NIV 1984 Edition

41:1 When two full years had passed [since the release of the chief cupbearer from prison; cupbearer forgot Joseph (cf. Gen. 40:23); the silence between chapters 40 and 41 represents one of the greatest tests of faith in Joseph’s life], Pharaoh had a dream [a vehicle of divine revelation; the dream originated with God; this dream will change everything for Joseph]: He was standing by the Nile [provided water for crops in Egypt; everything in Egypt depended on the Nile],

41:2 when out of the river [the Nile, Egypt’s lifeline] there came up [slowly emerged from the river] seven [number signals completeness] cows [symbolized wealth], sleek and fat [Hebrew literally reads: “beautiful of appearance and healthy of flesh”], and they grazed among the reeds [vegetation growing along the banks of the Nile].

41:3 After them, seven [signifies completeness] other [this word emphasizes contrast; they are not merely additional cows but different cows] cows, ugly and gaunt [literally “bad of appearance and thin of flesh”], came up out of the Nile [both the healthy and unhealthy cows emerged from the same river] and stood beside [death quietly stood next to life and famine beside prosperity] those on the riverbank.

41:4 And the cows that were ugly and gaunt [the description of the cows communicates that something is terribly wrong] ate up [cows are herbivores thus an unnatural image in the dream; to “eat” or “consume” in Scripture conveys idea of complete destruction] the seven sleek, fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up [the disturbing dream startled him awake and troubled him (see verse 8)].

41:5 He fell asleep again [God was not finished with his revelation] and had a second dream [second dream was parallel to the first; the repetition communicated that what he had dreamed was certain and imminent]: Seven heads of grain [imagery shifts from livestock to agriculture; Egypt’s prosperity depended on grain production], healthy and good [an exceptional harvest], were growing on a single stalk [grain heads normally produce one primary head; seven heads represents unusual abundance].

41:6 After them [these words signal a coming contrast], seven [signifies completeness] other heads of grain [Joseph later explains that these seven heads represent seven years of famine (Genesis 41:27)] sprouted [these heads of grain grew from the same field as the healthy grain]—thin [withered or underdeveloped; contained little or no usable grain] and scorched by the east wind [the wind that came from the area of the Arabian Desert; hot and dry wind that withered everything in its path; cf. Jonah 4:8].

41:7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up [to engulf or consume completely; an image of overwhelming destruction] the seven healthy, full heads [this grain represented extraordinary abundance]. Then Pharaoh woke up [his dream lingered and did not fade]; it had been a dream [Pharaoh was troubled by his two dreams; (cf. Gen. 41:8)].

41:8 In the morning [he did not dismiss the dreams] his mind was troubled [he was profoundly disturbed; see also Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:1], so he sent for all the magicians [Egypt’s elite religious scholars charged with interpreting dreams, studied sacred writings, practicing divination, and advising Pharaoh] and wise men [likely included scholars, counselors, astrologers, advisors] of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams [he faithfully recounted his dreams], but no one [not one person among the best minds in Egypt; human wisdom has limits] could interpret them for him.

41:9 Then [marks a dramatic turning point; if the magicians and wise men had interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams then Joseph would have remained forgotten in prison] the chief cupbearer [reintroduced after two years; his testimony was credible because Pharaoh trusted him] said to Pharaoh [finally the cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh on behalf of Joseph], “Today [after two years of failing to remember Joseph] I am reminded [see Gen. 40:23; everything will soon change for Joseph because the cupbearer remembered; the only thing Joseph had asked of him was to remember him] of my shortcomings [he realized that he had failed Joseph who had shown him kindness in prison].

41:10 Pharaoh was once angry [his anger had immediate consequences] with his servants [imprisonment demonstrates that no earthly position guarantees lasting security], and he imprisoned [shows how quickly earthly circumstances can change] me and the chief baker in the house of the captain of the guard [most likely Potiphar].

41:11 Each of us had a dream [God orchestrated both dreams because both were necessary] the same night [God arranged the timing perfectly], and each dream [both men received exactly the message God intended for them] had a meaning of its own [God’s dealings with people are personal rather than generic].

41:12 Now a young [Joseph was about thirty years old (Genesis 41:46)] Hebrew [first time Pharaoh hears Joseph’s identity; Egyptians generally regarded Hebrews as outsiders (see Genesis 43:32)] was there with us, a servant [he possessed no authority, no title, no reputation] of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams [Joseph listened], and he interpreted [trusted God to reveal the meaning of each dream; see Gen. 40:8] them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream [his interpretations were not guesses].

41:13 And things turned out exactly [everything occurred precisely as Joseph had said] as he interpreted them to us [“Do not interpretations belong to God?” (Gen. 40:8)]: I was restored to my position [God restored one man in order to rescue an entire nation], and the other man was impaled [both predictions proved exactly accurate].”



41:14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph [when God’s appointed time arrived, Joseph did not force open the door, the king himself opened it], and he was quickly brought [literally “They hurried him out.”] from the dungeon [for thirteen years life had moved at a snail’s place and now suddenly it moved quickly]. When he had shaved [unlike Hebrews, who typically wore beards, Egyptians were generally clean-shaven] and changed his clothes [change of clothing marks a transition in Joseph’s life], he came before Pharaoh [from prison to standing before the most powerful ruler in the ancient world].

Note: Clothing marked the milestones in Joseph’s journey:
Jacob gives Joseph the richly ornamented robe (Genesis 37).

His brothers strip it from him.

Potiphar’s wife seizes his garment.

Prison garments replace a servant’s clothing.

Joseph changes clothes again before entering Pharaoh’s presence.

41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph [hours before he was answering to prison guards; now he was answering to Pharaoh himself], “I had a dream [Pharaoh ruled an empire but could not interpret a dream], and no one can interpret it [all of Pharaoh’s experts failed to interpret his dream; illustrates the limits of human understanding]. But I have heard it said [from the cupbearer who had forgotten Joseph (cf. Gen. 40:23)] of you that when you hear a dream you can [this stands in contrast with “I cannot” in the next verse] interpret it [Egyptian culture often associated dream interpretation with mystical ability or occult knowledge].”

41:16 “I cannot [this stands in contrast to Pharaoh saying “you can”] do it [Joseph refused to take the credit for himself],” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God [a significant statement because people in Egypt worshiped many gods] will give Pharaoh [considered a god in Egypt] the answer he desires [a favorable answer; one that would calm and reassure the troubled monarch].”

41:17 Then Pharaoh said [spoke directly to; Pharaoh became a seeker] to Joseph [a mere servant and prisoner], “In my dream [he recounted the dream accurately; details matter] I was standing on the bank of the Nile [symbolically places Pharaoh at the source of Egypt’s confidence; what Egypt trusted most remained completely under God’s authority],

41:18  when out of the river [seeing healthy cattle emerge from the Nile would have seemed entirely natural] there came up seven cows [image represents a nation enjoying extraordinary prosperity], fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds [the cattle have everything they need].

41:19 After them, seven other cows came up—scrawny and very ugly and lean [appearance suggests prolonged starvation and the exhaustion of resources]. I had never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt [this is Pharaoh’s commentary on his dream; it was unforgettable and concerning because he had never seen cattle in this condition].

41:20 The lean, ugly cows [these cows were starving] ate up [completely consumed] the seven fat cows that came up first [God had provided what was needed prior to the period of hardship].

41:21 But even after they ate them [literally reads: “And they went into their bellies…”], no one could tell that they had done so [the lean cows do not become healthy]; they looked just as ugly as before [nothing changed]. Then I woke up [the dreams disturbed him; God had his attention].

41:22 “In my dream [Pharaoh related the second dream; two dreams but one message; God repeated Himself to emphasize certainty, not uncertainty] I saw seven heads of grain, full and good, growing on a single stalk [these details point to an above-average harvest].

41:23 After them [notice same pattern of abundance followed by scarcity], seven other heads sprouted—withered [describes grain that is shriveled and dried up] and thin [underdeveloped] and scorched by the east wind [the intense heat of this wind could devastate crops in a very short time].

41:24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up [to consume completely] the seven good heads. I told this to the magicians [refers to Egypt’s priests, scribes, and dream interpreters], but none of them could explain it to me [they could not interpret the meaning of dreams that had come from God].”

41:25 Then Joseph said [Joseph spoke with certainty because he believed God had revealed the meaning of the dreams] to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same [two dreams with same meaning] God [Joseph began with God rather than the imagery in the dreams] has revealed to Pharaoh [God revealed his purpose to a pagan king] what he is about to do [acts of divine providence; see Isaiah 46:10].



Note: God occasionally revealed Himself to rulers outside His covenant people. Examples include: Abimelech (Genesis 20), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2 and 4), and Cyrus (Isaiah 45).

41:26 The seven good cows [symbolize seven years of extraordinary abundance] are seven years [God is in control of time and the seasons], and the seven good heads of grain [two different symbols with one identical meaning] are seven years [years of bumper crops throughout Egypt]; it is one and the same dream [two dreams with one revelation].

41:27 The seven lean, ugly cows [symbolize a famine of extraordinary severity] that came up afterward [the tears of famine follow the years of abundance] are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine [the duration of the famine is not indefinite].

41:28 “It is just as I [Joseph was merely the spokesman describing for Pharaoh what God was about to do] said to Pharaoh: God has shown [in advance; a warning to help them prepare for the coming difficulties] Pharaoh what he is about to do.

41:29 Seven years [represented by the seven good cows and the seven good heads of grain] of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt,

41:30 but seven years [represented by the lean, ugly good cows and the seven worthless heads of grain] of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance [everything gained during the seven years of plenty] in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage [or consume] the land [indicates the magnitude of the famine].

41:31 The abundance [conveys the idea of plenty, fullness, or overflowing provision] in the land will not be remembered [the evidence of abundance will disappear; people will look around and see no visible trace of the prosperous years], because the famine that follows it will be so severe [will impact every area of life].

41:32 The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms [this emphasized the importance of the message of the dreams; recall that Joseph’s dream about his brothers was also repeated (cf. Gen. 37:5-1)] is that the matter has been firmly decided [speaks of certainty] by God, and God will do it soon [speaks of imminence].

41:33 “And now [after interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph courageously offered practical advice about how to deal with the situation] let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt [the Scripture does not indicate that Joseph was seeking this job for himself].

41:34 Let Pharaoh appoint [Joseph respectfully advised Pharaoh] commissioners [refers to overseers, officials, or administrators] over the land to take a fifth [20%] of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance [20% saved during seven unusually productive years would provide enormous reserves while still leaving farmers with the vast majority of their harvest; reserving part of today’s blessings for tomorrow’s need].

41:35 They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities [perhaps cities strategically located for distribution efforts in the future and cities where the grain could be protected] for food.

41:36 This food should be held in reserve [means something kept in safekeeping or a stored supply] for the country [Joseph’s concern extended beyond Pharaoh’s palace; his plan benefited everyone], to be used during the seven years of famine that will [not “if the famine comes”] come upon Egypt, so that the country [see Gen. 45:5] may not be ruined [means perish, be cut off, be destroyed] by the famine.”

41:37 The plan seemed good [they saw the wisdom of Joseph’s suggestion to prepare for coming difficulties] to Pharaoh and to all his officials.

41:38 So Pharaoh asked [his question was rhetorical] them [his officials and advisors; those who had been unable to interpret the dreams], “Can we find anyone like this man [Joseph was unique], one in whom is the spirit of God [or gods; Pharaoh was a polytheist and probably understood it according to his own worldview; he recognized that some divine power was at work in Joseph]?”

41:39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this [includes: the meaning of the dreams, the certainty of the future, the wisdom of the administrative plan, the practical solution] known to you [Pharaoh gave God the credit for Joseph’s insight and wisdom], there is no one [an extraordinary statement from a ruler who had access to the most brilliant minds of his day] so discerning [Hebrew word refers to someone who can: perceive, understand, distinguish, exercise insight] and wise [more than intelligent; one who knows how to apply knowledge] as you.

41:40 You shall be in charge of my palace [literally “You shall be over my house.”], and all my people are to submit to your orders [Joseph’s word would be law throughout the land]. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you [Joseph was made second in command in Egypt].”

Note: Joseph had gained valuable administrative experience while in Potiphar’s household (Gen. 39:1-6) and while he was in prison (Gen. 39:21-23).



41:41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph [a formal declaration], “I hereby put you [a deliberate and official appointment; delegated authority] in charge [to have authority over] of the whole land of Egypt.”

41:42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring [one of the most important symbols of authority in the ancient world] from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger [a deeply personal act performed by Pharaoh himself]. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain [represented honor, royal favor, official rank] around his neck.



Note: Notice the progression of Joseph’s life as signified by his clothing.
His brothers stripped him of his special robe (Genesis 37).

Potiphar’s wife seized his garment (Genesis 39).

Prison removed every symbol of status.

Pharaoh gave him the highest symbol of authority in Egypt.

Pharaoh clothed Joseph in fine linen and a gold chain.

41:43 He had him ride in a chariot [one of the highest symbols of royal honor in ancient Egypt] as his second-in-command [literally “In the second chariot that belonged to him” referred to the vehicle reserved for the official immediately below Pharaoh], and people shouted before him, “Make way! [the people are commanded to recognize Joseph’s authority]” Thus he put him in charge [or “he set him over”] of the whole land of Egypt [the dominant superpower of its day].


41:44 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph [a royal decree to establishes Joseph’s authority before the Egyptian court], “I am Pharaoh [the ultimate authority], but without your word [Joseph’s word carries legal authority because Pharaoh has authorized it] no one will lift hand or foot [all official governmental administration flowed through Joseph; nothing significant happened without his approval; his authority was comprehensive] in all Egypt [emphasizes the vast scope of Joseph’s authority].”

41:45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name [a new name often symbolized a new identity, a new role, a new beginning, or new authority] Zaphenath-Paneah [the precise translation of this name is debated; some have suggested “the revealer of mysteries” or “the one through whom life is preserved”] and gave him Asenath [this marriage publicly identifies Joseph with Egypt’s leadership] daughter of Potiphera, priest of On [later known by the Greek name Heliopolis], to be his wife [served within a pagan culture while remaining faithful to the true God; later gave his sons Hebrew names: Manasseh (“God has made me forget…”) and Ephraim (“God has made me fruitful…”)]. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt [he immediately began his work].

41:46 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.

41:47 During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully.

41:48  Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it.

41:49 Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.

41:50 Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.

41:51 Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”

41:52 The second son he named Ephraim[f] and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

41:53 The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end,

41:54 and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food.

41:55 When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.”

41:56 When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt.

41:57 And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere.