40–41) Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.
  • Esther 3:10 (v42) The king took his ring from his hand, and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.
  • Matthew 28:18 (v41) Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
  • Acts 7:10 (vv40, 43) and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He made him governor over Egypt…
  • Philippians 2:9-11 (v41) Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,…
  • Daniel 6:3 (vv38, 40, 41) Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the local governors, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king…
  • Genesis 42:6 (vv41, 43) Joseph was the governor over the land. It was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph’s brothers came, and bowed themselves down…
  • Genesis 41:28 (v39) That is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do.
  • Genesis 41:33 (v39) “Now therefore let Pharaoh look for a discreet and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.
  • Esther 8:2 (v42) The king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
  • Psalms 105:21-22 (v40) He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all of his possessions, to discipline his princes at his pleasure, and to teach his elders…
  • Daniel 5:16 (v42) But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations, and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing, and make known to me its…
  • Genesis 45:26 (vv40, 43) They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he didn’t believe them.
  • Genesis 39:4-6 (v40) Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and Potiphar made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his…
  • Genesis 41:25 (v39) Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dream of Pharaoh is one. What God is about to do he has declared to Pharaoh.
  • Genesis 45:8 (v43) So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land…
  • Genesis 45:8-9 (v40) So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land…
  • Esther 8:10 (v42) He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal…
  • Esther 8:15 (v42) Mordecai went out of the presence of the king in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine…
  • Psalms 2:12 (v40) Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who…
  • Genesis 41:16 (v39) Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
  • Genesis 42:30 (v43) “The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly with us, and took us for spies of the country.
  • Genesis 42:33 (v43) The man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain…
  • Esther 3:12 (v42) Then the king’s scribes were called in on the first month, on the thirteenth day of the month; and all that Haman commanded was written to…
  • Esther 8:8 (v42) Write also to the Jews, as it pleases you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring; for the writing which is written in the…
  • Psalms 105:22 (v44) to discipline his princes at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom.
  • Proverbs 31:22 (v42) She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
  • Proverbs 31:24 (v42) She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.
  • Song of Solomon 1:10 (v42) Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.
  • Ezekiel 27:7 (v42) Your sail was of fine linen with embroidered work from Egypt, that it might be to you for a banner. Blue and purple from the islands of…
  • Daniel 2:46-48 (v40) Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him.…
  • Daniel 4:2-3 (v41) It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked toward me. How great are his signs! How mighty are…
  • Daniel 4:6 (v38) Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the…
  • Daniel 4:8-9 (v38) But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the…
  • Philippians 2:10 (v43) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth,
  • Esther 10:3 (vv41–42) For Mordecai the Jew was next to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted by the multitude of his brothers, seeking the good…
  • Genesis 39:5 (v41) From the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, Yahweh blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake.…
  • Genesis 39:22 (v41) The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there, he was responsible…
  • Genesis 41:44 (v41) Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh. Without you, no man shall lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.”
  • Exodus 11:7 (v44) But against any of the children of Israel a dog won’t even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal, that you may know that Yahweh…
  • 1 Samuel 10:1 (v40) Then Samuel took the vial of oil, and poured it on his head, and kissed him, and said, “Hasn’t Yahweh anointed you to be prince over his…
  • Esther 6:8-9 (v43) let royal clothing be brought which the king uses to wear, and the horse that the king rides on, and on the head of which a royal crown is…
  • Proverbs 17:2 (v41) A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
  • Daniel 2:7-8 (v41) They answered the second time and said, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.” The king answered,…
  • Daniel 2:46-47 (v42) Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him.…
  • Luke 15:22 (v42) “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet.
  • Luke 19:16-19 (v42) The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten more minas.’ “He said to him, ‘Well done, you good servant! Because you…
  • Esther 6:7-12 (v42) Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, let royal clothing be brought which the king uses to wear, and the…
  • Job 31:27 (v40) and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,
  • Proverbs 1:9 (v42) for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.
  • Ezekiel 16:10-11 (v42) I clothed you also with embroidered work, and put sealskin sandals on you. I dressed you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I…

58 distinct cross-references across this passage (66 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (17 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv38, 40 38. Can we find such a one as this?…

38. Can we find such a one as this? We see that necessity is an excellent teacher. If prefects or judges are to be created, some one is advanced to the honor because he is a favorite, without consideration of his desert; whence it happens that they who are most unworthy frequently creep into office. And although we see political order disturbed and mankind involved in many inconveniences, because they who are least suitable, rashly push themselves, by wicked contrivances, into affairs for which they are not able to manage; nevertheless, ambition triumphs, and subverts equity. But necessity extorts a sober judgment. Pharaoh says nothing but what is naturally engraven on the hearts of all men, that honors ought to be conferred on none but competent persons, and such as God has furnished with the necessary qualifications. Experience, however, abundantly teaches, that this law of nature slips from the memory, whenever men are free to offend against it with impunity. Therefore the pride of Pharaoh was wisely so subdued, that he, setting aside ambition, preferred a foreigner just brought out of prison, to all his courtiers, because he excelled them in virtue. The same necessity restrained the nobles of the kingdom, so that they did not each contend, according to their custom, to obtain the priority of rank for themselves. And although it was but a compulsory modesty, inasmuch as they were ashamed to resist the public good; yet there is no doubt, that God inspired them with fear, so that, by the common consent of all, Joseph was made president of the whole kingdom. It is also to be observed that Pharaoh, though he had been infatuated by his soothsayers, nevertheless honors the gifts of the spirit in Joseph: because God, indeed, never suffers man to become so brutalized, as not to feel his power, even in their darkness. And therefore whatever impious defection may hurry them away, there still abides with them a remaining sense of Deity. Meanwhile, that knowledge is of little worth, which does not correct a man’s former madness; for he despises the God whom with his mouth he proclaims: and has no conception of any other than I know not what confused divinity. This kind of knowledge often enlightens profane men, yet not so as to cause them to repent. Whereby we are admonished to regard any particular principle as of small value, till solid piety springs from it and flourishes.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv38, 40, 42, 43 None should be preferred to honor that have not…
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv38–44 Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44 Or, of the gods, in his heathen language. One…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv38–44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,.... He continued speaking to…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v44 Without thee shall no man lift up his hand…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv38, 40, 42, 43, 44 Verse 38. In whom the Spirit of God is?]…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv40, 42, 44 Gen 41:40. According to thy word — Thy direction…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv38, 40, 42, 43, 44 God. Hebrew, of the gods Elohim. Pharao was probably…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv38, 40, 41, 43, 44 JOSEPH MADE RULER OF EGYPT. (Gen. 41:37-57)
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv38, 40, 42, 43 JOSEPH MADE OVERSEER OF EGYPT, Gem 41:37-57.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv38, 39, 40, 42, 43 37–46. Joseph as Grand Vizier
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv38, 40, 42, 43 (38) In whom the Spirit of God is.—Joseph from…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv39, 40, 41, 44 Vers. 39, 40. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch…
Alexander MacLaren 1905 · Public Domain On v38 Gen 41:38 - Gen 41:48.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv39, 42, 44 there is none so discerning
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv41–43 41:41-46 Joseph was made the acting ruler or manager…
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