Genesis 41:39

Genesis 41:39 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

King James Version KJV

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

American Standard Version ASV

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Seeing that God has made all this clear to you, there is no other man of such wisdom and good sense as you:

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, telling him, “Since God has revealed to you all this, and there's no one like you with such insight and wisdom,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The Pharaoh said to Ioseph, For as much as God hath shewed thee all this, there is no man of vnderstanding, or of wisedome like vnto thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'After God's causing thee to know all this, there is none intelligent and wise as thou;

World English Bible WEB

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because God has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shown thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He said therefore to Joseph: Seeing God hath shewn thee all that thou hast said, can I find one wiser and one like unto thee?

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the king said to Joseph, “Because God has revealed all this to you, it seems to me that there is no one who is as wise as you and who can decide wisely about things.

Plain English Version PEV

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “God showed you what is going to happen, and he told you what to do. So I know that you are more wise than everybody else. You really know how to think properly.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:39

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 41:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף אַחֲרֵ֨י הוֹדִ֧יעַ אֱלֹהִ֛ים אוֹתְ/ךָ֖ אֶת כָּל זֹ֑את אֵין נָב֥וֹן וְ/חָכָ֖ם כָּמֽוֹ/ךָ

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יוֹסֵ֔ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

אַחֲרֵ֨י ʼachar H310 after Prep

הוֹדִ֧יעַ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Hiphil-Inf-a

אֱלֹהִ֛ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

אוֹתְ/ךָ֖ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

זֹ֑את zôʼth H2063 this Pron

אֵין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

נָב֥וֹן bîyn H995 to understand V-Niphal

וְ/חָכָ֖ם châkâm H2450 wise Conj | Adj

כָּמֽוֹ/ךָ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:39

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.

פַּרְעֹה֙ 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.

יוֹסֵ֔ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper

Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.

אַחֲרֵ֨י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

הוֹדִ֧יעַ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Hiphil-Inf-a

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

אֱלֹהִ֛ים 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.

אוֹתְ/ךָ֖ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

זֹ֑את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, 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 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

אֵין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

נָב֥וֹן bîyn H995 "to understand" V-Niphal

To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.

Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.

וְ/חָכָ֖ם châkâm H2450 "wise" Conj | Adj

This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.

Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.

כָּמֽוֹ/ךָ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep | Suff

This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.

Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were

Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.

Study Notes — Genesis 41:39

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 41:39 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:39
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:39
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:39
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:39
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:39
Sermons on Genesis 41:39

Context — Joseph Given Charge of Egypt

37This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. 38So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”

39Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

40You 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.” 41Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 41:33	Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt.
2	Genesis 41:28	It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.
3	Genesis 41:25	At this, Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do.
4	Genesis 41:16	“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

Genesis 41:39 Summary

This verse shows that Pharaoh was very impressed with Joseph's ability to understand and interpret his dreams, which was a gift from God. Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was very wise and discerning, and that God had given him special insight and understanding, similar to what we see in Proverbs 2:6 where it says that wisdom comes from the Lord. This verse reminds us that God gives each of us unique gifts and abilities, and that we should use them to serve and help others, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10. By trusting in God and using our gifts to serve others, we can make a positive impact in the world around us, just like Joseph did in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God has made all this known to Joseph?

This refers to God revealing to Joseph the meaning of Pharaoh's dreams, as seen in Genesis 41:25-36, demonstrating Joseph's unique gift of discernment and wisdom from God, as also seen in Daniel 1:17

How did Pharaoh recognize Joseph's wisdom and discernment?

Pharaoh recognized Joseph's wisdom and discernment through his ability to interpret dreams, as well as his proposal to store grain during the seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine, as seen in Genesis 41:33-36

What is the significance of Pharaoh saying there is no one as discerning and wise as Joseph?

This statement highlights Joseph's exceptional gift from God, which set him apart from others and qualified him for leadership, as also seen in Genesis 41:40 where Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of his house

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual gifts in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the concept of spiritual gifts, such as discernment and wisdom, which are given by God to individuals for the benefit of others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 12:6-8

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has given me unique gifts and abilities, and how can I use them to serve others?
How can I, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances?
What does it mean to be 'discerning and wise' in my own life, and how can I cultivate these qualities through my relationship with God?
How can I, like Pharaoh, recognize and appreciate the gifts and abilities that God has given to others, and support them in their endeavors?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:39

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,.... After his servants had agreed to his being the man: at least Pharaoh had declared his mind that he should be the person; which if any of them disliked, as probably

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:39

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house - i:e.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:39

God hath showed thee all this, i.e. hath given thee this extraordinary gift of foreseeing and foretelling things to come, and of giving such sage advice for the future.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:39

Genesis 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:Ver. 39. Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this.] Pharaoh at first took him for no other than a cunning soothsayer and conjecturer of dreams. Now he finds better worth in him, a spirit of wisdom and discretion: he took him to be a man spiritually rational, and rationally spiritual; one that seemed to see the insides of nature and grace, and the world and heaven, by those perfect anatomies he had made of them all. Briefly, such a heart so well headed, nor such a head better hearted, he had never met with. Wherefore he resolves to set him at the head of the state; there being not anything that makes a man so good a patriot, as true religion; which admits not of that distinction between a good man and a good citizen. Val. Max., lib. ix. cap. 5. Dan., Hist. of England, contin. by Trussel, 207.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:39

39. Forasmuch as] Lit. “after that.”

Sermons on Genesis 41:39

	Sermon	Description
	Being Prepared by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of being prudent and prepared for adversity, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul who faced hardsh
	Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr

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