King James Version

What Does Genesis 41:14 Mean?

Genesis 41:14 in the King James Version says “Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 41:14 · KJV

Context

12

And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

13

And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.

14

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

15

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

16

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

Read Genesis 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved ... 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.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 14

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

פַּרְעֹֽה׃2 of 14

“Then Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַיִּקְרָ֣א3 of 14

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת4 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יוֹסֵ֔ף5 of 14

“Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וַיְרִיצֻ֖הוּ6 of 14

“and they brought him hastily”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

מִן7 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַבּ֑וֹר8 of 14

“out of the dungeon”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

וַיְגַלַּח֙9 of 14

“and he shaved”

H1548

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

וַיְחַלֵּ֣ף10 of 14

“himself and changed”

H2498

properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change

שִׂמְלֹתָ֔יו11 of 14

“his raiment”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

וַיָּבֹ֖א12 of 14

“and came in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹֽה׃14 of 14

“Then Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 41:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 41:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 2:25Psalms 113:7-8Psalms 105:19-222 Kings 25:291 Samuel 2:7-8Jeremiah 52:32-33

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Genesis 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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