Genesis 41:1
Genesis 41:1 in Multiple Translations
After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile,
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
Now after two years had gone by, Pharaoh had a dream; and in his dream he was by the side of the Nile;
A full two years later, Pharaoh had a dream that he was standing beside the River Nile.
And two yeeres after, Pharaoh also dreamed, and beholde, he stoode by a riuer,
And it cometh to pass, at the end of two years of days that Pharaoh is dreaming, and lo, he is standing by the River,
At the end of two full years, Pharaoh dreamed, and behold, he stood by the river.
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and behold, he stood by the river.
After two years Pharao had a dream. He thought he stood by the river,
Two complete years later, the king of Egypt had a dream. In the dream, he was standing alongside the Nile River.
2 years later, Pharaoh, the big boss of Egypt, he had a dream. In his dream, he stood next to the Nile River,
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 41:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֕י
מִ/קֵּ֖ץ
שְׁנָתַ֣יִם
יָמִ֑ים
וּ/פַרְעֹ֣ה
חֹלֵ֔ם
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
עֹמֵ֥ד
עַל
הַ/יְאֹֽר
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/קֵּ֖ץ
qêts
H7093
end
Prep | N-ms
שְׁנָתַ֣יִם
shâneh
H8141
year
Adj
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
וּ/פַרְעֹ֣ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
Conj | N-proper
חֹלֵ֔ם
châlam
H2492
be healthy
V-Qal
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
עֹמֵ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/יְאֹֽר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
stream
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:1
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִ/קֵּ֖ץ
qêts
H7093
"end"
Prep | N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
שְׁנָתַ֣יִם
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Adj
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וּ/פַרְעֹ֣ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
Conj | N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
חֹלֵ֔ם
châlam
H2492
"be healthy"
V-Qal
This verb means to dream, like in Genesis 37:5-10 where Joseph dreams about his future. It can also mean to recover or be in good health, as in Psalm 73:4.
Definition: 1) to be healthy, be strong 1a) (Qal) to be healthy 1b) (Hiphil) to restore to health
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) dream(-er), be in good liking, recover. See also: Genesis 28:12; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 126:1.
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
עֹמֵ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/יְאֹֽר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
"stream"
Art | N-proper
A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.
Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 41:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:1
- Barnes' Notes on Genesis 41:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
- Sermons on Genesis 41:1
Context — The Dreams of Pharaoh
1After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile,
2when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. 3After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 20:3 | One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” |
| 2 | Genesis 29:14 | Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month, |
| 3 | Exodus 4:9 | But if they do not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. Then the water you take from the Nile will become blood on the ground.” |
| 4 | Esther 6:1 | That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him. |
| 5 | Genesis 40:5 | both of these men—the Egyptian king’s cupbearer and baker, who were being held in the prison—had a dream on the same night, and each dream had its own meaning. |
| 6 | Exodus 1:22 | Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 29:3 | Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’ |
| 8 | Ezekiel 29:9 | The land of Egypt will become a desolate wasteland. Then they will know that I am the LORD. Because you said, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it,’ |
| 9 | Isaiah 19:5 | The waters of the Nile will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 11:10 | For the land that you are entering to possess is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and irrigated on foot, like a vegetable garden. |
Genesis 41:1 Summary
In Genesis 41:1, we see that Pharaoh had a dream that would change the course of his life and the life of Joseph, who would later interpret the dream and rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:14-16). This verse reminds us that God is always working, even when we do not see it, and that He can use anyone, including a pagan king like Pharaoh, to accomplish His plans (Romans 8:28). Just like Pharaoh, we can be open to God's leading and guidance in our lives, and trust that He will use us for His glory (Psalm 37:3-7). By waiting patiently and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can experience His faithfulness and provision in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the two full years mentioned in Genesis 41:1?
The two full years likely refer to the time that had passed since Joseph had interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, as mentioned in Genesis 40:1-23, and now God is setting the stage for Joseph's rise to prominence in Egypt.
Why is the Nile River important in this verse?
The Nile River was the lifeblood of ancient Egypt, providing water and fertile soil for crops, and its presence in the dream may symbolize the source of Egypt's prosperity, as seen in Genesis 41:1 and also in Exodus 1:22 where the Nile is mentioned as a location of great importance.
What can we learn about Pharaoh's character from this verse?
Although we do not know much about Pharaoh's character from this single verse, we can infer that he is a leader who is open to dreams and their interpretations, as seen in his later actions in Genesis 41:8-16, and this openness will ultimately lead him to Joseph and God's plan for Egypt.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph?
Genesis 41:1 is a pivotal verse in the story of Joseph, as it sets the stage for Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his subsequent rise to power in Egypt, which is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people, as seen in Genesis 37:1-36 and Genesis 45:1-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we be more attentive to His voice, just like Pharaoh was attentive to his dreams?
- How can we trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand the timing or circumstances of our lives, just like Joseph had to trust in God during his time in prison and his rise to power in Egypt?
- What are some areas in our lives where we need to wait patiently for God's timing, just like the two full years that had passed before Pharaoh had his dream?
- How can we use our gifts and talents to serve others, just like Joseph used his gift of dream interpretation to serve Pharaoh and the people of Egypt?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:1
And it came to pass at the end of two full years,.... It is not a clear case, as Aben Ezra observes, from whence these years are to be reckoned, whether from the time of Joseph's being put into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:1
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. At the end of two full years.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
GENESIS CHAPTER 41 Pharaoh’ s two dreams, . He is troubled; sends for interpreters; their inability, . The chief butler, sensible of his fault, remembers Joseph, ; commends him to Pharaoh, , who causes him to be brought before him, , expecting the interpretation from him, . Joseph ascribes all to God, . Pharaoh relates his dreams to Joseph, . He interprets them, . The reason of their being doubled, . His advice to Pharaoh against the dearth to come, , which he approves of, ; appoints him governor, next himself, over the whole land, . The ensigns of dignity and stately presents conferred on him, ; also a new name, Zaphnath-paaneah, and a wife, . Joseph, now thirty years of age, makes a progress over all the land, inspects the stores, lays up provisions, ; has two children, Manasseh and Ephraim, .
Bad years come on; he supplies the country, . 1715 Two full years, after the butler’ s restitution to his place. Heb. Years of days, for full years, as ; as a month of days is put for a full month, , which is complete to a day. Nilus is called the river simply, because of its eminency, as Homer or Virgil are called the poet.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.Ver. 1. At the end of two full years.] After the butler was restored; by whose intercession Joseph hoped to have been presently delivered, but was fairly deceived. So are all such sure to be, as depend upon living men (never true to them that trust in them) or deceased saints to intercede for them to God. Deus O. M. pro ineffabili sua clementia dignetur, et in Tosterum Divo Kiliano intercessore, Amplitudinem tuam contra fidei et Ecclesiae hostes tueri fortiter, et fovere suaviter, saith Eckius, in a certain Espistle to a Popish bishop. Such a prayer begs nothing but a denial, with a curse to boot. Epist. dedicat. ad Episcop. Herbipolens .
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
XLI. JOSEPH PHARAOH’S DREAMS HE IS MADE OF EGYPT, AND MARRIES THERE.(1) Pharaoh dreamed.—After two years spent in the prison, the time has now come for Joseph’s elevation to power; and it is to be noticed that this was not brought about by those arts by which men usually attain to greatness, such as statesmanship, or military skill; nor was it by accident, but according to the Biblical rule, by the direct intervention of Providence. Just as centuries afterwards, Daniel rose to high office at Babylon by God making known to him the dream of Nebuchadnezzar; so here, the transplantation of Israel into Egypt is brought about by the revelation to Joseph of “what was to be hereafter.” The river.—Heb., Yeor, the Egyptian word for “great river.” It is the usual name in the Bible for the Nile, but is used for the Tigris in Daniel 12:5-6, and for any large river in Job 28:10. The Pharaoh in Those reign Joseph became governor of Egypt, is generally supposed to have been Apophis, the most famous of the shepherd kings. But Canon Cook, in his Essay, On the bearings of Egyptian History upon the Pentateuch, after carefully reviewing the whole subject, decides in favour of King Amenemha III., the greatest monarch of the noble twelfth dynasty, and the last king of all Egypt.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
CHAPTER XLI Pharaoh's dream of the seven well-favoured and seven ill-favoured kine, 1-4. His dream of the seven full and seven thin ears of corn, 5-7. The magicians and wise men applied to for the interpretation of them, but could give no solution, 8. The chief butler recollects and recommends Joseph, 9-13. Pharaoh commands him to be brought out of prison, 14. Joseph appears before Pharaoh, 15, 16. Pharaoh repeats his dreams, 17-24. Joseph interprets them, 25-32, and gives Pharaoh directions how to provide against the approaching scarcity, 33-36. Pharaoh, pleased with the counsel, appoints Joseph to be superintendent of all his affairs, 37-41. Joseph receives the badges of his new office, 42, 43, and has his powers defined, 44; receives a new name, and marries Asenath, daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of ON, 45.
Joseph's age when brought before Pharaoh, 46. Great fertility of Egypt in the seven plenteous years, 47. Joseph hoards up the grain, 48, 49. Ephraim and Manasseh born, 50-52. The seven years of famine commence with great rigour, 53-55. Joseph opens the storehouses to the Egyptians, 56. People from the neighbouring countries come to Egypt to buy corn, the famine being in all those lands, 57. NOTES ON CHAP. XLI Verse 1. Two full years] שנתים ימים shenathayim yamim, two years of days, two complete solar revolutions, after the events mentioned in the preceding chapter.
The river.] The Nile, the cause of the fertility of Egypt.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:1
1–7. Pharaoh’s Dreams 1. two full years] i.e. from the execution of the chief baker. river] Heb. Yeor, i.e. the Nile, as always in the O.T., except Job 28:10; Isaiah 33:21; Daniel 12:5-6. The Heb. word reproduces the Egyptian. According to Egyptologists it stands for the Egyptian aur, “stream,” or aur-aa, “the great stream,” Assyr. ia’uru, “stream.”
Barnes' Notes on Genesis 41:1
- Joseph Was Exalted 1. יאר ye'or, “river, canal,” mostly applied to the Nile. Some suppose the word to be Coptic. 2. אחוּ 'āchû, “sedge, reed-grass, marsh-grass.” This word is probably Coptic. 8.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:1
THE DREAMS OF PHARAOH, Genesis 41:1-8. 1. Two full years — Hebrews, two years of days. Comp. Genesis 29:14. This may mean two years from the date of Joseph’s imprisonment, or from the date of the butler’s release.
Sermons on Genesis 41:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two dreams that Pharaoh had. In the first dream, Pharaoh sees seven years of abundant corn growing on one stalk, followed by seven years of th |
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When God Speaks Discerning His Voice by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need to discern God's voice amidst the chaos of competing influences in our lives. He illustrates this through the biblical accounts of Abraha |
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When God Speaks Discerning the Voice of God - Genesis 20 22 by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning the voice of God amidst the noise of life, urging believers to cultivate a spiritual appetite through obedience to God's Word. |
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On Dreaming by John Newton | John Newton delves into the mysterious world of dreams, highlighting how our minds continue to work even as our bodies rest, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection. He emphasizes |
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Holy of Holies Part I by Bertha Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the role of a shepherd in guiding and protecting his sheep. He compares the behavior of sheep to that of cats, highlighting how sheep can easi |
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Desert Survival Series Pt 11- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and the children of God in the desert survival series. The speaker highlights the verse where Moses expresses his concern |
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Three Signs God Gave to Moses by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on God's call to Moses, emphasizing how God starts with what is already in our hands, just like He did with Moses' staff and Elisha's jar of oil. Through the si |