Genesis 41:17
Genesis 41:17 in Multiple Translations
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile,
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:
And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the brink of the river:
Then Pharaoh said, In my dream I was by the side of the Nile:
Pharaoh explained to Joseph, “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile.
And Pharaoh sayde vnto Ioseph, In my dreame, beholde, I stoode by the banke of the riuer:
And Pharaoh speaketh unto Joseph: 'In my dream, lo, I am standing by the edge of the River,
Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, “In my dream, behold, I stood on the brink of the river;
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:
So Pharao told what he had dreamed: Methought I stood upon the bank of the river,
The king said to Joseph, “In my first dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile River.
So Pharaoh told Joseph about his dream. He said, “In my dream, I stood next to the Nile River.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:17
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 41:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
אֶל
יוֹסֵ֑ף
בַּ/חֲלֹמִ֕/י
הִנְ/נִ֥י
עֹמֵ֖ד
עַל
שְׂפַ֥ת
הַ/יְאֹֽר
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹסֵ֑ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
בַּ/חֲלֹמִ֕/י
chălôwm
H2472
dream
Prep | N-ms | Suff
הִנְ/נִ֥י
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
עֹמֵ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׂפַ֥ת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
הַ/יְאֹֽר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
stream
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:17
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹסֵ֑ף
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.
בַּ/חֲלֹמִ֕/י
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
הִנְ/נִ֥י
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
עֹמֵ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׂפַ֥ת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
הַ/יְאֹֽר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
"stream"
Art | N-proper
A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.
Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
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. 19After them, seven other cows—sickly, ugly, and thin—came up. I have never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt!Genesis 41:17 Summary
In Genesis 41:17, Pharaoh shares his dream with Joseph, which is a significant moment in the story. Pharaoh is standing on the bank of the Nile, which was a very important place for the Egyptians, as seen in Exodus 1:22. This verse shows that God can use even the dreams of unbelievers to bring about His plans, as stated in Isaiah 55:11. By sharing his dream with Joseph, Pharaoh is taking a step of faith and seeking guidance, which is something we can all learn from, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41:17?
Pharaoh's dream is a pivotal moment in the story, as it sets the stage for Joseph's interpretation and ultimately, God's plan for Israel's prosperity in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20.
Why did Pharaoh choose to share his dream with Joseph?
Pharaoh shared his dream with Joseph because he had heard that Joseph could interpret dreams, as stated in Genesis 41:15, and he was desperate for an understanding of the vision that had been troubling him.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's willingness to seek help from Joseph?
Pharaoh's willingness to seek help from Joseph demonstrates the importance of humility and recognizing one's limitations, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty, as He is working behind the scenes to bring about His plans, even through the dreams and actions of unbelievers like Pharaoh, as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Romans 11:36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking guidance or interpretation, and how can I, like Pharaoh, humble myself and seek God's wisdom?
- How do I respond when faced with mysterious or unsettling circumstances, and what can I learn from Pharaoh's decision to share his dream with Joseph?
- In what ways can I, like Joseph, be a vessel for God's wisdom and guidance in the lives of those around me?
- What are some dreams or visions that God has given me, and how can I, like Joseph, trust in God's power to interpret and fulfill them?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:17
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,.... Relating both his dreams in a more ample manner, though to the same purpose, than before related: in my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river; the river
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:17
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: I stood upon the bank of
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:17
Genesis 41:17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:Ver. 17. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph.] Here begins Joseph’ s rise. Being in prison, be struck not fire, though he had a good brain: but waited till it came down from heaven to him, first in the butler’ s dream, and now in Pharaoh’ s. Had he ravenously roamed after preferment, and ravished it, as in his mistress’ s offer he might have done, it would have shunned him, &c.