Genesis 41:39 Study Bible: Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Because God has shown you all of this, there is none so discreet and wise as you.

◄ Genesis 41:39 ►

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's life, where he transitions from a prisoner to a powerful leader in Egypt. The Hebrew word for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a declaration or a significant pronouncement. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, acknowledges Joseph, a Hebrew slave, which is historically significant given the cultural and social hierarchies of ancient Egypt. This moment underscores the divine orchestration in Joseph's life, as God elevates him to a position of influence.

Since God has made all this known to you
The acknowledgment of "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) by Pharaoh is noteworthy. In a polytheistic society like Egypt, where Pharaoh himself was considered a deity, recognizing the Hebrew God signifies a profound respect for the divine wisdom imparted to Joseph. The phrase "made all this known" reflects the Hebrew verb יָדַע (yada), meaning to know or reveal. This divine revelation is central to the narrative, emphasizing that true wisdom and understanding come from God alone.

there is no one as discerning and wise as you
The terms "discerning" (נָבוֹן, navon) and "wise" (חָכָם, chakam) are significant in the Hebrew context. "Discerning" implies an ability to understand and interpret complex matters, while "wise" suggests a deep, practical understanding of life. Joseph's wisdom is not merely intellectual but is rooted in his relationship with God. This acknowledgment by Pharaoh highlights the biblical theme that godly wisdom surpasses human understanding and is a gift from God. Historically, wisdom was highly valued in ancient cultures, and Joseph's elevation due to his God-given insight serves as an inspirational reminder of the power of divine wisdom in navigating life's challenges.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who recognizes Joseph's God-given wisdom and appoints him to a position of authority.

2. Joseph
A Hebrew man who, through God's revelation, interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is elevated to a high position in Egypt.

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

4. God's Revelation
The divine insight given to Joseph, enabling him to interpret dreams and demonstrate wisdom.

5. Dream Interpretation
The event where Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, leading to his promotion.

Teaching Points

God as the Source of Wisdom
Recognize that true wisdom and discernment come from God, as demonstrated in Joseph's life.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's rise to power was preceded by trials; remain faithful and trust God's timing and purpose.

Using Gifts for God's Glory
Like Joseph, use your God-given talents and insights to serve others and glorify God.

Leadership and Humility
Joseph's humility and reliance on God made him a great leader; emulate these qualities in your own life.

God's Sovereignty in Circumstances
Trust that God is in control and can use any situation for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's account in Genesis 41:39 illustrate the principle that God is the source of all wisdom?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in Joseph's life, and how can we apply this understanding to our own circumstances?

3. How does Joseph's humility and reliance on God serve as a model for Christian leadership today?

4. What are some practical ways we can use our God-given gifts to serve others and glorify God, as Joseph did?

5. How do the accounts of Joseph and Daniel encourage us to seek God's wisdom in our daily lives, and what steps can we take to do so?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 2
Similar to Joseph, Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, demonstrating God's power to reveal mysteries.

1 Kings 3
Solomon asks God for wisdom, and God grants it, paralleling Joseph's God-given wisdom.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault.

Proverbs 2:6
States that the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Acts 7:9-10
Stephen recounts Joseph's account, highlighting God's presence and favor in Joseph's life.

Sermons

Ability Discovered	One Thousand New lllustrations	Genesis 41:37-45
Egyptian-Fine Linen	Things Not Generally Known.	Genesis 41:37-45
From Prison to Palace	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
Governor of Egypt	Prof. Hilprecht.	Genesis 41:37-45
High Endowments Qualify for Respect	G. Lawson, D. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise Ruler	D. O. Mears.	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise Ruler	D. G. Hughes, M. A.	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Exaltation		Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Exaltation	J. C. Gray.	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Promotion in Egypt	Homilist	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Qualification for Ruling	F. W. Robertson, M. A.	Genesis 41:37-45
Leaders of Men	Vinet.	Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh Accepts Joseph's Advice	T. H. Leale.	Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh and Joseph	A. P. Foster, D. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh's Prime Minister	W. S. Smith, B. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
The Secret of Joseph's Elevation	W. M. Taylor, D. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
The Tried Man	R.A. Redford	Genesis 41

People

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

Places

Egypt, Nile River, On

Topics

Causing, Clear, Discerning, Discreet, Forasmuch, God's, Informed, Intelligent, Joseph, None, Pharaoh, Seeing, Sense, Showed, Shown, Wisdom, Wise

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Genesis 41:39

8228 discernment, examples
8365 wisdom, human

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

Genesis 41:39-40

5366 king
8031 trust, importance

Genesis 41:39-41

5054 responsibility, examples
5327 governors

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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