Genesis 41:16 Study Bible: And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "Apart from God an answer of peace shall not be given to Pharoah."

◄ Genesis 41:16 ►

"I myself cannot do it," Joseph replied, "but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer."

I myself cannot do it
This phrase highlights Joseph's humility and recognition of his own limitations. The Hebrew root here is "biladai," which conveys the idea of being without or apart from oneself. Joseph acknowledges that he does not possess the power or wisdom to interpret dreams on his own. This humility is a recurring theme in Joseph's life, as he consistently gives credit to God for his abilities and successes. Historically, this attitude sets Joseph apart in the Egyptian court, where self-aggrandizement was common among those seeking favor with Pharaoh.

Joseph replied
Joseph's response is significant in the context of his situation. He is a Hebrew slave standing before the most powerful ruler in Egypt, yet he speaks with confidence and clarity. The Hebrew name "Yosef" means "he will add," which is prophetic of Joseph's role in adding wisdom and prosperity to Egypt. His reply is not just a response to Pharaoh but a testament to his faith and trust in God, which has been a guiding force throughout his life.

but God will give
The phrase "but God" is pivotal, indicating a shift from human inability to divine capability. The Hebrew word for God here is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes the majesty and power of God. Joseph's declaration that God will provide the answer underscores his belief in God's sovereignty and active involvement in the affairs of men. This is a central tenet of conservative Christian theology, which holds that God is both transcendent and immanent.

Pharaoh a favorable answer
The term "favorable answer" in Hebrew is "shalom," which is often translated as peace, completeness, or welfare. Joseph is confident that God will provide an interpretation that will bring peace and clarity to Pharaoh's troubled mind. This assurance is rooted in Joseph's understanding of God's character as one who brings order out of chaos. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the biblical theme of God as the ultimate source of wisdom and peace, a theme that resonates throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, later imprisoned in Egypt, and known for his ability to interpret dreams through God's guidance.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who had troubling dreams that none of his wise men could interpret, leading to Joseph being summoned from prison.

3. Egypt
The setting of this account, a powerful ancient civilization where Joseph rises to prominence.

4. Dream Interpretation
The event where Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, which is pivotal in his rise to power and the preservation of Egypt and his family.

5. God's Sovereignty
The underlying theme of the passage, highlighting God's control and ability to reveal truths through His chosen servants.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God
Joseph's response to Pharaoh teaches us the importance of acknowledging our limitations and relying on God's wisdom and power.

Humility in Service
Joseph's humility in giving credit to God rather than taking personal glory is a model for how we should serve others.

God's Sovereignty
This passage reminds us that God is in control and can use any situation for His purposes, even when circumstances seem dire.

Faithfulness in Trials
Joseph's journey from slavery to a position of power demonstrates the importance of remaining faithful and trusting God through difficult times.

Witnessing through Actions
Joseph's life and words serve as a testimony to God's power, encouraging us to let our actions and words reflect our faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's response to Pharaoh demonstrate his faith and reliance on God, and how can we apply this in our daily decision-making?

2. In what ways does Joseph's humility in giving credit to God challenge us in our own lives, especially when we achieve success?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in Joseph's life, and how does this encourage us to trust God in our own circumstances?

4. What parallels can we draw between Joseph's account and Daniel's, and how do these accounts reinforce the importance of seeking God's wisdom?

5. How can Joseph's example of witnessing through his actions and words inspire us to share our faith with others in our community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 2
Similar to Joseph, Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, emphasizing that wisdom and understanding come from God.

James 1:5
This verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, reflecting Joseph's reliance on God for understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses advise trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, paralleling Joseph's acknowledgment of God's role in providing answers.

Sermons

Great Changes in Life	J. Parker, D. D.	Genesis 41:14-16
Joseph Summoned into Pharaoh's Presence	T. H. Leale.	Genesis 41:14-16
The Prime Minister	J. Dickerson Davies, M. A.	Genesis 41:14-16
The Turning-Point in Joseph's Career	C. Overton.	Genesis 41:14-16
The Tried Man	R.A. Redford	Genesis 41

People

Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah

Places

Egypt, Nile River, On

Topics

Answereth, Desires, Favorable, Isn't, Joseph, Peace, Pharaoh, Replied, Saying

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Genesis 41:16

     1403   God, revelation
     7949   mission, of Israel
     8276   humility

Genesis 41:1-49

8131 guidance, results

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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