Genesis 41:25

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יוֹסֵף֙
And Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
לְפַרְעֹֽה׃
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#5
חֲל֥וֹם
The dream
a dream
#6
לְפַרְעֹֽה׃
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#7
אֶחָ֣ד
is one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#8
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
עֹשֶׂ֖ה
what he is about to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
הִגִּ֥יד
hath shewed
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#14
לְפַרְעֹֽה׃
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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