Genesis 41:16
Genesis 41:16 in Multiple Translations
“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Then Joseph said, Without God there will be no answer of peace for Pharaoh.
“It's not me who can do this,” Joseph replied. “But God will explain its meaning to set Your Majesty's mind at rest.”
And Ioseph answered Pharaoh, saying, Without me God shall answere for the wealth of Pharaoh.
and Joseph answereth Pharaoh, saying, 'Without me — God doth answer Pharaoh with peace.'
Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Joseph answered: Without me, God shall give Pharao a prosperous answer.
But Joseph replied to the king, “No, I cannot do that. It is God who knows the meaning of dreams, but he will enable me to tell you their meaning, and they will mean something good.”
Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Sir, I can’t do that by myself. God is the one that lets me understand people’s dreams. He will show me what your dream means, and it will be good for you to hear it.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 41:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
יוֹסֵ֧ף
אֶת
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
בִּלְעָדָ֑/י
אֱלֹהִ֕ים
יַעֲנֶ֖ה
אֶת
שְׁל֥וֹם
פַּרְעֹֽה
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹסֵ֧ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בִּלְעָדָ֑/י
bilʻădêy
H1107
beside
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֕ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יַעֲנֶ֖ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁל֥וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:16
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
יוֹסֵ֧ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בִּלְעָדָ֑/י
bilʻădêy
H1107
"beside"
Prep | Suff
This word means except or without, like in a phrase saying something is not included. The Bible uses it to show exclusion or exception, like in a rule or a law that does not apply to everyone.
Definition: apart from, except, without, besides
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, not (in), save, without. See also: Genesis 14:24; Psalms 18:32; Isaiah 36:10.
אֱלֹהִ֕ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יַעֲנֶ֖ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁל֥וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 41:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:16
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:16
- Sermons on Genesis 41:16
Context — Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
14So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.
15Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
16“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”
17Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18when seven cows, well-fed and sleek, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 3:5 | Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. |
| 2 | Genesis 40:8 | “We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” |
| 3 | Daniel 2:47 | The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.” |
| 4 | Acts 3:12 | And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? |
| 5 | Numbers 12:6 | He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. |
| 6 | Daniel 2:28–30 | But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: As you lay on your bed, O king, your thoughts turned to the future, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen. And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind. |
| 7 | Daniel 4:2 | I am pleased to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. |
| 8 | Acts 14:14–15 | But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. |
| 9 | Luke 19:42 | and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 15:10 | But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. |
Genesis 41:16 Summary
[Joseph is saying that he can't interpret Pharaoh's dream on his own, but he trusts that God will give him the answer. This shows that Joseph is humble and recognizes his need for God's help. Just like Joseph, we can trust that God will guide us and give us wisdom when we need it, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6. By acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God, we can experience His guidance and provision in our lives, just as Joseph did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Joseph mean by saying he cannot interpret Pharaoh's dream on his own?
Joseph is acknowledging his own limitations and recognizing that the ability to interpret dreams is a gift from God, as seen in Daniel 2:28 and Genesis 40:8, where God gives wisdom and insight to those who seek Him.
Why does Joseph say God will give Pharaoh a sound answer?
Joseph is expressing his faith in God's sovereignty and provision, trusting that God will provide the interpretation of the dream, just as He did for Joseph in the past, as recorded in Genesis 37:5-11 and Genesis 40:1-23.
Is Joseph being humble or just passing the buck by saying it's God who will give the answer?
Joseph is demonstrating humility by recognizing his dependence on God for wisdom and insight, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, and James 1:5, which teaches us to ask God for wisdom in times of need.
What can we learn from Joseph's response about our own abilities and limitations?
We can learn to acknowledge our own limitations and trust in God's provision and guidance, just as Joseph did, and as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7, which reminds us to trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I, like Joseph, recognize my own limitations and trust in God's sovereignty and provision?
- How can I apply the principle of humility, as demonstrated by Joseph, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for wisdom and insight, and how can I seek Him for guidance?
- How does Joseph's response reflect his relationship with God, and what can I learn from his example about cultivating a deeper walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:16
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [it is] not in me,.... Which expresses his great modesty, that he did not arrogate such skill and wisdom to himself; declaring that he had no such power and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:16
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. Pharaoh said ... I have dreamed a dream.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:16
I cannot do this by any power, or virtue, or art of my own, for I am but a man, as your magicians are, but only by inspiration from the great God. Thus he gives the honour from himself unto God, and leads Pharaoh to the knowledge of the true God. For the phrase compare . God shall give; or, may God give, & c. It is my desire that God would vouchsafe to Pharaoh a comfortable and happy answer.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:16
Genesis 41:16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Ver. 16. It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh, &c.] This is the voice of all that have true worth in them: they are humble upon the knowledge of their perfections; they vilify and nullify themselves before God and men: like true balm, that put into water, sinks to the bottom; or like a vessel cast into the sea, which the more it fills, the deeper it sinks. And this is the bottom and bosom of humility, and very next degree to exaltation, as here.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:16
Verse 16. It is not in me, c.] בלעדי biladai, without or independently of me - I am not essential to thy comfort, God himself has thee under his care. And he will send thee, or answer thee, peace thou shalt have prosperity (שלום shelom) howsoever ominous thy dreams may appear. By this answer he not only conciliated the mind of the king, but led him to expect his help from that GOD from whom alone all comfort, protection, and prosperity, must proceed.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:16
16. It is not in me] Rather, “nay, far from it,” as in Genesis 14:24. Joseph, as in Genesis 40:8, disclaims any power in himself. God’s servant may be His propheta, or spokesman; but he is not as God, nor is he a magician. an answer of peace] Joseph replies, with suitable courtesy, literally, “God will make answer with the peace of Pharaoh.” The answer of God will be the well-being of Pharaoh. “Peace,” i.e. “welfare,” as in Genesis 37:14, “whether it be well,” lit. “peace.” LXX ἄνευτοῦθεοῦοὐκἀποκριθήσεταιτὸσωτήριον, the meaning of which is doubtful: “without God there will be no answer of peace.” Lat. absque me Deus respondebit prospera Pharaoni. The Syriac makes a question of it, “Thinkest thou that apart from God one will answer?” on the lines of Balaam’s answer in Numbers 22:18; Numbers 22:38.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:16
16. God shall give… peace — Literally, God shall answer the peace of Pharaoh. Joseph emphatically points out the divine and supernatural aspect of the dreams, and takes no glory to himself.
Sermons on Genesis 41:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr |
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(2 Corinthians) ch.1:20-3:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the inner life of the Apostle Paul and his ministry. Paul emphasizes the importance of working together with others and not ministering alone |
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Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1 by Jack Hyles | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a person |
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(2 Corinthians) ch.4:3-4:11 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the ministry of the New Covenant and the importance of being adequate for this ministry. He emphasizes that it is God who makes us adequate, |
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At the Kings Gate by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon titled "At the King's Gate," the speaker focuses on the story of Esther in the Bible. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a heart for God and living for H |
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The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being distracted by the charisma and self-promotion of human leaders. He warns against bein |
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Through the Bible - 2 Corinthians - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the qualities and characteristics of the apostle Paul as a servant of God. He emphasizes that Paul was called by God and had a deep love for |