The Beginning:
After two full years, Pharaoh is troubled by dreams that none of Egypt’s magicians or wise men can interpret. The chief cupbearer then remembers Joseph, a Hebrew imprisoned who previously interpreted dreams accurately. Joseph is quickly brought from prison, cleansed, and presented before Pharaoh.
The Middle:
Joseph makes clear that interpretation does not come from him, but that God can give Pharaoh an answer. Pharaoh recounts two dreams: seven healthy cows swallowed by seven gaunt cows, and seven full ears of grain swallowed by seven thin ears. Joseph explains that the dreams share one meaning: seven years of great abundance will be followed by seven years of severe famine, and the repetition shows the certainty and nearness of what God has determined. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a discerning leader to store grain during the years of abundance to prepare for the famine.
The End:
Pharaoh recognizes God’s revelation in Joseph and elevates him to govern Egypt’s preparations, giving him authority second only to Pharaoh. Joseph oversees storing a fifth of the harvest during seven abundant years; when famine comes, Egypt has grain, and surrounding peoples come to buy from Egypt. Joseph’s rise positions him to preserve many lives during the crisis.
This account highlights God’s sovereign guidance in history, using dreams and their interpretation to reveal what is “fixed by God” and to preserve life. Joseph’s insistence that the meaning comes from God underscores divine wisdom as the true source of insight, not human power or courtly expertise. The narrative also advances the wider Genesis theme that God protects the covenant family by providentially arranging events in the nations, preparing a place of refuge in times of need.
Dream interpretation was well known in the ancient Near East, including Egypt, where courts employed specialists to discern omens and meanings. Genesis 41 reflects this setting by depicting Pharaoh’s “magicians and wise men” as official advisers—yet contrasts them with Joseph’s claim that reliable interpretation belongs to God.
“It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” — Genesis 41:16
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Who remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh about him when Pharaoh’s dreams troubled him?
2. According to Joseph’s interpretation, what did Pharaoh’s two dreams mean?