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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 41:16 "I myself cannot do it," Joseph replied, "but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/41-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_41_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 41:16 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I myself cannot do it, Joseph replied, but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/41.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, <i>It is</i> not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/41.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “<i>It is</i> not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/41.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It has nothing to do with me; God will give Pharaoh an answer for his own good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/41.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, &#8220It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/41.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/41.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will answer <i>concerning</i> the welfare of Pharaoh.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/41.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me [to interpret the dream]; God [not I] will give Pharaoh a favorable answer [through me].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/41.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I am not able to,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/41.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am not able to,&#8221 Joseph answered Pharaoh. &#8220It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/41.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/41.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Your Majesty," Joseph answered, "I can't do it myself, but God can give a good meaning to your dreams." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/41.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/41.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Joseph answered Pharaoh, "I can't, but God can give Pharaoh the answer that he needs."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/41.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Joseph answered, "I cannot, Your Majesty, but God will give a favorable interpretation." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/41.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I can't do that," Joseph replied, "but God is concerned about Pharaoh's well-being."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/41.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?I myself cannot do it,? Joseph replied, ?but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/41.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "It is not within my power, but God will speak concerning the welfare of Pharaoh." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/41.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "Apart from God, the welfare of Pharaoh will receive no answer."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/41.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/41.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/41.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Joseph answers Pharaoh, saying, “Without me—God answers Pharaoh with peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/41.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Joseph answereth Pharaoh, saying, 'Without me -- God doth answer Pharaoh with peace.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/41.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Joseph will answer Pharaoh, saying, Not in me: God will answer Pharaoh with peace.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/41.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Joseph answered: Without me, God shall give Pharao a prosperous answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/41.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Joseph responded, “Apart from me, God will respond favorably to Pharaoh.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/41.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“It is not I,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God who will respond for the well-being of Pharaoh.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/41.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/41.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Joseph answered and said to Pharaoh, Do you think, perhaps, that without God I am able to give Pharaoh an answer that everything will be well?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/41.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Yoseph answered and said to Pharaoh, “Do you think that without God we will answer peace to Pharaoh?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/41.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying: 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/41.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Joseph answered Pharao and said, Without God an answer of safety shall not be given to Pharao.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/41-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=10407" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm">Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1107.htm" title="1107: bil·‘ā·ḏāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- Apart from, except, without. Or balmadey; constructive plural from bal and ad, not till, i.e. except, without, besides.">“I myself cannot do it,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">“but God</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">will give Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šə·lō·wm (N-msc) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">a sound</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ya·‘ă·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answer.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-27.htm">Daniel 2:27-28</a></span><br />Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-47.htm">Daniel 2:47</a></span><br />The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Daniel 5:16-17</a></span><br />But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” / In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-12.htm">Acts 3:12</a></span><br />And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-7.htm">Acts 4:7-10</a></span><br />They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” / Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! / If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-10.htm">Acts 7:10</a></span><br />and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27</a></span><br />John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a></span><br />I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a></span><br />But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a></span><br />Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-1.htm">Exodus 7:1-2</a></span><br />The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. / You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38</a></span><br />“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/23-12.htm">Numbers 23:12</a></span><br />But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.</p><p class="hdg">It is not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/40-8.htm">Genesis 40:8</a></b></br> And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and <i>there is</i> no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, <i>Do</i> not interpretations <i>belong</i> to God? tell me <i>them</i>, I pray you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Numbers 12:6</a></b></br> And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, <i>I</i> the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, <i>and</i> will speak unto him in a dream.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-27.htm">2 Kings 6:27</a></b></br> And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?</p><p class="hdg">peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-14.htm">Genesis 37:14</a></b></br> And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/19-42.htm">Luke 19:42</a></b></br> Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things <i>which belong</i> unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/genesis/40-16.htm">Favorable</a> <a href="/genesis/41-15.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/37-14.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/genesis/41-15.htm">Pharaoh</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/9-14.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/judges/21-22.htm">Favorable</a> <a href="/genesis/41-17.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/43-23.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/genesis/41-17.htm">Pharaoh</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 41</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/41-1.htm">Pharaoh has two dreams.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Joseph interprets them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/41-33.htm">He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">The seven years of plenty.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/41-50.htm">He begets children.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">53. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/41-53.htm">The famine begins.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/41.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/41.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“I myself cannot do it,”</b><br>Joseph's humility is evident in this statement. Despite his previous success in interpreting dreams, he acknowledges his own limitations. This reflects a biblical principle of recognizing human insufficiency and the need for divine intervention, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>. Joseph's attitude contrasts with the pride often seen in leaders of his time, such as the Pharaohs who were considered divine.<p><b>Joseph replied,</b><br>Joseph's response to Pharaoh is immediate and respectful, indicating his confidence and faith. His ability to stand before Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of the time, shows the fulfillment of God's providence in his life. This moment is a turning point, as Joseph transitions from a prisoner to a key figure in Egypt, reminiscent of Daniel's rise in Babylon.<p><b>“but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”</b><br>Joseph attributes the ability to interpret dreams to God, emphasizing the sovereignty and omniscience of the God of Israel. This statement is a testament to Joseph's faith and serves as a witness to Pharaoh of the true God. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching in <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> about God giving wisdom generously. Joseph's declaration points to the biblical theme of God revealing His will through chosen individuals, as seen with prophets and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God (<a href="/hebrews/1.htm">Hebrews 1:1-2</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, later imprisoned in Egypt, and known for his ability to interpret dreams through God's guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt who had troubling dreams that none of his wise men could interpret, leading to Joseph being summoned from prison.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The setting of this account, a powerful ancient civilization where Joseph rises to prominence.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/dream_interpretation.htm">Dream Interpretation</a></b><br>The event where Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, which is pivotal in his rise to power and the preservation of Egypt and his family.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The underlying theme of the passage, highlighting God's control and ability to reveal truths through His chosen servants.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Joseph's response to Pharaoh teaches us the importance of acknowledging our limitations and relying on God's wisdom and power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a></b><br>Joseph's humility in giving credit to God rather than taking personal glory is a model for how we should serve others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>This passage reminds us that God is in control and can use any situation for His purposes, even when circumstances seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_trials.htm">Faithfulness in Trials</a></b><br>Joseph's journey from slavery to a position of power demonstrates the importance of remaining faithful and trusting God through difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witnessing_through_actions.htm">Witnessing through Actions</a></b><br>Joseph's life and words serve as a testimony to God's power, encouraging us to let our actions and words reflect our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_41.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 41</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_dreams.htm">What does the Bible say about interpreting dreams?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_egyptian_record_of_joseph.htm">If Joseph became a high-ranking Egyptian official, why is there no Egyptian record of him?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_zaphenath-paneah_mean.htm">What does Zaphenath-Paneah mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_joseph's_divination_cup's_role.htm">What is the significance of Joseph's divination cup?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/41.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me</span> (literally, not <span class="accented">I</span>): <span class="cmt_word">God</span> - Elohim (cf. <a href="/genesis/40-8.htm">Genesis 40:8</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace</span> - literally, <span class="accented">shall answer the peace of Pharaoh, i.e</span>. what shall be for the welfare of Pharaoh. The rendering <span class="greek">Ανευ τοῦ θεοῦ οὐκ</span> <span class="greek">ἀποκριθησεται τὸ σωτήριον Φαραιό</span> (LXX.), though giving the sense, fails in accuracy of translation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/41-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“I myself cannot do it,”</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָדָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘ā·ḏāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1107.htm">Strong's 1107: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apart from, except, without</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joseph</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵ֧ף</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֨עַן</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“but God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֕ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will give Pharaoh</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּרְעֹֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(par·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a favorable</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁל֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answer.”</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲנֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/41-16.htm">OT Law: Genesis 41:16 Joseph answered Pharaoh saying It isn't (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/41-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 41:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 41:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/41-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 41:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 41:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>