About Genesis

Genesis is the book of beginnings, recording the creation of the world, the origin of humanity, the entrance of sin, and the beginning of God's plan of redemption through the family of Abraham.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~7 minVerses: 57
CreationFall of ManCovenantFaithProvidenceRedemption

King James Version

Genesis 41

57 verses with commentary

Pharaoh's Dreams

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XLI. JOSEPH INTERPRETS PHARAOH’S DREAMS HE IS MADE GOVERNOR 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...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake, &amp;c.--**It might be--it probably was--that a special, a miraculous blessing was poured out on a youth who so faithfully and zealously served God amid all the disadvantages of his place. But it may be useful to remark that such a blessing usually follows in the ordinary course of things; and the most worldly, unprincipled masters alwa...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Chapter Outline Pharaoh's dreams.(1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced.(33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.(46-57) **Verses 1-8** The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we...
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And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed ; and they fed in a meadow.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Kine.**—The cow was regarded by the Egyptians as the symbol of the earth, and of agriculture; and naturally both the kine and the ears of wheat rose out of the river, because as no rain falls in Egypt, its fertility entirely depends upon the overflow of the Nile. The cows sacred to Isis were seven in number, and in a copy of the *Ritual of the Dead, *Mr. Malan (p. 192) found a picture of the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Chapter Outline Pharaoh's dreams.(1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced.(33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.(46-57) **Verses 1-8** The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we...
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And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed ; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph--**Egyptian women were not kept in the same secluded manner as females are in most Oriental countries now. They were treated in a manner more worthy of a civilized people--in fact, enjoyed much freedom both at home and abroad. Hence Potiphar's wife had constant opportunity of meeting Joseph. But the ancient women of Egypt were very loose in their mo...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Chapter Outline Pharaoh's dreams.(1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced.(33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.(46-57) **Verses 1-8** The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we...
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And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharao...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Chapter Outline Pharaoh's dreams.(1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced.(33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.(46-57) **Verses 1-8** The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we...
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And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. rank: Heb. fat

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, ra...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Seven ears . . . upon one stalk.**—The wheat cultivated in Egypt is called *triticum compositum, *because it produces several ears upon the same stalk. The statement of Herodotus (ii. 36), that the Egyptians regarded it as disgraceful to feed upon wheat or barley, is disproved by the paintings in the temples, especially in the district of Thebes, which show that it was the main crop there, a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?--**This remonstrance, when all inferior arguments had failed, embodied the true principle of moral purity--a principle always sufficient where it exists, and alone sufficient.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Chapter Outline Pharaoh's dreams.(1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced.(33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.(46-57) **Verses 1-8** The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we...
Read full commentary →

And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br><b...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **East wind.**—In Palestine the prevalent winds are those which blow from the west or east, and the latter, coming across arid deserts, is injurious to vegetation. In Egypt the winds generally are from the north or south, but the south-east wind, called Chamsin, blowing from the deserts of Arabia, has even more disastrous effects upon plants than the east wind in Palestine, and from the small ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Chapter Outline Pharaoh's dreams.(1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced.(33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.(46-57) **Verses 1-8** The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we...
Read full commentary →

And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it wa...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Chapter Outline Pharaoh's dreams.(1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced.(33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.(46-57) **Verses 1-8** The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we...
Read full commentary →

And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the ...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Magicians**.—The word used here probably means the “sacred scribes,” who were skilled in writing and reading hieroglyphics. But in ancient times the possession of real knowledge was generally accompanied by a claim to an occult and mysterious acquaintance with the secrets of the gods and of nature. And as the people regarded the knowledge which such scribes really possessed as more than huma...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Chapter Outline Pharaoh's dreams.(1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced.(33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.(46-57) **Verses 1-8** The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we...
Read full commentary →

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br>...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. Then she called unto the men of her house--**Disappointed and affronted, she vowed revenge and accused Joseph, first to the servants of the house, and on his return to her lord. **See, he hath brought in an Hebrew ... to mock us--**an affected and blind aspersion of her husband for keeping in his house an Hebrew, the very abomination of Egyptians.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation o...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. brought: Heb. made him run

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved ...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **He shaved himself.**—Herodotus (ii. 36) mentions that the Egyptians suffered their hair and beards to grow only when in mourning; whereas in Palestine the beard was regarded as a manly ornament. On Egyptian monuments only captives and men of low condition are represented with beards. In the prison, therefore, Joseph would leave his beard untrimmed, but when summoned into the king’s presence...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. thou: or, when thou hearest a dream thou canst interpret it

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of s...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison--**the roundhouse, from the form of its construction, usually attached to the dwelling of such an officer as Potiphar. It was partly a subterranean dungeon (Ge 41:14), though the brick-built walls rose considerably above the surface of the ground, and were surmounted by a vaulted roof somewhat in the form of an inverted bowl. Into such a ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21-23. The Lord ... gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, &amp;c.--**It is highly probable, from the situation of this prison (Ge 40:3), that the keeper might have been previously acquainted with Joseph and have had access to know his innocence of the crime laid to his charge, as well as with all the high integrity of his character. That may partly account for his showing so ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed i...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **In a meadow**.—Heb., *in the marsh-grass, *as in Genesis 41:2.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21-23. The Lord ... gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, &amp;c.--**It is highly probable, from the situation of this prison (Ge 40:3), that the keeper might have been previously acquainted with Joseph and have had access to know his innocence of the crime laid to his charge, as well as with all the high integrity of his character. That may partly account for his showing so ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed , such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such a...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **Poor and very ill-favoured and leanfleshed.**—Pharaoh, in his recital, describes his dreams at greater length than is the case in the narrative (Genesis 41:2-7), and also mentions the impressions made upon his imagination by what he had seen, as, for instance, that he had never beheld such lean cattle, and that they were as wretched in look after eating up the fat kine as before. There is a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21-23. The Lord ... gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, &amp;c.--**It is highly probable, from the situation of this prison (Ge 40:3), that the keeper might have been previously acquainted with Joseph and have had access to know his innocence of the crime laid to his charge, as well as with all the high integrity of his character. That may partly account for his showing so ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br><br>Cent...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And when they had eaten them up , it could not be known that they had eaten them ; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke. eaten: Heb. come to the inward parts of them

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 40 Ge 40:1-8. Two State Prisoners. **1. the butler--**not only the cup-bearer, but overseer of the royal vineyards, as well as the cellars; having, probably, some hundreds of people under him. **baker--**or cook, had the superintendence of every thing relating to the providing and preparing of meats for the royal table. Both officers, especially the former, were, in ancient Egypt, alway...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br>...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: withered: or, small

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of sal...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Withered.**—This word occurs only in this place. Its meaning is *stony*, that is, the grains were shrivelled and hard like bits of grit.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. Pharaoh put them in ward, &amp;c.--**Whatever was their crime, they were committed, until their case could be investigated, to the custody of the captain of the guard, that is, Potiphar, in an outer part of whose house the royal prison was situated.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
Read full commentary →

And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was no...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. The captain of the guard charged Joseph with them--**not the keeper, though he was most favorably disposed; but Potiphar himself, who, it would seem, was by this time satisfied of the perfect innocence of the young Hebrew; though, probably, to prevent the exposure of his family, he deemed it prudent to detain him in confinement (see Psa 37:5). **They continued a season in ward--**literally,...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about ...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-8. they dreamed a dream--**Joseph, influenced by the spirit of true religion, could feel for others (Ec 4:1; Ro 12:15; Php 2:4). Observing them one day extremely depressed, he inquired the cause of their melancholy; and being informed it was owing to a dream they had respectively dreamed during the previous night, after piously directing them to God (Da 2:30; Is 26:10), he volunteered to aid t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of sa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-8. they dreamed a dream--**Joseph, influenced by the spirit of true religion, could feel for others (Ec 4:1; Ro 12:15; Php 2:4). Observing them one day extremely depressed, he inquired the cause of their melancholy; and being informed it was owing to a dream they had respectively dreamed during the previous night, after piously directing them to God (Da 2:30; Is 26:10), he volunteered to aid t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empt...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-8. they dreamed a dream--**Joseph, influenced by the spirit of true religion, could feel for others (Ec 4:1; Ro 12:15; Php 2:4). Observing them one day extremely depressed, he inquired the cause of their melancholy; and being informed it was owing to a dream they had respectively dreamed during the previous night, after piously directing them to God (Da 2:30; Is 26:10), he volunteered to aid t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-8. they dreamed a dream--**Joseph, influenced by the spirit of true religion, could feel for others (Ec 4:1; Ro 12:15; Php 2:4). Observing them one day extremely depressed, he inquired the cause of their melancholy; and being informed it was owing to a dream they had respectively dreamed during the previous night, after piously directing them to God (Da 2:30; Is 26:10), he volunteered to aid t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br><br...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 40:9-15. The Butler's Dream. **9-11. In my dream, behold, a vine was before me--**The visionary scene described seems to represent the king as taking exercise and attended by his butler, who gave him a cooling draught. On all occasions, the kings of ancient Egypt were required to practice temperance in the use of wine [Wilkinson]; but in this scene, it is a prepared beverage he is drinking, pr...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 40:9-15. The Butler's Dream. **9-11. In my dream, behold, a vine was before me--**The visionary scene described seems to represent the king as taking exercise and attended by his butler, who gave him a cooling draught. On all occasions, the kings of ancient Egypt were required to practice temperance in the use of wine [Wilkinson]; but in this scene, it is a prepared beverage he is drinking, pr...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following ; for it shall be very grievous. grievous: Heb. heavy

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be ve...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 40:9-15. The Butler's Dream. **9-11. In my dream, behold, a vine was before me--**The visionary scene described seems to represent the king as taking exercise and attended by his butler, who gave him a cooling draught. On all occasions, the kings of ancient Egypt were required to practice temperance in the use of wine [Wilkinson]; but in this scene, it is a prepared beverage he is drinking, pr...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. established: or, prepared of God

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-15. Joseph said, ... This is the interpretation--**Speaking as an inspired interpreter, he told the butler that within three days he would be restored to all the honors and privileges of his office; and while making that joyful announcement, he earnestly bespoke the officer's influence for his own liberation. Nothing has hitherto met us in the record indicative of Joseph's feelings; but this ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-32** God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed th...
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Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of sa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-15. Joseph said, ... This is the interpretation--**Speaking as an inspired interpreter, he told the butler that within three days he would be restored to all the honors and privileges of his office; and while making that joyful announcement, he earnestly bespoke the officer's influence for his own liberation. Nothing has hitherto met us in the record indicative of Joseph's feelings; but this ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. officers: or, overseers

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the l...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **Take up the fifth part of the land.**—Heb., *let him fifth the land, *that is, exact a fifth part of the produce. It has been supposed that it had been usual in Egypt to pay to the king a tithe of the crop, and the doubling of the impost would not press very heavily on the people in these years of extraordinary abundance. As the reason of the enactment would be made known, it would also ind...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-15. Joseph said, ... This is the interpretation--**Speaking as an inspired interpreter, he told the butler that within three days he would be restored to all the honors and privileges of his office; and while making that joyful announcement, he earnestly bespoke the officer's influence for his own liberation. Nothing has hitherto met us in the record indicative of Joseph's feelings; but this ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Ph...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-15. Joseph said, ... This is the interpretation--**Speaking as an inspired interpreter, he told the butler that within three days he would be restored to all the honors and privileges of his office; and while making that joyful announcement, he earnestly bespoke the officer's influence for his own liberation. Nothing has hitherto met us in the record indicative of Joseph's feelings; but this ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. perish: Heb. be not cut off

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in th...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 40:16-23. The Baker's Dream. **16. I had three white baskets--**The circumstances mentioned exactly describe his duties, which, notwithstanding numerous assistants, he performed with his own hands. **white--**literally, "full of holes"; that is, wicker baskets. The meats were carried to table upon the head in three baskets, one piled upon the other; and in the uppermost, the bakemeats. And i...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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Joseph Made Ruler of Egypt

And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br>...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of G...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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 interpretati...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-19. Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation--**The purport was that in three days his execution should be ordered. The language of Joseph describes minutely one form of capital punishment that prevailed in Egypt; namely, that the criminal was decapitated and then his headless body gibbeted on a tree by the highway till it was gradually devoured by the ravenous birds.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet ...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-19. Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation--**The purport was that in three days his execution should be ordered. The language of Joseph describes minutely one form of capital punishment that prevailed in Egypt; namely, that the criminal was decapitated and then his headless body gibbeted on a tree by the highway till it was gradually devoured by the ravenous birds.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. be ruled: Heb. be armed, or, kiss

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the t...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **Over my house.**—The chief over the palace was in ancient times next in power to the sovereign, and under the Frankish kings the “major domi,” or mayor of the palace, first usurped the whole royal power, and finally Pepin, the son of Charles Martel, took the name of king as well as the reality. **According unto thy word shall all my people be ruled.**—The general sense is easy, namely that ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-22. it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday--**This was a holiday season, celebrated at court with great magnificence and honored by a free pardon to prisoners. Accordingly, the issue happened to the butler and baker, as Joseph had foretold. Doubtless, he felt it painful to communicate such dismal tidings to the baker; but he could not help announcing what God had revealed...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br><br>C...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-22. it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday--**This was a holiday season, celebrated at court with great magnificence and honored by a free pardon to prisoners. Accordingly, the issue happened to the butler and baker, as Joseph had foretold. Doubtless, he felt it painful to communicate such dismal tidings to the baker; but he could not help announcing what God had revealed...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; fine: or, silk

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestu...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(42) **His ring.**—Heb., *his signet ring. *As decrees became law when stamped with the royal signet, it was naturally the symbol of authority; and so with us, at the formation of a ministry the great seal is formally delivered into the hands of the highest legal personage in the realm, who is thus invested with power. **Vestures of fine linen.**—The word used here is Egyptian, *shesh, *and signif...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-22. it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday--**This was a holiday season, celebrated at court with great magnificence and honored by a free pardon to prisoners. Accordingly, the issue happened to the butler and baker, as Joseph had foretold. Doubtless, he felt it painful to communicate such dismal tidings to the baker; but he could not help announcing what God had revealed...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. Bow: or, Tender father: Heb. Abrech

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee:...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(43) **In the second chariot.**—The object of this procession was to display Joseph to the people as their new governor. The Pharaoh, probably, took the chief part in this parade, riding in the first chariot of state. **Bow the knee.**—Heb., *abrech. *Canon Cook explains this as meaning *rejoice, be happy. *It is in the imperative singular, and is addressed by the people to Joseph; for it is said ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph--**This was human nature. How prone are men to forget and neglect in prosperity, those who have been their companions in adversity (Am 6:6)! But although reflecting no credit on the butler, it was wisely ordered in the providence of God that he should forget him. The divine purposes required that Joseph should obtain his deliverance in another way...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot i...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. Zaphnathpaaneah: which in the Coptic signifies, A revealer of secrets, or, The man to whom secrets are revealed priest: or, prince

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of P...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(45) **Zaphnath-paaneah.**—This word also is Egyptian, and, fortunately, there is no Hebrew word of similar sound to suggest a false meaning. Canon Cook shows that it means “food of life,” or “food of the living.” The LXX. have *Psonthom-phanek, *which Jerome, on the authority of the Jews in Egypt, translates “saviour of the world.” By “the world,” would be meant the living, as in Canon Cook’s exp...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 41 Ge 41:1-24. Pharaoh's Dream. **1. at the end of two full years--**It is not certain whether these years are reckoned from the beginning of Joseph's imprisonment, or from the events described in the preceding chapter--most likely the latter. What a long time for Joseph to experience the sickness of hope deferred! But the time of his enlargement came when he had sufficiently learned the ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 33-45** Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph ma...
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And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
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And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br><br>Central th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
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And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(48) **All the food.**—Probably besides the fifth paid as tax to the king, and out of which all the current expenses of the realm would have to be provided, Joseph bought corn largely during these years when it was at its cheapest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
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And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was with...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
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And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. priest: or, prince

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Po...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
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And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. Manasseh: that is, Forgetting

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my t...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(51) **Manasseh.**—That is, *causing to forget. *Joseph has been blamed for forgetting “his father’s house,” but the phrase means that now that he was married and had a child, he ceased to suffer from home sickness, and became contented with his lot. He pined no longer for the open downs of Canaan as he had done in the prison; but his love for his father was as warm as ever.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
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And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. Ephraim: that is, Fruitful

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of m...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(52) **Ephraim.**—That is, *fruitfulness. *The dual ending probably intensifies the meaning.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. he called for all the magicians of Egypt--**It is not possible to define the exact distinction between "magicians" and "wise men"; but they formed different branches of a numerous body, who laid claim to supernatural skill in occult arts and sciences, in revealing mysteries, explaining portents, and, above all, interpreting dreams. Long practice had rendered them expert in devising a plausibl...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
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And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended....</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.<br><br...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-13. then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults--**This public acknowledgment of the merits of the young Hebrew would, tardy though it was, have reflected credit on the butler had it not been obviously made to ingratiate himself with his royal master. It is right to confess our faults against God, and against our fellow men when that confession is made in the spir...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
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And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(54) **The dearth.**—As the Nile at this early period was not assisted and regulated in its overflow by dams and canals, famines were much more common in Egypt than when subsequently the kings had done so much to provide against this danger. As, too, this dearth was “in all lands,” in Arabia, Palestine, Ethiopia, &c., there was evidently a long period of excessive drought. Still Egypt is always li...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-13. then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults--**This public acknowledgment of the merits of the young Hebrew would, tardy though it was, have reflected credit on the butler had it not been obviously made to ingratiate himself with his royal master. It is right to confess our faults against God, and against our fellow men when that confession is made in the spir...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
Read full commentary →

And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-13. then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults--**This public acknowledgment of the merits of the young Hebrew would, tardy though it was, have reflected credit on the butler had it not been obviously made to ingratiate himself with his royal master. It is right to confess our faults against God, and against our fellow men when that confession is made in the spir...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
Read full commentary →

And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. all the storehouses: Heb. all wherein was

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold u...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-13. then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults--**This public acknowledgment of the merits of the young Hebrew would, tardy though it was, have reflected credit on the butler had it not been obviously made to ingratiate himself with his royal master. It is right to confess our faults against God, and against our fellow men when that confession is made in the spir...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
Read full commentary →

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in ...</strong> This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-13. then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults--**This public acknowledgment of the merits of the young Hebrew would, tardy though it was, have reflected credit on the butler had it not been obviously made to ingratiate himself with his royal master. It is right to confess our faults against God, and against our fellow men when that confession is made in the spir...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 46-57** In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in ma...
Read full commentary →

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