Bible Strands
Genesis 41:33
Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joseph addresses Pharaoh immediately after interpreting the royal dream, urging a concrete administrative response to the coming famine.
The words — יֵרֶא (ye.Re') literally means "let him see" or "look for," while נָב֣וֹן (na.Von) and חָכָ֑ם (cha.Kham) denote "discerning" and "wise."
The thread — The mandate for leadership grounded in discernment and wisdom recurs when Pharaoh acknowledges Joseph’s unique qualification (Genesis 41:39) and when the early church selects officials based on similar traits (Acts 6:3; Deuteronomy 1:13).
Why it lands — The text requires that governing authority be assigned to individuals demonstrably capable of foresight and practical judgment, not to those chosen by birth or favor.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Cross-references
- Genesis 41:39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.
- Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
- Deuteronomy 1:13 Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
- Daniel 4:27 Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”
- Exodus 18:19 Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him.