Genesis 41:40 Study Bible: You shall be over my house, and according to your word will all my people be ruled. Only in the throne I will be greater than you."

◄ Genesis 41:40 ►

You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you."

Study Bible

You shall be in charge of my house
This phrase signifies Joseph's elevation to a position of authority over Pharaoh's household, which includes not only the royal palace but also the administration of Egypt. This mirrors the earlier responsibility Joseph had in Potiphar's house, demonstrating his trustworthiness and capability. The "house" in ancient Egyptian culture was a symbol of power and control, and being in charge of it meant having significant influence. This foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ, who is given authority over the house of God (Hebrews 3:6).

and all my people are to obey your commands
Joseph's authority extends beyond the household to the entire nation of Egypt. This reflects the trust Pharaoh places in Joseph, recognizing his wisdom and discernment. The obedience of the people to Joseph's commands is reminiscent of the obedience required by God’s people to His commandments. This also prefigures the authority of Christ, to whom all nations will submit (Philippians 2:10-11).

Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.
Pharaoh retains his position as the ultimate ruler, but Joseph is second only to him. This distinction highlights the unique relationship between Pharaoh and Joseph, where Joseph acts with Pharaoh's authority but does not usurp his throne. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who, while being equal with God, submits to the Father’s will (John 5:19). The throne symbolizes ultimate authority and sovereignty, which in the biblical narrative, is ultimately held by God alone.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to prominence in Egypt due to his God-given ability to interpret dreams.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who recognized Joseph's wisdom and appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph was brought as a slave and later became a powerful leader.

4. Pharaoh's House
Represents the authority and governance of Egypt, over which Joseph was given control.

5. The Throne
Symbolizes the ultimate authority of Pharaoh, which he retained while delegating significant power to Joseph.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Timing
Joseph's rise to power was orchestrated by God, reminding us that His timing is perfect, even when we face long periods of waiting.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph remained faithful to God despite his circumstances, encouraging us to maintain our integrity and trust in God during difficult times.

Leadership and Responsibility
Joseph's appointment as a leader teaches us about the importance of stewardship and using our God-given gifts for His glory.

Humility and Service
Although Joseph was given great authority, he remained humble and served Pharaoh and the people of Egypt, modeling Christ-like leadership.

God's Provision and Purpose
Joseph's account shows that God provides for His people and has a purpose for our lives, even when we cannot see it.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's rise to power in Egypt demonstrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we remain faithful to God during times of adversity, as Joseph did?

3. How does Joseph's leadership style reflect Christ-like qualities, and how can we apply these in our own lives?

4. What can we learn from Joseph about the importance of humility and service, even when given authority?

5. How does Joseph's account encourage us to trust in God's provision and purpose for our lives, especially when facing uncertainty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 39:2-4
Joseph's rise in Potiphar's house foreshadows his later rise in Pharaoh's court, demonstrating God's favor and Joseph's faithfulness.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Joseph's life exemplifies trusting in the Lord and acknowledging Him, leading to God directing his paths.

Romans 8:28
Joseph's account illustrates how God works all things for good for those who love Him, even through trials and suffering.

Philippians 2:9-11
Joseph's exaltation by Pharaoh parallels Christ's exaltation by God after His humility and obedience.

Sermons

Joseph as Prime Minister	F. Hastings	Genesis 41:40
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

Command, Commandment, Greater, Homage, Kiss, Mouth, Order, Orders, Palace, Regards, Regulate, Respect, Ruled, Submit, Themselves, Throne

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Genesis 41:40

5437 palaces
5581 throne

Genesis 41:1-49

8131 guidance, results

5054 responsibility, examples

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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