Genesis 41:16

16 "I can't do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh. "But God will give Pharaoh the answer he wants."

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (hney) "respondeat", Vatablus.

Genesis 41:16 In-Context

14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph. He was quickly brought out of the prison. Joseph shaved himself and changed his clothes. Then he came to Pharaoh.

15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream. No one can tell me what it means. But I've heard that when you hear a dream you can explain it."

16 "I can't do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh. "But God will give Pharaoh the answer he wants."

17 Then Pharaoh told Joseph what he had dreamed. He said, "I was standing on the bank of the Nile River.

18 Seven cows came up out of the river. They were fat and good-looking. They were eating the tall grass that was growing along the river.