Genesis 41:15

Genesis 41:15, in plain English

Pharaoh tells Joseph he's heard that Joseph can interpret dreams, and he's counting on that ability now. He's heard rumors, but hope is pushing him to try anyway.

Why it's here

Pharaoh is being vulnerable here. He's essentially saying, 'I've tried everyone else, and they failed. You're my last hope.' There's an implied desperation beneath his royal authority. And notice—he's approaching Joseph with respect, asking for his help rather than commanding it.

Who's speaking

Pharaoh speaking to Joseph.

Where it sits in the story

Pharaoh doesn't know it yet, but he's about to encounter God's wisdom. The conversation he's about to have will change everything—for him, for Joseph, for Egypt, and for God's plan to preserve His people.

The scholarly reading

Pharaoh addresses Joseph directly, explaining that despite consulting his finest minds, none could interpret his dreams, but he has heard that Joseph possesses this interpretive gift.

Language and setting

Pharaoh's statement 'I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it' (שָׁמַעְתִּי עָלֶיךָ לֵאמֹר תִּשְׁמַע חֲלוֹם לִפְתֹּר אוֹתוֹ) attributes Joseph's gift to hearing—שׁמע (shama), implying receptive capacity, understanding, perception—rather than mere technical knowledge; this phrasing suggests Pharaoh recognizes Joseph's gift as something innate rather than learned.

Voice

Pharaoh, speaking to Joseph for the first time

Significance

Pharaoh positions himself as needy and Joseph as capable, reversing all status hierarchies: the most powerful man in Egypt humbly requests interpretation from a foreign slave, demonstrating that true power belongs to those who access divine wisdom.

13And it happened to us just as he had interpreted: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.”

14So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.

15Pharaoh 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.”

16“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

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

Read all of Genesis 41 — Pharaoh has a dream no one can explain. Joseph goes from a dungeon to second-in-command over all of Egypt in a single day.