Genesis 41:12
Genesis 41:12 in Multiple Translations
Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually.
And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
And there was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
And there was with us a young Hebrew, the captain's servant, and when we put our dreams before him, he gave us the sense of them.
A young Hebrew was there with us, a slave of the commander of the guard. When we told him our dreams, he interpreted for us the meaning of our different dreams.
And there was with vs a yong man, an Ebrew, seruant vnto the chiefe steward, whome when we told, he declared our dreames to vs, to euery one he declared according to his dreame.
And there [is] with us a youth, a Hebrew, servant to the chief of the executioners, and we recount to him, and he interpreteth to us our dreams, [to] each according to his dream hath he interpreted,
There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. He interpreted to each man according to his dream.
And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he interpreted.
There was there a young man a Hebrew, servant to the same captain of the soldiers: to whom we told our dreams,
There was a young Hebrew man there with us. He was a servant of the captain of the palace guards. We told him what we had dreamed, and he told us what our dreams meant. He told each of us the meaning of our dreams.
But there was a young man with us in the jail. He was from the Hebrew tribe, and he worked for that important soldier, the one that guarded us. We told that young man about our dreams, and he told us what they meant. He said to me, ‘Your dream shows that Pharaoh will get you to work for him again.’ And he said to the bread-boss, ‘Your dream shows that Pharaoh will get his soldiers to kill you.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:12
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 41:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁ֨ם
אִתָּ֜/נוּ
נַ֣עַר
עִבְרִ֗י
עֶ֚בֶד
לְ/שַׂ֣ר
הַ/טַּבָּחִ֔ים
וַ/נְּ֨סַפֶּר
ל֔/וֹ
וַ/יִּפְתָּר
לָ֖/נוּ
אֶת
חֲלֹמֹתֵ֑י/נוּ
אִ֥ישׁ
כַּ/חֲלֹמ֖/וֹ
פָּתָֽר
וְ/שָׁ֨ם
shâm
H8033
there
Conj | Adv
אִתָּ֜/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
נַ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
עִבְרִ֗י
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Ngmsa
עֶ֚בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
לְ/שַׂ֣ר
sar
H8269
ruler
Prep | N-ms
הַ/טַּבָּחִ֔ים
ṭabbâch
H2876
guard
Art | N-mp
וַ/נְּ֨סַפֶּר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cp
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּפְתָּר
pâthar
H6622
to interpret
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ֖/נוּ
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֲלֹמֹתֵ֑י/נוּ
chălôwm
H2472
dream
N-mp | Suff
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
כַּ/חֲלֹמ֖/וֹ
chălôwm
H2472
dream
Prep | N-ms | Suff
פָּתָֽר
pâthar
H6622
to interpret
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:12
וְ/שָׁ֨ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אִתָּ֜/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
נַ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
עִבְרִ֗י
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Ngmsa
Ibriy refers to a Hebrew person, a descendant of Eber, and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:13. It describes the Israelites and their ancestors, including Abraham and his family.
Definition: Someone descended from Heber (H2268)(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.13 Also named: Hebraios (Ἑβραῖος "Hebrew" G1445) § Hebrew = "one from beyond" n pr 1) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites adj 2) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Hebrew(-ess, woman). See also: Genesis 14:13; Exodus 9:1; Jeremiah 34:9.
עֶ֚בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
לְ/שַׂ֣ר
sar
H8269
"ruler"
Prep | N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הַ/טַּבָּחִ֔ים
ṭabbâch
H2876
"guard"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word originally meant a butcher, but came to describe a lifeguardsman or executioner, and even a cook who slaughtered animals for food. It is used to describe various roles in the Bible, including a bodyguard or cook. The word has an Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) executioner, cook, bodyguard, guardsman 1a) cook (who also killed the animal for food) 1b) guardsmen, bodyguard Aramaic equivalent: tab.bach (טַבָּח "guardsman" H2877)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: cook, guard. See also: Genesis 37:36; Jeremiah 39:10; Jeremiah 39:9.
וַ/נְּ֨סַפֶּר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cp
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּפְתָּר
pâthar
H6622
"to interpret"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to interpret or explain something, like a dream. It is used in the Bible to describe understanding the meaning of a vision or message. In the KJV, it is translated as 'interpret'.
Definition: (Qal) to interpret (dreams) Aramaic equivalent: pe.shar (פְּשַׁר "to interpret" H6590)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: interpret(-ation, -er). See also: Genesis 40:8; Genesis 41:8; Genesis 41:15.
לָ֖/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֲלֹמֹתֵ֑י/נוּ
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כַּ/חֲלֹמ֖/וֹ
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
פָּתָֽר
pâthar
H6622
"to interpret"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to interpret or explain something, like a dream. It is used in the Bible to describe understanding the meaning of a vision or message. In the KJV, it is translated as 'interpret'.
Definition: (Qal) to interpret (dreams) Aramaic equivalent: pe.shar (פְּשַׁר "to interpret" H6590)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: interpret(-ation, -er). See also: Genesis 40:8; Genesis 41:8; Genesis 41:15.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Dreams of Pharaoh
10Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard.
11One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning.
12Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually.
13And it happened to us just as he had interpreted: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.” 14So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 40:12–19 | Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three branches are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore your position. You will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you did when you were his cupbearer. But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.” When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: There were three baskets of white bread on my head. In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three baskets are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh of your body.” |
| 2 | Genesis 37:36 | Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. |
| 3 | Genesis 39:1 | Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. |
| 4 | Genesis 39:20 | So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, |
Genesis 41:12 Summary
Genesis 41:12 tells us that a young Hebrew, who was a servant of the captain of the guard, was able to interpret the dreams of his fellow servants. This young Hebrew, who was Joseph, had a special gift from God that allowed him to understand the meaning of dreams, as seen in Genesis 40:8. Just like Joseph, we can trust that God is always with us and can give us the wisdom and guidance we need, even in difficult times (Psalm 23:4, Jeremiah 29:11). By looking to God and seeking His guidance, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the young Hebrew mentioned in Genesis 41:12?
The young Hebrew was Joseph, who was a servant of the captain of the guard, as mentioned in Genesis 40:4, and he was able to interpret dreams for the other servants, as seen in Genesis 41:12.
Why did the servants tell their dreams to the young Hebrew?
The servants told their dreams to the young Hebrew because they were looking for an interpretation, and as we see in Genesis 41:12, he was able to provide them with individual interpretations of their dreams.
What is the significance of the young Hebrew's ability to interpret dreams?
The young Hebrew's ability to interpret dreams was a gift from God, as seen in Genesis 40:8, and it ultimately led to his promotion and ability to serve Pharaoh, as mentioned in Genesis 41:14.
How did the young Hebrew's interpretation of dreams affect the servants?
The young Hebrew's interpretation of dreams had a direct impact on the servants, as seen in Genesis 41:13, where it is stated that the events unfolded exactly as he had interpreted them, demonstrating the accuracy and power of his gift.
Reflection Questions
- What role does faith play in our ability to trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in the life of Joseph?
- How can we, like the young Hebrew, use our gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God?
- What can we learn from the young Hebrew's humility and willingness to serve, despite his own difficult circumstances?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking guidance and interpretation, as the servants did in Genesis 41:12, to our own lives and decision-making processes?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:12
And [there was] there with us a young man,.... Who was in the prison with them, had the care of them, and waited upon them; he was then about twenty eight years of age; for it was two years ago he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:12
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Chief butler ... I do remember my faults.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:12
Genesis 41:12 And [there was] there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.Ver. 12. And he interpreted to us our dreams.] And well you requited him! But better late than never, though a ready despatch doubleth the benefit. Howbeit God had an overruling hand in it, for Joseph’ s greatest good: he turneth the world’ s ingratitude to the salvation of his servants. Praestat sero quam nunquam.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:12
12. servant to the captain of the guard] It will be remembered that, in the E story, Joseph is the slave of the captain, and not a fellow-prisoner of the chief butler.
Sermons on Genesis 41:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) - Part 27 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights Joseph's attitude of not dwelling on the evil done to him by his brothers and Potiphar's wi |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:27-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. He explains that the Ishmaelites and the Midianites had joined together, making t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi |
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Just Say No! by Billy Graham | This sermon addresses the common trials and temptations faced by individuals, emphasizing God's faithfulness in providing a way to escape such challenges. It delves into the strugg |
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Lessons From the Life of Joseph by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He emphasizes the lessons that Joseph's brothers had to learn, such as the consequences of their transgr |
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K-528 Tv Show Part 12 Joseph & Revelation by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. He challenges the audience to examine whether they truly ha |