Joseph was thirty years old … Egypt: according to 37.2 Joseph was seventeen years old when he came into conflict with his brothers. If he was sold into Egypt at that age, he had by this time been in Egypt approximately thirteen years.

Entered the service of Pharaoh is literally “stood before Pharaoh.” Most translators understand this expression as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation. We may also translate, for example, “when the king made him the ruler.”

Went out from the presence of Pharaoh: that is, “left the king’s palace” or “left the king and went….”

Went through all the land of Egypt: the sense here is that Joseph made a royal tour to inspect the country. It is a symbolic trip in which the young ruler “takes possession” of his territory. In a somewhat similar manner Abraham was instructed by the LORD in 13.17 to walk through the length and breadth of the land that was promised to him.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

Zaphenath-paneah: this name, according to many scholars, means “The god spoke and he [the one who bears this name] lives.” Most translators will prefer to transliterate this name. It does not occur elsewhere in the Bible.

Asenath means “the one belonging to [the goddess] Neith.”

Potiphera priest of On: Potiphera is a form of the same name as Joseph’s owner in chapter 39. See there for the meaning. On refers to the temple at Heliopolis (today a residential area of northern Cairo), which was a center for sun worship. By receiving Asenath as a wife, Joseph becomes a member of the Egyptian nobility. Note that the narrator shows no disapproval of Joseph’s involvement in a foreign religion.

So Joseph went out over the land: this sentence is omitted in the Septuagint and the Samaritan Pentateuch. Westermann dismisses it as a scribal error. Revised Standard Version appears to render it as it is given in the Hebrew, but interpreters do not agree on the meaning of the verb went out. There are three possibilities that all fit quite well in the context:

(1) Good News Translation considers this expression and the similar one in verse 46 to mean the same thing, to “travel through the land.” Therefore Good News Translation combines verses 45 and 46 and translates the expression only once. New Jerusalem Bible “journey all over” and New International Version “went throughout” follow this same interpretation.
(2) Speiser argues that the literal meaning of the verb is “rose over” and means that Joseph’s name became known, that knowledge of him spread about the country. He translates it “Joseph became known throughout the land of Egypt.” The verb is used in this sense in Est 1.17, where Revised Standard Version translates “this deed of the queen will be made known to all….”
(3) The expression over the land, which follows the verb, is used three other times in this part of the story, in verses 33, 41, and 43; and each time it refers to Joseph being in authority over the whole country of Egypt. So the most likely interpretation here in this concluding verse is that the verb means Joseph “rose to” or “came to” power or authority over the land. This interpretation is followed by Revised English Bible “Joseph’s authority extended over…,” and New Jerusalem Bible “Thus Joseph emerged in charge of….” Significantly New Revised Standard Version revises Revised Standard Version at this point and says “Thus Joseph gained authority over the land.” The Handbook recommends this interpretation to translators.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

I am Pharaoh: this statement appears to emphasize the authority given to Joseph in the next clause. Therefore the sense is “Although I am the king, no one shall do anything without your permission.”

No man shall lift up hand or foot: this figurative expression is used to emphasize and make vivid that no one can undertake anything without Joseph’s permission. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “no one in all Egypt shall move a finger without your permission,” Bible en français courant “… move the little finger.” Translators should use whatever expression means to do the least activity possible. Another way of expressing the idea is to say “Before they do anything they must get your permission.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

Made him to ride in his second chariot: according to Westermann mounting the royal chariot was part of the installation ritual. A chariot is a vehicle with two wheels drawn by one or two horses. Chariots in ancient Egypt are depicted in paintings as manned by a driver and an archer. The first chariot would be the one the king rode in. A common translation of chariot is “battle cart” or “war buggy.”

They cried before him “Bow the knee!”: they refers to the soldiers or guard of honor who accompanied his chariot. Bow the knee represents the expression abrek. For the meaning see the Revised Standard Version footnote. It is not certain how this word should be translated. Speiser says “Attention!” Good News Translation, Revised English Bible say “Make way!” In some areas assistants to local chiefs or other dignitaries go ahead of them and call out to the people “Chief is coming,” “Eyes and ears, chief is near,” or “Clear the road!”

Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt: this is essentially the same as in verse 41.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

Took his signet ring from his hand: that is, “took off his signet ring and put it on Joseph’s finger.” The ring that the king gives to Joseph is, as Good News Translation says, “engraved with the royal seal.” The use of a signet ring was described in connection with Judah in 38.18. In Judah’s case the signet was hung by a cord around his neck. Here the signet is a ring worn on the finger. It was traditional in Egypt for the king’s second in command to be “the keeper of the seal.”

Linen refers to a superior quality cloth woven from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is cool and has a surface luster. It may be necessary to translate “and the king placed robes of fine linen on him.” In areas where linen is unknown, translators should use a term for the best quality cloth that is known.

Put a gold chain about his neck: in ancient Egypt such chains were given for outstanding service to the king. The chain hangs loosely about the neck and chest.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt: Behold translates the Hebrew “see” (not hinneh). This introductory term solemnizes the act of installation of Joseph in high office. See Good News Translation “I now appoint you”; Revised English Bible “I hereby give you authority”; New Jerusalem Bible “I hereby make you….” Set you over means “I put you in charge” or “I give you authority over….” Good News Translation supplies “governor.” The Hebrew text does not attach a name to Joseph’s position.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

Verses 40-45 describe the installation or investiture of Joseph to the highest position in the king’s government.

Over my house: my house refers here to the king’s palace, court, or government. In later times in Judah and Israel, the chief officer was said to be in charge of the palace, as in 1 Kgs 4.6; 16.9. Bible en français courant translates “administrator of my kingdom,” New Jerusalem Bible “my chancellor,” New Jerusalem Bible “in charge of my court.” We may also say, for example, “in charge of my government” or “the chief officer in my palace.”

My people shall order themselves as you command: this appears to say literally “at your mouth all my people shall be ordered.” The word translated “ordered” is of uncertain meaning. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project suggests three possibilities:
(1) “and to your word (command), all my people shall pay homage,”
(2) “and … (command), all my people shall be nourished,”
(3) “and … (command), all my people shall be equipped (or: armed).”

Hebrew Old Testament Text Project adds “It is not possible to decide which of these interpretations is the best one.”

Although they do not conform entirely to the first recommendation of Hebrew Old Testament Text Project, Revised English Bible “all my people will respect your every word” and Good News Translation “all my people will obey your orders” give us two model translations to follow.

Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you: throne is used here as a symbol of authority or power. This may be translated, for example, “Only because I am the king will I be greater than you.” We may also state this negatively: “You will be less than me only because I am the king.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

Since God has shown you all this: has shown is literally “has made known.” All this refers to the content of the king’s dreams. We may say, for example, “Since God has shown you the meaning of my dreams.”

There is none so discreet and wise as you are: that is, “no one is as intelligent and wise as you.” See verse 33.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .