◄ Genesis 41:38 ►
So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?"
Study Bible
So Pharaoh asked them
The phrase begins with Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, taking an active role in the narrative. Pharaoh's inquiry is directed towards his officials, indicating a moment of decision-making and consultation. Historically, Pharaohs were seen as divine or semi-divine figures in Egyptian culture, yet here, Pharaoh is portrayed as seeking wisdom beyond his own understanding. This reflects a moment of humility and recognition of a higher power at work, setting the stage for Joseph's rise to power.

Can we find anyone like this man
This rhetorical question emphasizes the uniqueness of Joseph. The Hebrew word for "find" (מָצָא, matsa) implies a diligent search or discovery. Pharaoh acknowledges Joseph's exceptional qualities, which are not found in any other man. This highlights the divine favor and wisdom bestowed upon Joseph, distinguishing him from all others in Pharaoh's court. It underscores the biblical theme of God raising individuals for His purposes, often from humble beginnings.

in whom is the Spirit of God?
The phrase "Spirit of God" (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים, ruach Elohim) is significant, as it denotes the divine presence and empowerment within Joseph. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God is often associated with wisdom, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams or prophesy. This acknowledgment by a pagan king like Pharaoh is profound, as it recognizes the true source of Joseph's abilities. It serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to work through individuals in any context, even in a foreign land like Egypt. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers, guiding and empowering them for God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who recognizes the divine wisdom in Joseph.

2. Joseph
A Hebrew man who, through God's guidance, interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is recognized for having the Spirit of God.

3. Egypt
The setting of this account, where Joseph rises to power after interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.

4. The Spirit of God
The divine presence and wisdom that Pharaoh acknowledges in Joseph, leading to Joseph's elevation.
Teaching Points
Recognition of God's Spirit
Even those outside the faith, like Pharaoh, can recognize the work of God's Spirit in a believer's life. This calls us to live in such a way that God's presence is evident to all.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Joseph's rise to power demonstrates God's control over human affairs. Believers can trust that God places people in positions of influence for His purposes.

Wisdom from God
True wisdom and understanding come from God. Like Joseph, we should seek God's guidance in all situations, trusting that He will provide the insight we need.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's journey shows that faithfulness in difficult times can lead to greater opportunities to serve God and others. We are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God empowers believers for service and witness. We should seek to be filled with the Spirit, allowing Him to work through us for God's glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Pharaoh's recognition of the Spirit of God in Joseph challenge us to live our lives today?

2. In what ways can we seek and recognize the wisdom that comes from God in our daily decisions?

3. How does Joseph's account encourage us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, especially in challenging circumstances?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that the Spirit of God is evident in our lives to those around us?

5. How can we apply the principle of being filled with the Spirit, as seen in Joseph's life, to our roles and responsibilities today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 39:2-3
Earlier in Joseph's account, it is noted that the LORD was with Joseph, leading to his success. This connection highlights the consistent presence of God in Joseph's life.

Daniel 5:11-14
Similar to Joseph, Daniel is recognized for having the spirit of the holy gods, showing a pattern of God empowering His servants with wisdom.

Acts 6:3-5
The early church selects leaders filled with the Spirit, paralleling the recognition of divine wisdom in Joseph.

1 Corinthians 2:14
Paul speaks of the natural man not accepting the things of the Spirit of God, contrasting with Pharaoh's recognition of God's Spirit in Joseph.
Sermons
Ability DiscoveredOne Thousand New lllustrationsGenesis 41:37-45
Egyptian-Fine LinenThings Not Generally Known.Genesis 41:37-45
From Prison to PalaceA. Maclaren, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Governor of EgyptProf. Hilprecht.Genesis 41:37-45
High Endowments Qualify for RespectG. Lawson, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise RulerD. O. Mears.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise RulerD. G. Hughes, M. A.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's ExaltationGenesis 41:37-45
Joseph's ExaltationJ. C. Gray.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Promotion in EgyptHomilistGenesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Qualification for RulingF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 41:37-45
Leaders of MenVinet.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh Accepts Joseph's AdviceT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh and JosephA. P. Foster, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh's Prime MinisterW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 41:37-45
The Secret of Joseph's ElevationW. M. Taylor, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Anyone, Bondmen, Divine, Pharaoh, Servants, Spirit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:38

     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of
     3278   Holy Spirit, indwelling
     6650   finding

Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:33-40

     5922   prudence

Genesis 41:38-39

     3272   Holy Spirit, in OT
     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration

Genesis 41:38-40

     8369   worthiness

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

Links
Genesis 41:38 NIV
Genesis 41:38 NLT
Genesis 41:38 ESV
Genesis 41:38 NASB
Genesis 41:38 KJV

Genesis 41:38 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 41:37
Top of Page
Top of Page