Genesis 41:15
New International Version
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

New Living Translation
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.”

English Standard Version
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

Berean Standard Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

King James Bible
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

New King James Version
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.”

New American Standard Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

NASB 1995
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

NASB 1977
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; yet I have heard it said about you, that you hear a dream and that you can interpret it.”

Amplified Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you that you can understand a dream and interpret it.”

Christian Standard Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said about you that you can hear a dream and interpret it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said about you that you can hear a dream and interpret it."”

American Standard Version
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that when thou hearest a dream thou canst interpret it.

Contemporary English Version
The king said to him, "I had a dream, yet no one can explain what it means. I am told that you can interpret dreams."

English Revised Version
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that when thou hearest a dream thou canst interpret it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can tell me what it means. I heard that when you are told a dream, you can say what it means."

Good News Translation
The king said to him, "I have had a dream, and no one can explain it. I have been told that you can interpret dreams."

International Standard Version
"I've had a dream," Pharaoh told Joseph, "but nobody can interpret it. I've heard that you can interpret dreams."

Majority Standard Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, ?I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.?

NET Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard about you, that you can interpret dreams."

New Heart English Bible
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, but there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said about you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard it said of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

World English Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Pharaoh says to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it, and I have heard concerning you, saying, You understand a dream to interpret it,”

Young's Literal Translation
And Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'A dream I have dreamed, and there is no interpreter of it, and I -- I have heard concerning thee, saying, Thou understandest a dream to interpret it,'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Pharaoh will say to Joseph, I dreamed a dream, and there is none interpreting it, and I heard concerning thee, saying, Thou wilt hear a dream to interpret it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to him: I have dreamed dreams, and there is no one that can expound them: Now I have heard that thou art very wise at interpreting them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to him, “I have seen dreams, and there is no one who can unfold them. I have heard that you are very wise at interpreting these.”

New American Bible
Pharaoh then said to Joseph: “I had a dream but there was no one to interpret it. But I hear it said of you, ‘If he hears a dream he can interpret it.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it; and I have heard concerning you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Pharaoh said to Yoseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpretation for it, and I have heard about you, that you can hear a dream and interpret it.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph: 'I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it; and I have heard say of thee, that when thou hearest a dream thou canst interpret it.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Pharao said to Joseph, I have seen a vision, and there is no one to interpret it; but I have heard say concerning thee that thou didst hear dreams and interpret them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams
14So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh. 15Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” 16“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”…

Cross References
Daniel 2:26-28
The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation?” / Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:

Daniel 4:18
This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”

Acts 7:10
and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Daniel 5:12
did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”

1 Kings 3:12
behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.

Daniel 2:47
The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”

Daniel 1:17
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.

1 Corinthians 12:10
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

Daniel 2:19-23
During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven / and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. ...

Matthew 2:12-13
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route. / When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”

Job 33:15-16
In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, / He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings

Numbers 12:6
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.

Acts 2:17
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Joel 2:28
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Matthew 1:20
But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of you, that you can understand a dream to interpret it.

I have heard.

Genesis 41:9-13
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: …

Psalm 25:14
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Daniel 5:12,16
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation…

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Genesis 41
1. Pharaoh has two dreams.
9. Joseph interprets them.
33. He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.
46. The seven years of plenty.
50. He begets children.
53. The famine begins.














Pharaoh said to Joseph
The term "Pharaoh" is derived from the Egyptian word "per-aa," meaning "great house." This title was used for the kings of Egypt, signifying their supreme authority and divine status in the ancient world. Joseph, a Hebrew, stands before this powerful ruler, highlighting the providential hand of God in elevating him from a prisoner to a position of influence. This encounter underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of God's promises, as Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace unfolds according to God's plan.

I had a dream
Dreams in the ancient Near East were often considered messages from the divine realm. In Egyptian culture, dreams were seen as significant and often required interpretation by skilled individuals. Pharaoh's admission of having a dream indicates a moment of vulnerability and a search for divine insight. This sets the stage for Joseph, who is empowered by God, to reveal the meaning and purpose behind the dream, demonstrating that true wisdom and understanding come from the Lord.

and no one can interpret it
The inability of Pharaoh's magicians and wise men to interpret the dream highlights the limitations of human wisdom and the futility of relying on earthly knowledge. This phrase emphasizes the contrast between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom that comes from God. It sets the scene for Joseph, who, through God's Spirit, possesses the divine insight needed to provide the interpretation, showcasing the supremacy of God's wisdom over human understanding.

But I have heard it said of you
This phrase indicates that Joseph's reputation as an interpreter of dreams has preceded him. It reflects the providential orchestration of events, as God uses the testimony of others to bring Joseph to Pharaoh's attention. This moment is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His ability to use even the most unlikely circumstances to accomplish His purposes.

that when you hear a dream you can interpret it
The ability to interpret dreams is attributed to Joseph, but it is ultimately a gift from God. This phrase highlights Joseph's role as a vessel through which God reveals His plans and purposes. It serves as a reminder that spiritual gifts and abilities are given by God for His glory and the benefit of others. Joseph's humility and reliance on God in this moment exemplify the proper response to divine gifting, as he later acknowledges that interpretations belong to God (Genesis 41:16). This underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness and humility in the life of a believer.

Verse 15. - And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it (literally, and interpreting it there is no one): and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it - literally, I have heard of thee, saying, thou hearest a dream to interpret it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Pharaoh
פַּרְעֹה֙ (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joseph,
יוֹסֵ֔ף (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

“I had a dream,
חֲל֣וֹם (ḥă·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2472: A dream

and no
אֵ֣ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

one can interpret it.
וּפֹתֵ֖ר (ū·p̄ō·ṯêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6622: To open up, interpret

But I
וַאֲנִ֗י (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

have received word
שָׁמַ֤עְתִּי (šā·ma‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

about you
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙ (‘ā·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

that when you hear
תִּשְׁמַ֥ע (tiš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

a dream
חֲל֖וֹם (ḥă·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2472: A dream

you can interpret it.”
לִפְתֹּ֥ר (lip̄·tōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6622: To open up, interpret


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OT Law: Genesis 41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph I have dreamed (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 41:14
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