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Genesis 41:38

Genesis 41:38 in Multiple Translations

So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the spirit of God is?

Then Pharaoh said to his servants, Where may we get such a man as this, a man in whom is the spirit of God?

So Pharaoh asked them, “Where can we find a man like this who has the spirit of God in him?”

Then saide Pharaoh vnto his seruants, Can we finde such a man as this, in whom is the Spirit of God?

and Pharaoh saith unto his servants, 'Do we find like this, a man in whom the spirit of God [is]?'

Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”

And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find such a man as this is, a man in whom the spirit of God is?

And he said to them: Can we find such another man, that is full of the spirit of God?

So the king said to them, “◄Can we find any other man like Joseph, a man to whom God has given his Spirit?/It is not likely that we will find another man like this man, one to whom God has given his Spirit!►” [RHQ]

And Pharaoh said to his workers, “Now I know that this man has God’s spirit in him. There isn’t anybody else like him.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:38

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 41:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶל עֲבָדָ֑י/ו הֲ/נִמְצָ֣א כָ/זֶ֔ה אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֛ר ר֥וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֖ים בּֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פַּרְעֹ֖ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
עֲבָדָ֑י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff
הֲ/נִמְצָ֣א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find Part | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
כָ/זֶ֔ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron
אִ֕ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs
אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
בּֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff
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 41:38

וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
פַּרְעֹ֖ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" 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.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עֲבָדָ֑י/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff
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.
הֲ/נִמְצָ֣א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" Part | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
כָ/זֶ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אִ֕ישׁ 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.
אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בּֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Genesis 41:38

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
2 Daniel 5:14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.
3 Numbers 27:18 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.
4 Daniel 5:11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king,
5 Daniel 4:18 This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
6 Daniel 4:6 So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.
7 Daniel 4:8–9 But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.
8 Daniel 6:3 Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Genesis 41:38 Summary

[This verse shows that Pharaoh recognized something special about Joseph - that God's Spirit was with him, guiding and empowering him. This is why Joseph was able to interpret dreams and come up with a plan to help Egypt prepare for a famine (Genesis 41:25-36). We can have the same Spirit of God guiding us in our lives, just like Joseph did, by putting our trust in God and seeking His wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the Spirit of God to abide in someone?

According to Genesis 41:38, when the Spirit of God abides in someone, it means that God's presence and wisdom are actively guiding and empowering that person, as seen in Joseph's life (Genesis 39:2-3, Genesis 40:8).

How did Pharaoh recognize the Spirit of God in Joseph?

Pharaoh recognized the Spirit of God in Joseph because of his exceptional wisdom and discernment, which was evident in his interpretation of dreams (Genesis 40:12-19, Genesis 41:25-32) and his proposal to prepare for the coming famine (Genesis 41:33-36).

Is the Spirit of God only for certain people or can anyone have the Spirit of God abide in them?

The Bible teaches that the Spirit of God is available to all believers, not just certain individuals (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 3:16), and that we can ask for God's wisdom and guidance in our lives (James 1:5).

What is the significance of Pharaoh asking if anyone else is like Joseph?

Pharaoh's question highlights the uniqueness of Joseph's gifts and the recognition that his abilities were a result of God's presence in his life, which is why Pharaoh wanted to utilize Joseph's talents to benefit Egypt (Genesis 41:39-40).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I recognize the Spirit of God working in my own life or in the lives of others?
  2. What are some ways I can seek God's wisdom and guidance in my decision-making, just like Joseph did?
  3. How can I use my own gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God, as Joseph did in his role in Egypt?
  4. What does it mean for me to have the Spirit of God abide in me, and how can I cultivate a deeper relationship with Him?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:38

And Pharaoh said unto his servants,.... That were about him, and with whom he was consulting about a proper person to be over this affair of gathering in the fruits of the earth in the time of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:38

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? Pharaoh said unto his servants.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:38

Or, of the gods, in his heathen language. One whom God hath endowed with such admirable knowledge and wisdom.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:38

Genesis 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find [such a one] as this [is], a man in whom the Spirit of God [is]?Ver. 38. And Pharaoh said unto his servants.] He would resolve nothing without the advice of his Council. He was not like the Persian monarchs, who gave their peers no freedom nor liberty of advice; nor that wilful King James of Scotland, that reigned in our Edward IV’ s time, that would seldom ask counsel, but never follow any: so wedded he was to his own opinion, saith the historian, that he could not endure any man’ s advice, how good soever, that he fancied not. Pharaoh heard what his servants could say to it; who all at length consented when the ill-affected saw it was no profit to dissent. Can we find such a man as this?] Hence some collect that Joseph preached many more things to the king, of God, his power, providence, goodness, &c., than are here recorded; and was therefore so admired, and advanced to the office of teaching his senators wisdom. "To bind his princes to his soul, and make wise his elders," as the original hath it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:38

(38) In whom the Spirit of God is.—Joseph from the first declared that he neither claimed for himself, nor possessed any art of divination, but that “Elohim would answer (that which would be for) the peace of Pharaoh” (Genesis 41:16). And not only does Pharaoh now recognise the truth of Joseph’s words, but sees also in him the instrument by which Elohim had spoken. But besides the interpretation of the dreams, Joseph had given the king wise and prudent advice, and he justly felt that one so gifted by God, and so intelligent in counsel, was the person best fitted to carry Egypt through the years of trouble in store for her.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:38

Verse 38. In whom the Spirit of God is?] רוח אלהים ruach Elohim, the identical words used Genesis 1:2; and certainly to be understood here as in the preceding place. If the Egyptians were idolaters, they acknowledged Joseph's God; and it is not to be supposed that they only became acquainted with him on this occasion. The knowledge of the true God was in Egypt long before; but it is very likely that though they acknowledged his influence with respect to Joseph, as they saw most clearly that he acted under an influence far beyond that of their magicians, for he interpreted dreams which they could not; yet they might, notwithstanding, have their gods many and their lords many at this time, for we know that in religious matters they were exceedingly corrupt afterwards.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:38

37–46. Joseph as Grand Vizier 38. such a one as this] Pharaoh and his servants are represented as discerning in Joseph the supreme gifts of one who combined the supernatural power of interpreting dreams with the practical wisdom and sagacity of a statesman. in whom the spirit of God is] The same phrase is employed by Belshazzar when he addresses Daniel: Daniel 5:14, “I have heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.” The presence and operation of the Spirit of God, in the O.T., account for those special manifestations which surpass the limits of ordinary human capacity, in wisdom or prowess. Cf. Exodus 31:3; Numbers 27:18; Judges 3:10; Judges 14:6.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:38

JOSEPH MADE OF EGYPT, Gem 41:37-57. 38. In whom the Spirit of God is — Pharaoh recognises the message as from God, and Joseph as a man inspired by the Holy One.

Sermons on Genesis 41:38

SermonDescription
Kathryn Kuhlman Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, Miss Coleman shares a powerful testimony of a father who had a revelation that Jesus is the true Messiah. The father struggled with the idea of admitting his previo
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 41:33-41 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his advice to Pharaoh during a time of plenty and famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discreet man t
Joshua Daniel "Overcoming Crises" Part 2 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of facing crises with faith and courage, drawing parallels from historical events and biblical narratives. It highlights the need to stand fir
Lewis Sperry Chafer God the Holy Spirit: His Advent by Lewis Sperry Chafer Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the Spirit's advent into the world, emphasizing the various dispensations and revealed purposes of God. The Holy Spirit's presence in the world befo
Chuck Smith Genesis 39:2 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes that 'The Lord was with Joseph' throughout his life, showcasing how God's presence guided him from his youth, through slavery, temptation, imprisonment, and
Art Katz A Man in Whom the Spirit of God Is by Art Katz Art Katz challenges the congregation to move beyond the superficiality of modern Christianity and embrace a deeper, Spirit-led life, contrasting the euphoria of worship with the gr
Paris Reidhead Witness of the Spirit - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God, drawing from John 3, 4, and 5 to illustrate how the Spirit assure

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