King James Version

What Does Genesis 41:40 Mean?

“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”

Context

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

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

Thou shalt be over my house, 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

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

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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Commentary

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 all the people of Egypt should obey Joseph’s orders, but the translation of the phrase is difficult. The ordinary meaning of the verb is *to kiss, *and the translation would then be *And on thy mouth shall all my people kiss, *that is, they shall do thee homage (1Samuel 10:1; Psalm 2:12). The versions seem to have taken this sense, though they translate very loosely “shall obey thee;” or *“*shall receive judgment at thy mouth;” or “shall be governed by thee.” As however in 1Chronicles 12:2; 2Chronicles 17:17; Psalm 78:9, the verb is used of bearing arms, Aben-Ezra translates “shall arm themselves,” and supposes that Joseph was made commander-in-chief. Others, again, form the verb used here from the same root as that which would give *meshek *in Genesis 15:2 the meaning of “running about,” and translate *at thy mouth, *that is, *according to thy command, shall all my people busy themselves. *The first is the most natural and probable rendering. **In the throne.**—Heb., *as to the throne, *in all that concerns my royal rank, dignity, and rights.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 41:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.