New International Version“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
New Living Translation“It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”
English Standard VersionJoseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
Berean Standard Bible“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”
King James BibleAnd Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
New King James VersionSo Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “ It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
New American Standard BibleJoseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It has nothing to do with me; God will give Pharaoh an answer for his own good.”
NASB 1995Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
NASB 1977Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
Legacy Standard BibleJoseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will answer concerning the welfare of Pharaoh.”
Amplified BibleJoseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me [to interpret the dream]; God [not I] will give Pharaoh a favorable answer [through me].”
Christian Standard Bible“I am not able to,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleI am not able to,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
American Standard VersionAnd Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Contemporary English Version"Your Majesty," Joseph answered, "I can't do it myself, but God can give a good meaning to your dreams."
English Revised VersionAnd Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJoseph answered Pharaoh, "I can't, but God can give Pharaoh the answer that he needs."
Good News TranslationJoseph answered, "I cannot, Your Majesty, but God will give a favorable interpretation."
International Standard Version"I can't do that," Joseph replied, "but God is concerned about Pharaoh's well-being."
NET BibleJoseph replied to Pharaoh, "It is not within my power, but God will speak concerning the welfare of Pharaoh."
New Heart English BibleAnd Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "Apart from God, the welfare of Pharaoh will receive no answer."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”
World English BibleJoseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Joseph answers Pharaoh, saying, “Without me—God answers Pharaoh with peace.”
Young's Literal Translation and Joseph answereth Pharaoh, saying, 'Without me -- God doth answer Pharaoh with peace.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Joseph will answer Pharaoh, saying, Not in me: God will answer Pharaoh with peace. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleJoseph answered: Without me, God shall give Pharao a prosperous answer.
Catholic Public Domain VersionJoseph responded, “Apart from me, God will respond favorably to Pharaoh.”
New American Bible“It is not I,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God who will respond for the well-being of Pharaoh.”
New Revised Standard VersionJoseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd 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?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedYoseph answered and said to Pharaoh, “Do you think that without God we will answer peace to Pharaoh?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying: 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Joseph answered Pharao and said, Without God an answer of safety shall not be given to Pharao.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams… 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,”Josephreplied,“but Godwill give Pharaoha soundanswer.”17Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile,…
Cross References Daniel 2:27-28Daniel 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:
Daniel 2:47The 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.”
Daniel 5:16-17But 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.
Acts 3:12And 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?
Acts 4:7-10They 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, ...
Acts 7:10and 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.
John 3:27John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.
John 15:5I 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.
1 Corinthians 15:10But 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.
James 1:5Now 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.
2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
Exodus 7:1-2The 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.
Numbers 22:38“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.”
Numbers 23:12But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
1 Kings 3:9-12Therefore 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— ...
Treasury of Scripture And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. It is not. Genesis 40:8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, andthere is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them,Do not interpretationsbelong to God? tell methem, I pray you. Numbers 12:6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you,I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision,and will speak unto him in a dream. 2 Kings 6:27 And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? peace. Genesis 37:14 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. Luke 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the thingswhich belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. Jump to Previous DesiresFavorableJosephPeacePharaohJump to Next DesiresFavorableJosephPeacePharaohGenesis 41 1.Pharaoh has two dreams.9.Joseph interprets them.33.He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.46.The seven years of plenty.50.He begets children.53.The famine begins.“I myself cannot do it,”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 Proverbs 3:5-6. Joseph's attitude contrasts with the pride often seen in leaders of his time, such as the Pharaohs who were considered divine. Joseph replied,
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. “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”
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 inJames 1:5 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 (Hebrews 1:1-2). Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA 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. 2. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who had troubling dreams that none of his wise men could interpret, leading to Joseph being summoned from prison. 3. EgyptThe setting of this account, a powerful ancient civilization where Joseph rises to prominence. 4. Dream InterpretationThe 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. 5. God's SovereigntyThe underlying theme of the passage, highlighting God's control and ability to reveal truths through His chosen servants. Teaching Points Dependence on GodJoseph's response to Pharaoh teaches us the importance of acknowledging our limitations and relying on God's wisdom and power. Humility in ServiceJoseph's humility in giving credit to God rather than taking personal glory is a model for how we should serve others. God's SovereigntyThis passage reminds us that God is in control and can use any situation for His purposes, even when circumstances seem dire. Faithfulness in TrialsJoseph's journey from slavery to a position of power demonstrates the importance of remaining faithful and trusting God through difficult times. Witnessing through ActionsJoseph's life and words serve as a testimony to God's power, encouraging us to let our actions and words reflect our faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 41:16?
2.How does Joseph's response in Genesis 41:16 demonstrate humility and reliance on God?
3.What can we learn from Joseph about giving God credit for our abilities?
4.How does Genesis 41:16 connect to Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God?
5.In what ways can we acknowledge God's role in our successes today?
6.How can Joseph's example in Genesis 41:16 guide our interactions with authority figures?
7.How does Genesis 41:16 demonstrate Joseph's humility and reliance on God for interpretation?
8.What does Genesis 41:16 reveal about God's sovereignty in human affairs?
9.How does Joseph's response in Genesis 41:16 challenge our understanding of personal abilities and divine gifts?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 41?
11.What does the Bible say about interpreting dreams?
12.If Joseph became a high-ranking Egyptian official, why is there no Egyptian record of him?
13.What does Zaphenath-Paneah mean?
14.What is the significance of Joseph's divination cup?What Does Genesis 41:16 Mean I myself cannot do it• Joseph immediately rejects any notion of personal power. • His humility mirrors Jesus’ teaching inJohn 15:5, “apart from Me you can do nothing,” and Paul’s confession in2 Corinthians 3:5 that “our competence comes from God.” • By admitting limitation, he dismantles the pagan idea that gifted individuals possess autonomous supernatural insight (cf.Isaiah 42:8). • This stance modelsProverbs 3:5—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Joseph replied• In a hostile, pagan court Joseph still speaks openly about the true God, fulfilling1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” • Jesus foretold such moments inMatthew 10:18–20: believers will stand before rulers, but “it will not be you speaking… the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” • Joseph’s calm, respectful response demonstrates that faith is neither silent nor combative; it is confident testimony.
but God will give Pharaoh• Joseph redirects attention to the Sovereign Revealer (Genesis 40:8: “Do not interpretations belong to God?”). • This anticipatesDaniel 2:28, where Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar, “there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” • God alone rules kings (Psalm 75:6-7). Pharaoh, though mighty, must receive truth from Israel’s God. • Joseph’s comment subtly evangelizes: Pharaoh’s dream is not random; it is personal communication from the living God.
a sound answer• “Sound” carries the idea of peace, reliability, and completeness—an answer that settles the matter.Proverbs 15:23 notes, “How good is a timely word!” • God’s revelation will be clear, accurate, and beneficial, protecting Egypt from impending famine (Genesis 41:29-36). •James 1:5 promises wisdom “generously… without reproach,” the very wisdom Pharaoh is about to receive. •Isaiah 46:10 underscores why the answer is sound: God declares “the end from the beginning.”
summaryJoseph’s words form a four-part testimony: he confesses personal inability, speaks boldly yet respectfully, exalts God’s sovereignty before earthly power, and trusts the Lord to deliver a trustworthy, peace-bringing revelation. The verse invites believers today to walk in the same humble dependence, courageous witness, God-centered focus, and confident expectation of divine wisdom. Verse 16. - And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me (literally, not I): God - Elohim (cf. Genesis 40:8) - shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace - literally, shall answer the peace of Pharaoh, i.e. what shall be for the welfare of Pharaoh. The rendering Ανευ τοῦ θεοῦ οὐκἀποκριθησεται τὸ σωτήριον Φαραιό (LXX.), though giving the sense, fails in accuracy of translation.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “I myself cannot do it,”בִּלְעָדָ֑י(bil·‘ā·ḏāy)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 1107:Apart from, except, withoutJosephיוֹסֵ֧ף(yō·w·sêp̄)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130:Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelitesreplied,וַיַּ֨עַן(way·ya·‘an)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond“but Godאֱלֹהִ֕ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativewill give Pharaohפַּרְעֹֽה׃(par·‘ōh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kingsa favorableשְׁל֥וֹם(šə·lō·wm)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peaceanswer.”יַעֲנֶ֖ה(ya·‘ă·neh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond
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OT Law: Genesis 41:16 Joseph answered Pharaoh saying It isn't (Gen. Ge Gn) |
