New International VersionThen Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
New Living TranslationThen Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck.
English Standard VersionThen Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck.
Berean Standard BibleThen Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
King James BibleAnd Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
New King James VersionThen Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
New American Standard BibleThen Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put the gold necklace around his neck.
NASB 1995Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck.
NASB 1977Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put the gold necklace around his neck.
Legacy Standard BibleThen Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck.
Amplified BibleThen Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and dressed him in [official] vestments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
Christian Standard BiblePharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, clothed him with fine linen garments, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
Holman Christian Standard BiblePharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, clothed him with fine linen garments, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
American Standard VersionAnd Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
Contemporary English VersionThen the king took off his royal ring and put it on Joseph's finger. He gave him fine clothes to wear and placed a gold chain around his neck.
English Revised VersionAnd Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Pharaoh took off his signet ring and put it on Joseph's finger. He had Joseph dressed in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
Good News TranslationThe king removed from his finger the ring engraved with the royal seal and put it on Joseph's finger. He put a fine linen robe on him, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
International Standard VersionThen Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand, placed it on Joseph's hand, had him clothed in fine linen garments, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
NET BibleThen Pharaoh took his signet ring from his own hand and put it on Joseph's. He clothed him with fine linen clothes and put a gold chain around his neck.
New Heart English BibleThen Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain around his neck.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
World English BiblePharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Pharaoh turns aside his seal-ring from off his hand, and puts it on the hand of Joseph, and clothes him [with] garments of fine linen, and places a chain of gold on his neck,
Young's Literal Translation And Pharaoh turneth aside his seal-ring from off his hand, and putteth it on the hand of Joseph, and clotheth him with garments of fine linen, and placeth a chain of gold on his neck,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Pharaoh will remove his signet ring from his hand, and will give it upon Joseph's hand; and will put upon him a white garment, and will put a gold collar about his neck. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he took his ring from his own hand, and gave it into his hand: and he put upon him a robe of silk, and put a chain of gold about his neck.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he took the ring from his own hand, and he gave it into his hand. And he clothed him with a robe of fine linen, and he placed a necklace of gold around his neck.
New American BibleWith that, Pharaoh took off his signet ring and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
New Revised Standard VersionRemoving his signet ring from his hand, Pharaoh put it on Joseph’s hand; he arrayed him in garments of fine linen, and put a gold chain around his neck. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck:
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Pharaoh took his ring from his hand and he placed it on the hand of Yoseph, and clothed him with clothing of fine white linen, and cast a necklace of gold on his neck; OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Pharao took his ring off his hand, and put it on the hand of Joseph, and put on him a robe of fine linen, and put a necklace of gold about his neck.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Joseph Given Charge of Egypt… 41Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” 42Then Pharaohremovedthe signet ringfromhis finger,putit onJoseph’sfinger,clothedhimin garmentsof fine linen,and placeda goldchainaroundhis neck.43He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.…
Cross References Esther 8:15Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.
Daniel 5:29Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
1 Samuel 18:4And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
Exodus 28:2Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.
1 Kings 10:18-20Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. / The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. / Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.
Isaiah 61:10I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
2 Chronicles 9:15-16King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield. / He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
Ezekiel 16:11-13I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. / I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. / So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen.
1 Kings 22:10Dressed in royal attire, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them.
2 Samuel 1:10So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”
Matthew 27:28-29They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. / And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
Luke 15:22But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Revelation 19:8She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.
James 2:2-3Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,”
Acts 12:21On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people.
Treasury of Scripture And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in clothing of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; his ring. Esther 3:10,12 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy… Esther 6:7-12 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, … Esther 8:2,8,10,15 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman… fine linen. Ezekiel 27:7 Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee. a gold chain. Proverbs 1:9 For theyshall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. Proverbs 31:22,24 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothingis silk and purple… Song of Solomon 1:10 Thy cheeks are comely with rowsof jewels, thy neck with chainsof gold. Jump to Previous ArrayedBestByssusChainClothedClothesDressedFineFingerGarmentsGoldHandJosephJoseph'sLinenNeckNecklacePharaohPlacethPuttethRingRobesSignetTurnethJump to Next ArrayedBestByssusChainClothedClothesDressedFineFingerGarmentsGoldHandJosephJoseph'sLinenNeckNecklacePharaohPlacethPuttethRingRobesSignetTurnethGenesis 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.Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his fingerThe signet ring was a symbol of authority and power in ancient Egypt. It was used to seal documents, signifying the Pharaoh's approval and command. By removing it from his own finger, Pharaoh was transferring a significant portion of his authority to Joseph. This act is reminiscent of the authority given to Daniel in Babylon ( Daniel 6:2-3) and foreshadows the authority given to Jesus by God the Father ( Matthew 28:18). put it on Joseph’s finger
This gesture signified Joseph's elevation to a position of high authority, second only to Pharaoh. It marked a dramatic change in Joseph's status, from a Hebrew slave and prisoner to the ruler over all of Egypt. This transformation is a type of Christ, who was exalted after His suffering (Philippians 2:9-11). clothed him in garments of fine linen
Fine linen was a luxury fabric in ancient Egypt, often associated with nobility and the priesthood. Joseph's new garments symbolized his new status and purity. This change in clothing can be compared to the robe given to the prodigal son upon his return (Luke 15:22) and the righteousness believers receive in Christ (Isaiah 61:10). and placed a gold chain around his neck
The gold chain was another symbol of high rank and honor. In Egyptian culture, such adornments were given to those who held significant positions of power. This act further solidified Joseph's authority and acceptance into the Egyptian court. It parallels the honor and glory given to Christ, who is adorned with majesty and power (Revelation 1:13-16). Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who recognizes Joseph's wisdom and appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt. 2. JosephA Hebrew man who, through God's guidance, interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is elevated to a position of power. 3. Signet RingA symbol of authority and power, representing Pharaoh's trust in Joseph. 4. Fine Linen GarmentsIndicative of honor and high status in Egyptian society. 5. Gold ChainA further symbol of authority and wealth, signifying Joseph's new role. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in ElevationJoseph's rise to power demonstrates God's control over human affairs and His ability to elevate His servants in His timing. Faithfulness in AdversityJoseph's consistent faithfulness, even in hardship, prepares him for the responsibilities of leadership. Symbolism of AuthorityThe signet ring and garments symbolize the authority and responsibility given by God, reminding us of our roles as His representatives. Preparation for PurposeJoseph's life illustrates how God prepares us through trials for the purposes He has planned. Trust in God's TimingJoseph's account encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing for their lives and callings. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 41:42?
2.How does Joseph's promotion in Genesis 41:42 demonstrate God's faithfulness and timing?
3.What does Pharaoh's gift of "his signet ring" symbolize in biblical authority?
4.How can we trust God's plan when facing trials, like Joseph in Genesis 41?
5.How does Joseph's story connect with Romans 8:28 about God's purpose for good?
6.In what ways can we prepare for leadership roles as Joseph did in Egypt?
7.How does Genesis 41:42 illustrate God's sovereignty in Joseph's life?
8.What is the significance of Pharaoh giving Joseph his signet ring in Genesis 41:42?
9.How does Genesis 41:42 reflect the theme of divine providence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 41?
11.Should Christians wear wedding rings?
12.Are Joseph and Imhotep historically connected?
13.What is a Christian purity ring?
14.How could Joseph’s brothers fail to recognize him after only about two decades (Genesis 42:7–8)?What Does Genesis 41:42 Mean Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger- In the ancient Near East, the signet ring functioned like the royal signature. Whoever bore it carried the king’s personal authority. Compare how Ahasuerus’ ring inEsther 8:8 empowered Mordecai to legislate in the king’s name, or howHaggai 2:23 speaks of Zerubbabel as God’s signet, emphasizing delegated rule. - Pharaoh’s act is immediate and public.Genesis 41:14 already noted Joseph’s hurried summons; now Pharaoh swiftly moves from Joseph’s prison garb to royal empowerment, underlining God’s sudden promotion of the faithful (Psalm 75:6-7). - By taking the ring off his own hand, Pharaoh signals total trust. Joseph is no mere adviser; he becomes the executor of royal will, prefiguring Christ, to whom the Father “has given all authority” (Matthew 28:18).
put it on Joseph’s finger- The transfer is personal: Pharaoh himself places the ring on Joseph. It mirrors the father placing the ring on the prodigal son (Luke 15:22), a picture of restored status and sonship. - Joseph, once falsely accused and forgotten, now bears the kingdom’s seal. This underscoresRomans 8:28-30—the Lord turns every injustice to advance His redemptive plan. - Practically, the ring authorizes Joseph to collect grain, open storehouses, and sell to the nations (Genesis 41:56-57). God equips those He calls, never assigning responsibility without conferring authority (Exodus 3:10-12).
clothed him in garments of fine linen- Linen signified royalty and priestly purity.Exodus 28:39 describes priestly tunics of fine linen, andDaniel 5:29 shows Belshazzar clothing Daniel the same way for interpreting writing on the wall. - Joseph’s new wardrobe replaces prison rags (Genesis 41:14).Isaiah 61:10 foretells that God “has clothed me with garments of salvation,” a fitting parallel: outward dress reflects inward appointment. - Pharaoh’s gift prepares Joseph to serve in court confidently; it also displays to Egypt that Joseph’s authority is legitimate, not borrowed. Such visible tokens matter in a world that judges by sight (1 Samuel 16:7).
and placed a gold chain around his neck- A gold chain was a public badge of honor, as later with Daniel (Daniel 5:29). Its weight reminded the wearer—and onlookers—of bestowed dignity and responsibility. - Gold symbolizes enduring worth (Proverbs 22:1). Joseph’s integrity proved more valuable than any adornment, yet God adds tangible honor (1 Samuel 2:30). - The chain also hints at the wisdom Joseph displayed.Proverbs 3:3 says, “Bind kindness and truth around your neck,” andProverbs 1:9 calls such qualities “a graceful garland.” Joseph’s character now wears a literal counterpart.
summaryGenesis 41:42 records Pharaoh’s fourfold act—removing his own signet ring, placing it on Joseph, clothing him in fine linen, and hanging a gold chain around his neck. Each gesture legally and visibly installs Joseph as second-in-command. The ring confers authority, the linen declares elevated status and purity, and the gold chain proclaims honor. Together they testify that God can, in a single moment, lift the faithful from obscurity to influence, equipping them fully for His purposes and displaying His sovereignty before the watching world. (42) His ring.--Heb., his signet ring.As decrees became law when stamped with the royal signet, it was naturally the symbol of authority; and so with us, at the formation of a ministry the great seal is formally delivered into the hands of the highest legal personage in the realm, who is thus invested with power. Vestures of fine linen.--The word used here is Egyptian,shesh,and signifies a kind of flax from which linen of great fineness and whiteness was made. Much of the dress of the Levitical priests was to be made of this flax, called in Hebrew byssus (Exodus 39:28, &c.), In the East it is usual on all occasions of showing the royal favour, to give changes of raiment: but there is here the further signification, that as this fine white linen was the special dress of the king and the priests, the bestowal of it indicated Joseph's admission into the ruling classes of Egypt. Probably, as he married a priest's daughter, he was himself also previously enrolled among the ranks of the priesthood. A gold chain.--This also appears upon the monuments as one of the royal insignia. Ancient necklaces of such exquisite workmanship have been discovered in Egypt, that patterns copied from them are common now at the chief jewellers.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Pharaohפַּרְעֹ֤ה(par·‘ōh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kingsremovedוַיָּ֨סַר(way·yā·sar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493:To turn asidethe signet ringטַבַּעְתּוֹ֙(ṭab·ba‘·tōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2885:A seal, signet, a ring of any kindfromמֵעַ֣ל(mê·‘al)Preposition-m
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis finger,יָד֔וֹ(yā·ḏōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027:A handputוַיִּתֵּ֥ן(way·yit·tên)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setit onעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstJoseph’sיוֹסֵ֑ף(yō·w·sêp̄)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130:Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelitesfinger,יַ֣ד(yaḏ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A handclothedוַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ(way·yal·bêš)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3847:Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothehimאֹתוֹ֙(’ō·ṯōw)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative casein garmentsבִּגְדֵי־(biḡ·ḏê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillageof fine linen,שֵׁ֔שׁ(šêš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8336:Bleached stuff, white linen, marbleand placedוַיָּ֛שֶׂם(way·yā·śem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, seta goldהַזָּהָ֖ב(haz·zā·hāḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skychainרְבִ֥ד(rə·ḇiḏ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7242:A chain (ornament for the neck)aroundעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis neck.צַוָּארֽוֹ׃(ṣaw·wā·rōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6677:The back of the neck
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OT Law: Genesis 41:42 Pharaoh took off his signet ring (Gen. Ge Gn) |
