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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Genesis 41:39-45 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.
Parallel Translations
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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.
-
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.
And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Show all 3 translations
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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.'
And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-phera priest of On. And Joseph went out over the land of Egypt. —
Cross-references (66)
- 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.
Show all 59 cross-references
- 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,…
- 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…
- Daniel 6:3 (vv40–41) Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the local governors, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king…
- 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…
- Genesis 46:20 (v45) To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him.
- 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…
- 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 2:16 (v45) Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
- 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.
- Ezekiel 30:17 (v45) The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth will fall by the sword. They will go into captivity.
- 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…
- Genesis 14:18 (v45) Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
- 2 Samuel 8:18 (v45) Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were chief ministers.
- 2 Samuel 20:26 (v45) and Ira the Jairite was chief minister to David.
- 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…
- Luke 2:1 (v45) Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
- Acts 11:28 (v45) One of them named Agabus stood up, and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened…
59 distinct cross-references across this passage (66 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (18 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On v40 40. Thou shalt be over my house. Not only…
40. Thou shalt be over my house. Not only is Joseph made governor of Egypt, but is adorned also with the insignia of royalty, that all may reverence him, and may obey his command. The royal signet is put upon his finger for the confirmation of decrees. He is clothed in robes of fine linen, which were then a luxury, and were not to be had at any common price. He is placed in the most honorable chariot. It may, however, be asked, whether it was lawful for the holy man to appear with so great pomp? I answer, although such splendor can scarcely ever be free from blame, and therefore frugality in external ornaments is best; yet all kind of splendor in kings and other princes of the world is not to be condemned, provided they neither too earnestly desire it, nor make an ostentatious display of it. Moderation is, indeed, always to be cultivated; but since it was not in Joseph’s power to prescribe the mode of investiture, and the royal authority would not have been granted to him without the accustomed pomp of state, he was at liberty to accept more than seemed in itself desirable. If the option be given to the servants of God, nothing is safer for them, than to cut off whatever they can of outward splendor. And where it is necessary for them to accommodate themselves to public custom, they must beware of all ostentation and vanity. With respect to the explanation of the words; whereas we render them, “At thy mouth all the people shall kiss,” others prefer to read, “shall be armed;” others, “shall be fed at thy will or commandment;” but as the proper signification of the verb נשק (nashak) is to kiss, I do not see why interpreters should twist it to another sense. Yet I do not think that here any special token of reverence is intended; but the phrase rather seems to be metaphorical, to the effect that the people should cordially receive and obediently embrace whatever might proceed from the mouth of Joseph: as if Pharaoh had said, “Whatever he may command, it is my will that the people shall receive with one consent, as if all should kiss him.” The second chariot, is read by the Hebrews in construction, for the chariot of the viceroy, who holds the second place from the king. The sense, however, is clear, that Joseph has the precedence of all the nobles of Egypt.
There are various opinions about the meaning of the word אברך(abraik). They who explain it by “tender father,” because Joseph, being yet in tender years, was endowed with the prudence and gravity of old age, seem to me to bring something from afar to correspond with their own fancy. They who render it “the father of the king,” as if the word were compounded of the Hebrew noun אב (ab,) and the Arabic רך (rak,) have little more color for their interpretation. If, indeed, the word be Hebrew, the meaning preferred by others, “Bow the knee,” seems to me more probable. But because I rather suppose that Egyptian terms are referred to by Moses, both in this place and shortly afterwards, I advise the readers not to distort them in vain. And truly those interpreters are ridiculously subtle, who suppose that a Hebrew name was given him by an Egyptian king, which they render either the “Redeemer of the world,” or the “Expounder of mysteries.” I prefer following the Greek interpreters, who, by leaving both words untouched, sufficiently prove that they thought them to be of a foreign language. That the father-in-law of Joseph was, as is commonly believed, a priest, is what I cannot refute, though I can scarcely be induced to believe it. Therefore, since כוהן (cohen) signifies a prince as well as a priest, it seems to me probable that he was one of the nobles of the court, who might also be the satrap or prefect of the city of On.
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 vv40, 42, 43, 45 Hebrew, mouth.
Hebrew, mouth.
Some read, the people shall kiss thy mouth, that is shall obey thee in all things.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv39–45 Gen 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as…
Gen 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:
Ver. 39. Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this.] Pharaoh at first took him for no other than a cunning soothsayer and conjecturer of dreams. Now he finds better worth in him, a spirit of wisdom and discretion: he took him to be a man spiritually rational, and rationally spiritual; one that seemed to see the insides of nature and grace, and the world and heaven, by those perfect anatomies he had made of them all. Briefly, such a heart so well headed, nor such a head better hearted, he had never met with. Wherefore he resolves to set him at the head of the state; there being not anything that makes a man so good a patriot, as true religion; which admits not of that distinction between a good man and a good citizen.
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{a} Val. Max., lib. ix. cap. 5.
{b} Dan., Hist. of England, contin. by Trussel, 207.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45 God hath showed thee all this, i.e. hath given…
God hath showed thee all this, i.e. hath given thee this extraordinary gift of foreseeing and foretelling things to come, and of giving such sage advice for the future.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv39–45 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand,…
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand,.... Which, as it was expressive of the interest he had in his royal favour, so was a token of that high office and great dignity to which he was promoted: thus among the Romans, in later times, when anyone was put into the equestrian order, a ring was given to him (w); for originally none but knights were allowed to wear rings; and it was sometimes used to design a successor in the kingdom, as, when Alexander was dying, he took his ring from off his finger, and gave it to Perdicca (x), which was understood, though he did not express it, that he should be his successor, in the Apocrypha:"14 Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made ruler over all his realm, 15 And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.'' (1 Maccabees 6)Now, though Pharaoh did not by this intend to point out Joseph for his successor in the kingdom, yet he gave him his ring as a mark of honour, and as being in place next unto his viceroy or deputy: and besides, as it is observed by many, this might be his signet, or the ring which had his seal upon it, by which he sealed patents and public deeds, and which he gave to Joseph to make use of in his name; though Schmidt doubts whether this was such a ring, since kings and princes have been used to have larger for such purposes, than what are wore on the finger: by this it appears, that Pliny (y) was mistaken that there were no rings in and before the time of Troy:
and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen; of which there was the best sort in Egypt, and which great personages used to wear:
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and put a gold chain about his neck; another badge of honour and dignity, see Dan 5:16.
(w) Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 33. c. 1. (x) Diodor. Sic. Bibliothec. l. 18. p. 587. Justin. e. Trogo, l. 12. c. 15. (y) Nat. Hist. l. 33. c. 1.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v44 Without thee shall no man lift up his hand…
Without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot - All the affairs of the kingdom must pass through his hand. Only in the throne will I be greater than thou - It is probable there were those about court that opposed Joseph's preferment, which occasioned Pharaoh so oft to repeat the grant, and with that solemn sanction, I am Pharaoh. He gave him his own ring as a ratification of his commission, and in token of peculiar favour; or it was like delivering him the great seal. He put fine clothes upon him instead of his prison garments, and adorned him with a chain of gold. He made him ride in the second chariot next his own, and ordered all to do obeisance to him, as to Pharaoh himself; he gave him a new name and such a name as spoke the value he had for him, Zaphnath-paaneah, a Revealer of secrets. He married him honourably to a prince's daughter. Where God had been liberal in giving wisdom and other merits, Pharaoh was not sparing in conferring honours. Now this preferment of Joseph, was, 1st, an abundant recompense for his innocent and patient suffering, a lasting instance of the equity and goodness of providence, and an encouragement to all to trust in a good God. 2ndly, It was typical of the exaltation of Christ, that great revealer of secrets, (John i, 18,) or as some translate Joseph's new name, the saviour of the world. The brightest glories of the upper world are upon him, the highest trusts lodged in his hand, and all power given him both in heaven and earth. He is gatherer, keeper, and disposer of all the stores of divine grace, and chief ruler of the kingdom of God among men. The work of ministers is to cry before him; Bow the knee; kiss the Son.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv40, 42, 43, 44, 45 Verse 40. According unto thy word shall all my…
Verse 40. According unto thy word shall all my people be ruled] Literally, At thy mouth shall all my people kiss. In the eastern countries it is customary to kiss any thing that comes from a superior, and this is done by way of testifying respect and submission. In this sense the words in the text are to be understood: All the people shall pay the profoundest respect and obedience to all thy orders and commands.
Only in the throne will I be greater than thou.] This, in one word, is a perfect description of a prime minister. Thou shalt have the sole management, under me, of all state affairs.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv40, 42, 44 Gen 41:40. According to thy word — Thy direction…
Gen 41:40. According to thy word — Thy direction and command, the word mouth, as the Hebrew is, being often put for command; shall all my people be ruled — Or be fed. They shall receive their provisions from thy hand, and according to thy disposal. But the Hebrew is, at thy mouth shall my people kiss, which may be understood literally; for inferiors used sometimes to kiss their superiors in token of their homage; or rather metaphorically, as the same phrase is used, Psa 2:12, and Pro 24:26, they shall receive all thy commands with reverence and submission.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv40, 42, 43, 44, 45 Obey. Hebrew Yishak; which may signify also "kiss" you,…
Obey. Hebrew Yishak; which may signify also "kiss" you, or their hand, in testimony of respect; or "shall be fed, governed, and led forth," &c. He made him master of his house, and ruler, &c. (Psalm civ. 21; Wisdom x. 14.)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv40, 41, 43, 44, 45 Thou shalt be over my house--This sudden change in…
Thou shalt be over my house--This sudden change in the condition of a man who had just been taken out of prison could take place nowhere, except in Egypt. In ancient as well as modern times, slaves have often risen to be its rulers. But the special providence of God had determined to make Joseph governor of Egypt; and the way was paved for it by the deep and universal conviction produced in the minds both of the king and his councillors, that a divine spirit animated his mind and had given him such extraordinary knowledge.
according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled--literally, "kiss." This refers to the edict granting official power to Joseph, to be issued in the form of a firman, as in all Oriental countries; and all who should receive that order would kiss it, according to the usual Eastern mode of acknowledging obedience and respect for the sovereign [WILKINSON].
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv40, 42, 43, 45 40. According unto thy word shall all my people…
40. According unto thy word shall all my people be ruled — This gives the general sense, and is substantially that of the ancient versions; but the word rendered ruled is the ordinary word for kissing, and modern exegetes disagree as to its meaning. Gesenius renders: Upon thy mouth shall all my people kiss. So also Knobel and Furst. Allusion would thus be made to the custom of expressing homage by throwing a kiss. Keil, however, denies that this was a customary form of showing homage, and takes the word נשׁק in the sense of disposing or arranging one’s self: According to thy mouth (that is, thy command, Gen_45:21) shall my whole people arrange itself. The primary signification of נשׁק seems to be that of hanging upon or cleaving unto, (see Furst, Lex.,) and perhaps the simpler meaning here is: upon thy mouth (that is, word of command) shall all my people hang. That is, they will cleave to thy orders and all thy utterances with the greatest respect and reverence.
Only in the throne — Joseph is made the grand vizier, but Pharaoh retains all his essential royalty and kingly prerogatives.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv39, 40, 42, 43, 45 39. Forasmuch as] Lit. “after that.”
39. Forasmuch as] Lit. “after that.”
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv40, 42, 43, 45 (40) Over my house.—The chief over the palace was…
(40) Over my house.—The chief over the palace was in ancient times next in power to the sovereign, and under the Frankish kings the “major domi,” or mayor of the palace, first usurped the whole royal power, and finally Pepin, the son of Charles Martel, took the name of king as well as the reality.
According unto thy word shall all my people be ruled.—The general sense is easy, namely that all the people of Egypt should obey Joseph’s orders, but the translation of the phrase is difficult. The ordinary meaning of the verb is to kiss, and the translation would then be And on thy mouth shall all my people kiss, that is, they shall do thee homage (1Sa_10:1; Psa_2:12). The versions seem to have taken this sense, though they translate very loosely “shall obey thee;” or “shall receive judgment at thy mouth;” or “shall be governed by thee.” As however in 1Ch_12:2; 2Ch_17:17; Psa_78:9, the verb is used of bearing arms, Aben-Ezra translates “shall arm themselves,” and supposes that Joseph was made commander-in-chief. Others, again, form the verb used here from the same root as that which would give meshek in Gen_15:2 the meaning of “running about,” and translate at thy mouth, that is, according to thy command, shall all my people busy themselves. The first is the most natural and probable rendering.
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In the throne.—Heb., as to the throne, in all that concerns my royal rank, dignity, and rights.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv39, 40, 41, 44, 45 Vers. 39, 40. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch…
Vers. 39, 40. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as (literally, after) God (Elohim) hath showed thee (literally, hath caused thee to know) 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 literally, according to thy mouth shall all my people dispose themselves, i.e. they shall render obedience to thy commands (LXX, Vulgate, Onkelos, Saadias, Pererius, Dathius, Rosenm Keil, Kalisch, Lange, Murphy, and others); though by many competent authorities (Calvin, Schultens, Knobel, Ainsworth, Gesenius, Furst, Wordsworth, et alii) the rendering is preferred, "upon thy mouth shall all my people kiss," against which, however, is the fact that not even then were governors accustomed to be kissed on the lips by their subjects in token of allegiance. The suggestion that the verb should be taken in the sense of "arm themselves," as in 2Ch_17:17 (Aben Ezra) does not meet with general acceptance. Only in the throne (or, more accurately, only as to the throne) will I be greater than thou.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v45 Pharaoh called Josephs name Zaphnath-paaneah
Gen_41:45
Pharaoh called Josephs name Zaphnath-paaneah
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Josephs new name
Besides other marks of honour, Joseph received a new name from the king--analogous to those which Daniel and his friends received, in a later age, from Nebuchadnezzar, and having some special appropriateness to the work which be was to perform.
Different explanations have been given of its meaning. Some, like those who drew up the marginal readings of our Bible, understand by it a revealer of secrets, but others, viewing the term as really an Egyptian word in Hebrew letters, have put it back again into its Egyptian form, getting, according to Brugsch, the meaning, the governor of the abode of him who lives; or, according to Canon Cooke, whose dissertation in the Speakers Commentary on the Egyptian words in the Pentateuch is of very great value, the food of life, or the food of the living. I am, of course, incompetent to judge between these scholars, but I wish you to note, as a mark of the age of this history, that we have here imbedded in the Hebrew text Egyptian words in Hebrew letters, to which, in this ]ate day, our Egyptologists, who have learned the language from the inscriptions on the monuments, are able to give very definite and intelligible translations--a fact which scarcely comports with the notion now so popular with some, that this book is only a production of a very late date, composed, perhaps, eight hundred years after the events. But similar conformation of the age of this record may be found in the description of Josephs investiture with office as compared with the representation of such ceremonies found upon the monuments. (W. M. Taylor, D. D.)
Josephs adoption of Egyptian manners
A question may arise in reference to the complete adoption by Joseph of Egyptian manners. His name is changed. According to the high authority of Brugsch, his new name means governor of the district of the dwelling-place of the living one, and thus includes as one of its elements the name of an Egyptian god, Ankh, worshipped at Pithom. Other Egyptian scholars, however, render it storehouse of the house of life. But, in any case, the Egyptian name implies a complete identification with Egypt. His marriage to the daughter of a priest may not have involved adoption into the sacerdotal caste, nor participation in idolatrous worship, but is another mark, at least, of naturalization. It is difficult to recognize a son of Abraham in Pharaohs minister; and his action sounds unpleasantly like that of the unworthy Englishmen whom one hears of in the Turkish service, with pasha at their names. But we may easily exaggerate the extent of Josephs assimilation, and overrate the sharpness of the separation between that generation of the sons of the promise and the rest of the world. The Pharaoh with whom Joseph had to do was not a full-blooded Egyptian; and his predecessors, at all events, were not orthodox worshippers, according to Egyptian standards. He appears in Gen_41:38 as recognizing one God; and we know that, in the opinion of competent authorities, the religion of Egypt had a monotheistic basis beneath all the wood, hay, stubble of legend and animal worship. Possibly we may see in this Hyksos king another instance, like those of Abimeleeh of Gerar and Melchizedek of Salem, which widens our conceptions of the extent of the early faith in one supreme God, and surprises with twinkling light where we had thought darkness reigned; but, whether this be so or no, Joseph did not give up his religion because he became an Egyptian in name, and married an Egyptian wife. The old faith in the Divine promise to his fathers lived on in his heart, and flamed out at last when he gave commandment concerning his bones. So he teaches us the lesson of willing co-operation, so far as may be, in the charities and duties of life, with those who do not share our faith, and shows us that the firmer our hold of the truth and promise of God, the more safe and obligatory is it to become all things to all men, that we may by all means help and save some. No doubt that principle is often abused, and made an excuse for unhallowed mingling with the world; but it is a true principle for all that; and as long as Christian people seek to assimilate themselves to others, and to establish friendly relations for unselfish ends, and not from cowardice or a sneaking wish to be of the world, after all no harm will come of it. Ye are the salt of the earth. Salt must be rubbed into the substance which it is to preserve from putrefaction. So Christian men are to go among those whom they would save; and remember that a greater than Joseph was called a Friend of publicans and sinners. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v45 Asenath, the Gentile bride espoused by Joseph the rejected…
Zaphnath-paaneah
Asenath, the Gentile bride espoused by Joseph the rejected one Joh 19:15 type of the Church, called out from the Gentiles to be the bride of Christ during the time of His rejection by His brethren, Israel.; Act 15:14; Eph 5:31; Eph 5:32. (See Scofield "Gen 37:2").
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Zaphnath-paaneah Coptic, revealer of secret things.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv39, 42, 44 there is none so discerning
there is none so discerning
"no one else is as capable in making decisions." See how you translated "discerning" in Genesis 41:33.
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You will be over my house
Here "house" stands for Pharaoh's palace and the people in the palace. The phrase "will be over" means Joseph will have authority over. AT: "You will be in charge of everyone in my palace" (See: Metonymy and Idiom)
according to your word will all my people be ruled
This can be stated in active form. AT: "you will rule over my people and they will do what you command" (See: Active or Passive)
Only in the throne
Here "throne" stands for Pharaoh's rule as king. AT: "Only in my role as king"
See, I have put you
The word "See" adds emphasis to what Pharaoh says next. AT: "Look, I have put you"
I have put you over all the land of Egypt
The phrase "put you over" means to give authority. Here "land" refers to the people. AT: "I put you in charge of everyone in Egypt" (See: Idiom and Metonymy)
translationWords
Pharaoh
Joseph (OT)
God
discern
wise
house
word
rule
throne
Egypt
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv41, 42, 43, 45 41:41-46 Joseph was made the acting ruler or manager…
41:41-46 Joseph was made the acting ruler or manager of Egypt.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.