Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical Context:
The account of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 41. This narrative is a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, and serves as a significant turning point in the history of the Israelites.

Background:
Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, finds himself in Egypt, where he rises to a position of trust in the household of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. However, after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is imprisoned. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remains faithful to God, and his ability to interpret dreams becomes known when he accurately interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker while in prison.

Pharaoh's Dreams:
Two years after the cupbearer's release, Pharaoh experiences two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret. In the first dream, Pharaoh sees seven healthy cows being devoured by seven gaunt cows. In the second dream, seven plump ears of grain are swallowed by seven thin and scorched ears. Disturbed by these visions, Pharaoh seeks an interpretation.

Joseph's Rise to Power:
The cupbearer, remembering Joseph's accurate interpretations, informs Pharaoh of Joseph's gift. Joseph is summoned from prison, and after shaving and changing his clothes, he stands before Pharaoh. Joseph humbly attributes his ability to interpret dreams to God, saying, "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires" (Genesis 41:16).

Interpretation and Wisdom:
Joseph explains that both dreams convey the same message: Egypt will experience seven years of great abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the collection of surplus grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of famine. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and the Spirit of God within him, Pharaoh appoints Joseph as the second-in-command over Egypt, saying, "Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God dwells?" (Genesis 41:38).

Significance:
Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams not only saves Egypt from disaster but also sets the stage for the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, preserving the lineage of Israel. This event underscores the sovereignty of God in using Joseph's trials and faithfulness to fulfill His divine purposes. Joseph's rise to power exemplifies God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, as Joseph's earlier dreams of leadership over his family begin to materialize.

Theological Implications:
The narrative highlights themes of divine providence, faithfulness, and redemption. Joseph's account is a testament to God's ability to bring good out of evil circumstances and to elevate those who remain faithful to Him. It also foreshadows the coming of a greater Deliverer, as Joseph's life parallels the redemptive work of Christ, who brings salvation and provision to His people.
Subtopics

Joseph

Joseph Barnabas

Joseph Barsabbas

Joseph of Arimathaea

Joseph: A Designation of the Ten Tribes of Israel

Joseph: A Priest

Joseph: A Returned Exile

Joseph: Also Called Barsabas, Surnamed Justus: One of the Two Persons Nominated in Place of Judas

Joseph: Father of Igal, the Spy

Joseph: Husband of Mary

Joseph: Husband of Mary: An Angel Appears and Testifies to the Innocence of his Betrothed

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Attends the Annual Feast at Jerusalem With his Family

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Belongs to the Town of Bethlehem

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Goes to Bethlehem to be Enrolled

Joseph: Husband of Mary: His Genealogy

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Jesus Born To

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Lives at Nazareth

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Presents Jesus in the Temple

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Returns to Nazareth

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Warned in a Dream to Escape to Egypt in Order to Save the Infant's Life

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Warned in a Dream to Return to Nazareth

Joseph: of Arimathaea: Begs for the Body of Jesus for Burial in his own Tomb

Joseph: of the Sons of Asaph

Joseph: Sells the Stores of Food to the People of Egypt

Joseph: Son of Jacob

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Bought by Potiphar, an officer (Lxx Has "Eunuch") of Pharaoh

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Falsely Accused, and Thrown Into Prison

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Falsely Reported to his Father As Killed by Wild Beasts

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Promoted to Authority Next to Pharaoh at Thirty Years of Age

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Prospered of God

Joseph: Son of Jacob of Pharaoh

Joseph: Son of Jacob of the Two Prisoners

Joseph: Son of Jacob was a Prophet

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Death of

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Descendants of

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exacts a Pledge from his Brothers to Convey his Remains to Canaan

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exempts the Priests from the Exactions

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exports the Produce of Egypt to Other Countries

Joseph: Son of Jacob: God's Providence With

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Faith

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father Sends Down Into Egypt to Buy Corn (Grain)

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Favorite Child

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Partiality For, Excites the Jealousy of his Brethren

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Humility

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Name is Changed to Zaphnath-Paaneah

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Piety

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Prophetic Dreams of his Fortunes in Egypt

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Sons Jointly Called Joseph

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Two Sons

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Wisdom

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Joseph's Integrity

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Kindness of Heart

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Marries the Daughter of the Priest of On

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Mourns the Death of his Father

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Personal Appearance of

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Provides Against the Seven Years of Famine

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Reveals Himself to his Brothers

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Sold As a Slave Into Egypt

Joseph: Three Ancestors of Joseph

Joseph's Dreams

Nepotism of Joseph

Select Readings: Joseph Revealing his Identity

Statecraft: Joseph

Related Terms

Estate (40 Occurrences)

Down (12601 Occurrences)

Passion (82 Occurrences)

Spirituality

Dream (82 Occurrences)

Sheol (64 Occurrences)

Dreamer (4 Occurrences)

Ebb (1 Occurrence)

Darkness (177 Occurrences)

Become (3516 Occurrences)

Beside (326 Occurrences)

Corrupt (59 Occurrences)

Civil (4 Occurrences)

Chariot (102 Occurrences)

Awake (83 Occurrences)

Shavsha (1 Occurrence)

Prison (131 Occurrences)

Existence (35 Occurrences)

Corruption (37 Occurrences)

Quiet (167 Occurrences)

Keep (4573 Occurrences)

Citizenship (4 Occurrences)

Erection (1 Occurrence)

Ecstasy (3 Occurrences)

Decline (10 Occurrences)

Mind (615 Occurrences)

Mash (2 Occurrences)

Perseverance (27 Occurrences)

Past (200 Occurrences)

Bloom (9 Occurrences)

Bond (32 Occurrences)

Boil (29 Occurrences)

Contentment (4 Occurrences)

Conviction (10 Occurrences)

Affection (30 Occurrences)

Affliction (120 Occurrences)

Surprise (27 Occurrences)

Sitting (201 Occurrences)

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)

Settle (63 Occurrences)

Damnation (11 Occurrences)

Areopagus (3 Occurrences)

Adoption (5 Occurrences)

Poverty (25 Occurrences)

Amaziah (41 Occurrences)

Scribes (85 Occurrences)

Comfort (130 Occurrences)

Shinar (8 Occurrences)

Exaltation (9 Occurrences)

Condition (38 Occurrences)

Death (1610 Occurrences)

Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)

Quietly (30 Occurrences)

Earth (10501 Occurrences)

Vigil (2 Occurrences)

Variation (1 Occurrence)

Virginity (12 Occurrences)

Establishment (4 Occurrences)

Even (10971 Occurrences)

Excitement (4 Occurrences)

Examine (48 Occurrences)

Doubt (49 Occurrences)

Disturb (12 Occurrences)

Dionysia

Decay (18 Occurrences)

Discharge (30 Occurrences)

Diminution (1 Occurrence)

Descent (22 Occurrences)

Desolation (131 Occurrences)

Depravity (4 Occurrences)

Disease (213 Occurrences)

Dwell (474 Occurrences)

Destitution (1 Occurrence)

Dissolution (1 Occurrence)

Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)

Disposition (3 Occurrences)

Division (135 Occurrences)

Malignancy (2 Occurrences)

Merit (5 Occurrences)

Joseph in Prison with Pharaoh's Officials
Top of Page
Top of Page