Genesis 41:16

16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, "I can't, but God can give Pharaoh the answer that he needs."

Genesis 41:16 Meaning and Commentary

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 abilities in and of himself, to interpret dreams; what he had was a gift of God, and wholly depended upon his influence, and the revelation he was pleased to make to him of such things: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace;
such an answer to his request in the interpretation of his dream, as shall give him full content, and make his mind quiet and easy, and which shall tend to the welfare of him and his kingdom. Some render the words as a prayer or wish, "may God give Pharaoh" ^F9; so as it were addressing his God, that he would be pleased to make known to him his interpretation of the dream to the satisfaction of Pharaoh: but the other sense seems best, which expresses his faith in God, that he would do it, and to whom it should be ascribed, and not unto himself.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F9 (hney) "respondeat", Vatablus.

Genesis 41:16 In-Context

14 Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and immediately he was brought from the prison. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came in front of Pharaoh.

15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can tell me what it means. I heard that when you are told a dream, you can say what it means."

16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, "I can't, but God can give Pharaoh the answer that he needs."

17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile.

18 Suddenly, seven nice-looking, well-fed cows came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.