King James Version

What Does Genesis 41:15 Mean?

Genesis 41:15 in the King James Version says “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of t...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 41:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

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

Read Genesis 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I... 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. What theological truths about Pharaoh's Dreams emerge from this passage?
  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 · 17 words
לֵאמֹ֔ר1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

פַּרְעֹה֙2 of 17

“And Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹסֵ֔ף4 of 17

“unto Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

חֲל֖וֹם5 of 17

“a dream”

H2472

a dream

חָלַ֔מְתִּי6 of 17

“I have dreamed”

H2492

properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream

לִפְתֹּ֥ר7 of 17

“and there is none that can interpret”

H6622

to open up, i.e., (figuratively) interpret (a dream)

אֵ֣ין8 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֹת֑וֹ9 of 17
H853

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

וַֽאֲנִ֗י10 of 17
H589

i

תִּשְׁמַ֥ע11 of 17

“it and I have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עָלֶ֙יךָ֙12 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לֵאמֹ֔ר13 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תִּשְׁמַ֥ע14 of 17

“it and I have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

חֲל֖וֹם15 of 17

“a dream”

H2472

a dream

לִפְתֹּ֥ר16 of 17

“and there is none that can interpret”

H6622

to open up, i.e., (figuratively) interpret (a dream)

אֹתֽוֹ׃17 of 17
H853

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

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 41:15 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 41:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:16Daniel 5:12Genesis 41:9-13Psalms 25:14

Test Your Knowledge

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

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