◄ Genesis 41:15 ►
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."
Study Bible
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.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, considered a god by his people, who is troubled by dreams that none of his wise men can interpret.

2. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to prominence in Potiphar's house, and was later imprisoned. Known for his ability to interpret dreams through God's guidance.

3. Egypt
The powerful ancient kingdom where Joseph finds himself after being sold into slavery. It serves as the backdrop for this pivotal moment in Joseph's life.

4. Dreams
The medium through which God communicates His plans and purposes in this account, highlighting the divine orchestration of events.

5. Interpretation
The act of explaining the meaning of dreams, which in this context, is a gift from God that Joseph possesses.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Circumstances
Joseph's journey from slavery to the palace demonstrates God's control over all situations, using even adverse circumstances for His purposes.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Joseph's consistent faithfulness, whether in Potiphar's house or in prison, prepares him for greater responsibilities.

Divine Wisdom and Revelation
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams is a reminder that true wisdom and understanding come from God, not human ability.

God's Timing
Joseph's rise to power occurs at the perfect time, illustrating that God's timing is always perfect, even when it seems delayed.

Witnessing through Gifts
Joseph's use of his God-given gift to interpret dreams serves as a testimony to Pharaoh and the Egyptian court about the power and reality of the God of Israel.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's response to Pharaoh demonstrate his reliance on God rather than his own abilities?

2. In what ways can we see God's hand at work in Joseph's life leading up to this moment?

3. How can we apply the principle of being faithful in small things to our own lives?

4. What are some modern-day "dreams" or situations where we need to seek God's wisdom and interpretation?

5. How can we use our God-given gifts to witness to others about God's power and presence in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37
Joseph's own dreams about his future, which set the stage for his journey and eventual rise to power in Egypt.

Daniel 2
Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, showing a parallel in how God uses His servants to reveal divine mysteries to rulers.

Acts 2
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, where dreams and visions are mentioned as ways God communicates with His people.

1 Corinthians 12
The spiritual gifts, including wisdom and knowledge, which can be seen in Joseph's ability to interpret dreams.
Sermons
Great Changes in LifeJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 41:14-16
Joseph Summoned into Pharaoh's PresenceT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:14-16
The Prime MinisterJ. Dickerson Davies, M. A.Genesis 41:14-16
The Turning-Point in Joseph's CareerC. Overton.Genesis 41:14-16
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Able, Canst, Dream, Dreamed, Dreamt, Ears, Hearest, Interpret, Interpreter, Joseph, None, Pharaoh, Saying, Sense, Understand, Understandest
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:15

     8366   wisdom, source of

Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:10-32

     7730   explanation

Genesis 41:15-16

     1409   dream
     1424   predictions
     8308   modesty

Library
The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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