Genesis 41:39

Verse

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Seeing that God has made all this clear to you, there is no other man of such wisdom and good sense as you:

Douay-Rheims 1899

He said therefore to Joseph: Seeing God hath shewn thee all that thou hast said, can I find one wiser and one like unto thee?

Free Bible Version

Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, telling him, “Since God has revealed to you all this, and there's no one like you with such insight and wisdom,

Geneva Bible 1599

The Pharaoh said to Ioseph, For as much as God hath shewed thee all this, there is no man of vnderstanding, or of wisedome like vnto thee.

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

Pharaoh said to Joseph [May he add], “Because God has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you.

Translation for Translators

Then the king said to Joseph, “Because God has revealed all this to you, it seems to me that there is no one who is as wise as you and who can decide wisely about things.

Unlocked Literal Bible

So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because God has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you.

Young's Literal Translation

and Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'After God's causing thee to know all this, there is none intelligent and wise as thou;

Context

Joseph Given Charge of Egypt

³⁸So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”³⁹Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.⁴⁰You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”

Summary

In this verse, Pharaoh acknowledges Joseph's wisdom and discernment, recognizing the divine favor upon him. By appointing Joseph as second-in-command over Egypt, Pharaoh entrusts him with great authority and responsibility. This highlights Joseph's journey from slavery and imprisonment to a position of honor and influence, showcasing God's faithfulness and sovereignty in fulfilling His plans. Joseph's promotion also sets the stage for the fulfillment of the prophetic dreams he had earlier, demonstrating how God orchestrates events for the good of His people and the accomplishment of His purposes.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand,.... Which, as it was expressive of the interest he had in his royal favour, so was a token of that high office and great dignity to which he was promoted: thus among the Romans, in later times, when anyone was put into the equestrian order, a ring was given to him (w); for originally none but knights were allowed to wear rings; and it was sometimes used to design a successor in the kingdom, as, when Alexander was dying, he took his ring from off his finger, and gave it to Perdicca (x), which was understood, though he did not express it, that he should be his successor, in the Apocrypha:"14 Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made ruler over all his realm, 15 And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.'' (1 Maccabees 6)Now, though Pharaoh did not by this intend to point out Joseph for his successor in the kingdom, yet he gave him his ring as a mark of honour, and as being in place next unto his viceroy or deputy: and besides, as it is observed by many, this might be his signet, or the ring which had his seal upon it, by which he sealed patents and public deeds, and which he gave to Joseph to make use of in his name; though Schmidt doubts whether this was such a ring, since kings and princes have been used to have larger for such purposes, than what are wore on the finger: by this it appears, that Pliny (y) was mistaken that there were no rings in and before the time of Troy: and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen; of which there was the best sort in Egypt, and which great personages used to wear: and put a gold chain about his neck; another badge of honour and dignity, see Dan 5:16. (w) Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 33. c. 1. (x) Diodor. Sic. Bibliothec. l. 18. p. 587. Justin. e. Trogo, l. 12. c. 15. (y) Nat. Hist. l. 33. c. 1.