Verse 1

Introduction

Overview

Genesis 41 . 1 , Pharaoh has two dreams; Genesis 41 . 9 , Joseph interprets them; Genesis 41 . 33 , He gives Pharaoh counsel , and is highly advanced , and married; Genesis 41 . 46 , The seven years of plenty; Genesis 41 . 50 , He begets children; Genesis 41 . 53 , The famine begins.

am 2289 , bc 1715

two full years . Shenathayim yamim , "two years of days ," two complete solar revolutions; as a month of days is a full month. Genesis 29 . 14

that Pharaoh . Genesis 20 . 3 , Genesis 37 . 5-10 , Genesis 40 . 5 , Judges 7 . 13 , Judges 7 . 14 , Esther 6 . 1 , Job 33 . 15 , Job 33 . 16 , Daniel 2 . 1-3 , Daniel 4 . 5-18, Daniel 7 . 1 . Daniel 8 . 27 , Matthew 27 . 19

the river . Genesis 31 . 21 , Exodus 1 . 22 , Exodus 4 . 9 , Deuteronomy 11 . 10 , Isaiah 19 . 5 , Ezekiel 29 . 3 , Ezekiel 29 . 9

Reciprocal . Genesis 12 . 15 . princes Genesis 31 . 24 . dream Genesis 41 . 17 . General

Verse 2

there came . Genesis 41 . 17-27

a meadow . Or , rather , "on , or among the reeds or sedges;" for so achoo is generally supposed to denote . see note on Job 8 . 11 , so called , according to Mr. Parkhurst , from its fitness for making ropes , or the like , to connect or join things together , from achah , to join , connect. Thus the Latin juncus , a bulrush , a jungendo , from joining , for the same reason. He supposes it to be that sort of reed growing near the Nile which Hasselquist describes as "having scarce any branches , but numerous leaves , which are narrow , smooth , channelled on the upper surface , and the plant about eleven feet high. The Egyptians make ropes of the leaves.

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 26 . are

Verse 3

ill favoured . Genesis 41 . 4 , Genesis 41 . 20 , Genesis 41 . 21

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 54 . the seven Deuteronomy 17 . 1 . sheep

Verse 4

So Pharaoh awoke . 1 Kings 3 . 15

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 3 . ill favoured Genesis 41 . 54 . the seven Deuteronomy 17 . 1 . sheep

Verse 5

seven ears . A species of wheat , which grows in Egypt , bears , when perfect , seven ears on one stalk , as its natural conformation. It differs from ours in having a solid stem , or at least a stem full of pith , in order to yield sufficient nourishment and support to so great a weight as the ears which it bears.

rank . Heb. fat , Deuteronomy 32 . 14

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 26 . are

Verse 6

blasted . Ezekiel 17 . 10 , Ezekiel 19 . 12 , Hosea 13 . 15

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 23 . thin Genesis 41 . 54 . the seven Exodus 10 . 13 . east wind

Verse 7

a dream . Genesis 20 . 3 , Genesis 37 . 5

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 54 . the seven 1 Kings 3 . 15 . awoke Daniel 4 . 6 . to bring

Verse 8

his spirit . Genesis 40 . 6 , Daniel 2 . 1-3 , Daniel 4 . 5 , Daniel 4 . 19 , Daniel 5 . 6 , Daniel 7 . 28 , Daniel 8 . 27 , Habakkuk 3 . 16

the magicians of Egypt . The word here used (chartummim) may mean no more than interpreters of abstruse or difficult subjects; especially of dreams and visions , which formed a considerable part of the ancient pagan religion; and the Egyptian priests were the first who professed this art. The word may be of affinity with , or derived from , the Persian chiradmand , wise , learned , judicious , intelligent , from chirad , understanding , judgment , and mand , endowed with. They seem to have been such persons as Josephus calls sacred scribes; or professors of sacred learning. Exodus 7 . 11 , Exodus 7 . 22 , Exodus 8 . 7 , Exodus 8 . 18 , Exodus 8 . 19 , Exodus 9 . 11 , Leviticus 19 . 31 , Leviticus 20 . 6 , Deuteronomy 18 . 9-14 , Isaiah 8 . 19 , Isaiah 19 . 3 , Isaiah 29 . 14 , Isaiah 47 . 12 , Isaiah 47 . 13 , Daniel 1 . 20 , Daniel 2 . 2 , Daniel 4 . 7 , Daniel 5 . 7 , Daniel 5 . 11 , Acts 17 . 18

the wise men . Matthew 2 . 1 , Acts 7 . 22

but there . Genesis 40 . 8 , Job 5 . 12 , Job 5 . 13 , Psalm 25 . 14 , Isaiah 19 . 11-13 , Isaiah 29 . 14 , Daniel 2 . 4-11 , Daniel 2 . 27 , Daniel 2 . 28 , Daniel 5 . 8 , 1 Corinthians 1 . 19 , 1 Corinthians 3 . 18-20

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 24 . I told this 1 Samuel 6 . 2 . called Esther 6 . 13 . said his wise Job 7 . 14 . thou scarest Daniel 1 . 17 . Daniel had understanding Daniel 4 . 6 . to bring Daniel 4 . 18 . forasmuch Daniel 7 . 15 . the visions

Verse 9

I do remember . Genesis 40 . 1-3 , Genesis 40 . 14 , Genesis 40 . 23

Reciprocal . Genesis 39 . 20 . the king's Genesis 41 . 15 . I have heard Genesis 42 . 21 . they said Nehemiah 1 . 11 . For I was Matthew 5 . 23 . rememberest James 5 . 16 . Confess

Verse 10

Pharaoh . Genesis 39 . 20 , Genesis 40 . 2 , Genesis 40 . 3

captain . Genesis 37 . 36

Reciprocal . Genesis 42 . 17 . ward James 5 . 16 . Confess

Verse 11

Genesis 40 . 5-8

Reciprocal . Genesis 40 . 22 . he hanged Judges 7 . 15 . interpretation thereof Psalm 105 . 19 . his word Daniel 5 . 11 . a man

Verse 12

servant . Genesis 37 . 36 , Genesis 39 . 1 , Genesis 39 . 20

interpreted . Genesis 40 . 12-19

Reciprocal . Genesis 14 . 13 . the Genesis 40 . 15 . the Hebrews Acts 7 . 10 . gave Philippians 3 . 5 . an

Verse 13

me he restored . Genesis 40 . 12 , Genesis 40 . 20-22 , Jeremiah 1 . 10 , Ezekiel 43 . 3

Reciprocal . Genesis 40 . 19 . hang thee

Verse 14

sent . 1 Samuel 2 . 7 , 1 Samuel 2 . 8 , Psalm 105 . 19-22 , Psalm 113 . 7 , Psalm 113 . 8

and they brought him hastily . Heb. made him run , Exodus 10 . 16 , 1 Samuel 2 . 8 , Psalm 113 . 7 , Psalm 113 . 8 , Daniel 2 . 25

he shaved . 2 Samuel 19 . 24 , 2 Kings 25 . 29 , Esther 4 . 1-4 , Esther 5 . 1 , Isaiah 61 . 3 , Isaiah 61 . 10 , Jeremiah 52 . 32 , Jeremiah 52 . 33

Reciprocal . Genesis 39 . 20 . into the prison Psalm 105 . 20 . General Ecclesiastes 4 . 14 . For out

Verse 15

I have heard . Genesis 41 . 9-13 , Psalm 25 . 14 , Daniel 5 . 12 , Daniel 5 . 16

that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it . or , when thou hearest a dream , thou canst interpret it

Reciprocal . Genesis 40 . 8 . Do not 2 Chronicles 26 . 5 . had Ecclesiastes 8 . 1 . who knoweth Daniel 2 . 3 . General Daniel 2 . 26 . Art Daniel 4 . 9 . tell Daniel 4 . 18 . forasmuch

Verse 16

It is not . Genesis 40 . 8 , Numbers 12 . 6 , 2 Kings 6 . 27 ,Daniel 2 . 18-23 , Daniel 2 . 28-30 , Daniel 2 . 47 , Daniel 4 . 2 , Acts 3 . 7 , Acts 3 . 12 , Acts 14 . 14 , Acts 14 . 15 , 1 Corinthians 15 . 10 , 2 Corinthians 3 . 5

peace . Genesis 37 . 14 , Luke 19 . 42

Reciprocal . Genesis 40 . 22 . he hanged Genesis 41 . 25 . God Genesis 41 . 28 . What God Genesis 41 . 39 . General Genesis 43 . 27 . welfare Numbers 20 . 10 . we fetch Ecclesiastes 8 . 1 . who knoweth Daniel 2 . 22 . revealeth Daniel 2 . 30 . this secret Zechariah 4 . 5 . No Acts 27 . 10 . I perceive James 1 . 17 . good

Verse 17

Genesis 41 . 1-7

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 2 . there came

Verse 18

Jeremiah 24 . 1-3 , Jeremiah 24 . 5 , Jeremiah 24 . 8

Reciprocal . Isaiah 30 . 23 . thy cattle

Verse 19

Reciprocal . Deuteronomy 17 . 1 . sheep

Verse 20

Reciprocal . Genesis 34 . 19 . honourable Genesis 41 . 3 . ill favoured

Verse 21

eaten them up . Heb. come to the inward parts of them , Ezekiel 3 . 3 , Revelation 10 . 9 , Revelation 10 . 10

still . Psalm 37 . 19 , Isaiah 9 . 20

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 3 . ill favoured Genesis 41 . 30 . shall be

Verse 23

withered . or , small

thin . Genesis 41 . 6 , 2 Kings 19 . 26 , Psalm 129 . 6 , Psalm 129 . 7 , Hosea 8 . 7 , Hosea 9 . 16 , Hosea 13 . 15

blasted . All the mischief done to corn or fruit by blasting , smutting , mildew , etc. are attributed to the east wind . see parallel passages. In Egypt it is peculiarly destructive , because it comes through the parched deserts of Arabia , often destroying vast numbers of people. The destructive nature of the Sam , Simoom , Smoom , or Samiel , is mentioned by almost all travellers. When this pestilential wind advances , its approach is indicated by a redness in the air. The principal stream of the blast always moves in a line of about 20 yards in breadth , and 12 feet above the surface of the earth; but its parching influence pervades all places to a considerable distance. The only means of preservation from its noxious influence is to lie flat , with the face upon the ground , till the blast be over. Camels and other animals instinctively perceive its approach , and bury their mouths and nostrils in the ground. It rarely last more than seven or eight minutes , but so poisonous are its effects , that it instantly suffocates those who are unfortunate enough to inhale it.

good ears are seven . Genesis 40 . 12

the dream is one . Genesis 2 . 24 , Exodus 26 . 6 , 1 John 5 . 7

Reciprocal . Isaiah 30 . 23 . thy cattle Mark 14 . 22 . this Luke 22 . 19 . is my

Verse 27

seven years of famine . 2 Samuel 24 . 19 , 2 Kings 8 . 1

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 30 . seven years Genesis 41 . 54 . the seven Genesis 47 . 23 . here is seed Luke 22 . 19 . is my

Verse 28

What God . Genesis 41 . 16 , Genesis 41 . 25

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 39 . General 2 Kings 8 . 1 . the Lord Daniel 2 . 45 . the great

Verse 29

Genesis 41 . 26 , Genesis 41 . 46 , Genesis 41 . 49

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 53 . General Genesis 45 . 6 . two years

Verse 30

seven years . Genesis 41 . 27 , Genesis 41 . 54 , 2 Samuel 24 . 13 , 1 Kings 17 . 1 , 2 Kings 8 . 1 , Luke 4 . 25 , James 5 . 17

shall be . Genesis 41 . 21 , Genesis 41 . 51 , Proverbs 31 . 7 , Isaiah 65 . 16

consume . Genesis 47 . 13 , Psalm 105 . 16

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 36 . perish not Lamentations 3 . 17 . I forgat Acts 11 . 28 . great

Verse 31

the plenty . It is well known , that in Egypt there is scarcely any rain , the country depending for its fertility upon the overflowing of the Nile; and that the fertility is in proportion to the duration and quality of the overflow , in order to saturate the land and prepare for the seed. Pliny has given a scale , by which the plenty or dearth may be ascertained; which may be considered as perfectly correct. The ordinary height of the inundations is 16 cubits. When the waters are lower than this standard , they do not overflow the whole ground; when above this standard they are too long in running off. In the first case , the ground is not saturated; by the second , the waters are detained so long on the ground that seed-time is lost. The province marks both. If it rise only 12 cubits , a famine is the consequence; at 13 hunger prevails; 14 produces general rejoicing; 15 perfect security; and 16 all the luxuries of life.

grievous . Heb. heavy , 1 Samuel 5 . 6 , Isaiah 24 . 20

Reciprocal . Genesis 47 . 13 . so that Acts 11 . 28 . great

Verse 32

doubled . Genesis 37 . 7 , Genesis 37 . 9 , Job 33 . 14 , Job 33 . 15 , 2 Corinthians 13 . 1

it is because . Numbers 23 . 19 , Isaiah 14 . 24-27 , Isaiah 46 . 10 , Isaiah 46 . 11 , Matthew 24 . 35

established by . or , prepared of , Isaiah 30 . 33 , Matthew 25 . 34 , Matthew 25 . 41 , Mark 10 . 40 , 1 Corinthians 2 . 9 , Revelation 9 . 15

Reciprocal . 2 Kings 8 . 1 . the Lord Jeremiah 1 . 13 . the second time Daniel 2 . 45 . the great Daniel 10 . 1 . and the Acts 10 . 16 . thrice Revelation 22 . 6 . which

Verse 33

therefore . Daniel 4 . 27

look out . Exodus 18 . 19-22 , Deuteronomy 1 . 13 , Acts 6 . 3

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 39 . General Genesis 45 . 16 . it pleased Pharaoh well Psalm 105 . 22 . teach Ecclesiastes 4 . 14 . For out Ecclesiastes 9 . 17 . General Ecclesiastes 10 . 10 . wisdom

Verse 34

officers . or , o#### Verseers , Numbers 31 . 14 , 2 Kings 11 . 11 , 2 Kings 11 . 12 , 2 Chronicles 34 . 12 , Nehemiah 11 . 9

and take . Job 5 . 20 , Psalm 33 . 19 , Proverbs 6 . 6-8 , Proverbs 22 . 3 , Proverbs 27 . 12 , Luke 16 . 5

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 48 . General Genesis 47 . 24 . the fifth part

Verse 35

gather . Genesis 41 . 48 , Genesis 41 . 49 , Genesis 41 . 56 , Genesis 45 . 6 , Genesis 45 . 7

hand . Exodus 4 . 13

Verse 36

that the . Genesis 47 . 13-25

perish not . Heb. be not cut off , Genesis 41 . 30

Verse 37

the thing . Psalm 105 . 19 , Proverbs 10 . 20 , Proverbs 25 . 11 , Acts 7 . 10

good . Joshua 22 . 30 , 2 Samuel 3 . 36 , 1 Kings 21 . 2

Reciprocal . Esther 1 . 21 . pleased the king Acts 6 . 5 . the saying

Verse 38

in whom . Numbers 27 . 18 , Job 32 . 8 , Daniel 4 . 6 , Daniel 4 . 8 , Daniel 4 . 18 , Daniel 5 . 11 , Daniel 5 . 14 , Daniel 6 . 3

Reciprocal . Exodus 7 . 11 . wise men 2 Chronicles 26 . 5 . had Psalm 105 . 22 . teach Proverbs 11 . 11 . the blessing Proverbs 16 . 20 . handleth Proverbs 24 . 26 . shall Ecclesiastes 8 . 1 . who knoweth Isaiah 19 . 11 . I am Isaiah 28 . 6 . for a spirit Daniel 4 . 9 . the spirit Acts 6 . 3 . full Acts 11 . 28 . great Acts 27 . 10 . I perceive 1 Corinthians 12 . 8 . is given Ephesians 1 . 17 . the spirit 2 Timothy 2 . 7 . and James 1 . 17 . good James 3 . 17 . the wisdom

Verse 39

Genesis 41 . 16 , Genesis 41 . 25 , Genesis 41 . 28 , Genesis 41 . 33

Reciprocal . Genesis 45 . 8 . father Exodus 7 . 11 . wise men 2 Kings 8 . 10 . the Lord Job 32 . 8 . the inspiration Proverbs 6 . 32 . lacketh Proverbs 12 . 8 . commended Proverbs 22 . 11 . the king Ecclesiastes 8 . 1 . who knoweth Isaiah 19 . 11 . I am Isaiah 28 . 6 . for a spirit Daniel 2 . 11 . and there Daniel 2 . 47 . a revealer Daniel 2 . 48 . a great Acts 6 . 3 . full Acts 27 . 10 . I perceive 1 Corinthians 12 . 8 . is given Ephesians 1 . 17 . the spirit 2 Timothy 2 . 7 . and James 1 . 17 . good James 3 . 17 . the wisdom

Verse 40

Thou shalt . Genesis 39 . 4-6 , Genesis 45 . 8 , Genesis 45 . 9 , Genesis 45 . 26 , Psalm 105 . 21 , Psalm 105 . 22 , Proverbs 22 . 29 , Daniel 2 . 46-48 , Daniel 5 . 29 , Daniel 6 . 3

be ruled . Heb. be armed , or kiss , 1 Samuel 10 . 1 , Job 31 . 27 , Psalm 2 . 12

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 55 . Go unto Genesis 42 . 6 . governor Genesis 44 . 18 . as Pharaoh 1 Samuel 2 . 8 . set them 1 Kings 18 . 3 . the governor of his house Esther 3 . 1 . above all the princes Job 29 . 25 . chose out Job 36 . 7 . with

Verse 41

Genesis 41 . 44 , Genesis 39 . 5 , Genesis 39 . 22 , Esther 10 . 3 , Proverbs 17 . 2 , Proverbs 22 . 29 , Daniel 2 . 7 , Daniel 2 . 8 , Daniel 4 . 2 , Daniel 4 . 3 , Daniel 6 . 3 , Matthew 28 . 18 , Philippians 2 . 9-11

Reciprocal . Genesis 39 . 4 . o#### Verseer Genesis 41 . 55 . Go unto Genesis 42 . 6 . governor Psalm 113 . 8 . General

Verse 42

his ring . Esther 3 . 10 , Esther 3 . 12 , Esther 6 . 7-12 , Esther 8 . 2 , Esther 8 . 8 , Esther 8 . 10 , Esther 8 . 15 , Esther 10 . 3 , Daniel 2 . 46 , Daniel 2 . 47 , Daniel 5 . 7 , Daniel 5 . 29 , Luke 15 . 22

fine linen . or , silk , Ezekiel 27 . 7

a gold chain . Proverbs 1 . 9 , Proverbs 31 . 22 , Proverbs 31 . 24 , Song of Solomon 1 . 10 , Ezekiel 16 . 10 , Ezekiel 16 . 11 , Daniel 5 . 7 , Daniel 5 . 16 , Daniel 5 . 29 , Luke 19 . 16-19

Reciprocal . Exodus 25 . 4 . fine linen 1 Samuel 18 . 4 . stripped himself 1 Kings 10 . 28 . and linen yarn 2 Kings 25 . 29 . changed Isaiah 3 . 21 . rings Isaiah 3 . 23 . fine linen Isaiah 22 . 21 . clothe Jeremiah 52 . 33 . changed

Verse 43

and they . Esther 6 . 8 , Esther 6 . 9

Bow the knee . or , Tender father , Genesis 45 . 8 , Heb. Abrech , Philippians 2 . 10

ruler . Genesis 42 . 6 , Genesis 42 . 30 , Genesis 42 . 33 , Genesis 45 . 8 , Genesis 45 . 26 , Acts 7 . 10

Reciprocal . Genesis 46 . 29 . his chariot Genesis 50 . 9 . chariots 2 Samuel 20 . 26 . chief ruler 1 Kings 1 . 33 . to ride 2 Kings 5 . 13 . My father 2 Chronicles 28 . 7 . next to the king 2 Chronicles 35 . 24 . the second Esther 3 . 2 . bowed Psalm 2 . 12 . Kiss Isaiah 22 . 21 . clothe

Verse 44

lift up his hand . Exodus 11 . 7

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 41 . General Genesis 44 . 18 . as Pharaoh Esther 10 . 3 . next unto king Psalm 2 . 12 . Kiss Isaiah 22 . 24 . hang John 3 . 35 . and

Verse 45

Zaphnathpaaneah . Which in Coptic signifies a revealer of secrets , or , the man to whom secrets are revealed. Jerome says this name signified in Egyptian , Savatorem mundi , "the Saviour of the world;" and Psotem-phaneh , in Coptic , is certainly "salvation of the world ," from CT , for ףשפחסיב [Strong's G4991] , salvation , em , the sign of the genitive case , and  , world. If this interpretation be correct , Pharaoh must have meant Egypt by the world , or which Joseph might be justly termed the Saviour. We know that the Romans called their empire Universis Orbis-Orbis Terrarum , "all the world . " the Chinese say the same of their empire at the present day , and the phrase is used in the East . Nadir Shah is described on his coins as "Conqueror of the World ," i.e. , Persia. See the same phraseology applied to Syria , Palestine , etc. Luke 2 . 1 , Acts 11 . 28

priest of . or , prince , Genesis 14 . 18 , Exodus 2 . 16 , *marg. 2 Samuel 8 . 18 , 2 Samuel 20 . 26 , *Heb .

On . Genesis 46 . 20 , Ezekiel 30 . 17 , Aven

Reciprocal . Genesis 41 . 50 . Asenath Genesis 47 . 22 . of the priests Genesis 47 . 25 . Thou hast Numbers 12 . 1 . married 1 Kings 11 . 19 . that he gave 2 Kings 23 . 34 . turned Isaiah 22 . 24 . hang Daniel 1 . 7 . gave names