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Genesis 40:8 - Divine dreams need interpretation?

Genesis 40:8 - בראשית 40:8

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֵלָיו חֲלוֹם חָלַמְנוּ וּפֹתֵר אֵין אֹתוֹ וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם יוֹסֵף הֲלוֹא לֵאלֹהִים פִּתְרֹנִים סַפְּרוּ־נָא לִי׃

English Translation

And they said to him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Yosef said to them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

Transliteration

Vayomru elav chalom chalamnu ufoter ein oto vayomer alehem Yosef halo le'Elohim pitronim sapru-na li.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֔יו חֲל֣וֹם חָלַ֔מְנוּ וּפֹתֵ֖ר אֵ֣ין אֹת֑וֹ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֜ם יוֹסֵ֗ף הֲל֤וֹא לֵֽאלֹהִים֙ פִּתְרֹנִ֔ים סַפְּרוּ־נָ֖א לִֽי׃
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֔יו חֲל֣וֹם חָלַ֔מְנוּ וּפֹתֵ֖ר אֵ֣ין אֹת֑וֹ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֜ם יוֹסֵ֗ף הֲל֤וֹא לֵֽאלֹהִים֙ פִּתְרֹנִ֔ים סַפְּרוּ־נָ֖א לִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 40:8) occurs when Yosef (Joseph) is imprisoned in Egypt and encounters Pharaoh’s chief butler and baker, who each have troubling dreams. They express their distress over the lack of an interpreter, to which Yosef responds by attributing dream interpretation to Hashem.

Yosef’s Emphasis on Divine Interpretation

Yosef’s statement, "הֲלוֹא לֵאלֹהִים פִּתְרֹנִים" ("Do not interpretations belong to God?"), underscores a fundamental Jewish principle: true wisdom and insight come from Hashem. Rashi explains that Yosef was directing their attention to the Source of all understanding, distancing himself from any claim of personal power. This aligns with the broader Torah theme that prophecy, wisdom, and even dream interpretation are divine gifts (see Rambam, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1).

Contrast with Egyptian Beliefs

The butler and baker initially sought a human interpreter ("וּפֹתֵר אֵין אֹתוֹ"), reflecting the Egyptian reliance on sorcerers and diviners (see Ibn Ezra). Yosef’s response rejects this approach, affirming that only Hashem reveals the true meaning of hidden matters. This mirrors the Torah’s prohibition against witchcraft and reliance on human "interpreters" (Devarim 18:10-14).

Yosef as a Channel for Divine Wisdom

Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (89:7) highlights that Yosef did not take credit for his interpretive abilities but instead acted as a conduit for Hashem’s wisdom. This humility foreshadows his later rise to power, where he consistently attributes his success to divine providence (e.g., Bereshit 41:16). The Sforno adds that Yosef’s readiness to listen ("סַפְּרוּ־נָא לִי") demonstrated his sincere desire to assist through divine guidance.

Practical Lesson in Bitachon (Trust in Hashem)

  • Recognition of Divine Sovereignty: Yosef’s words teach that all wisdom—even in seemingly secular matters like dream interpretation—stems from Hashem.
  • Humility in Leadership: By deferring to Hashem, Yosef models how Jewish leaders must avoid arrogance and acknowledge their dependence on divine insight.
  • Rejection of Superstition: The verse implicitly critiques reliance on human "experts" over turning to Hashem for understanding.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, emphasizing that interpretations belong to God.
📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the nature of dreams and divine communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yosef mean when he says 'Do not interpretations belong to God?'
A: Yosef is teaching that true dream interpretation comes only from Hashem (God). As Rashi explains, Yosef was emphasizing that while humans might attempt to interpret dreams, the ultimate understanding comes from divine wisdom. This shows Yosef's humility and recognition that all wisdom comes from Hashem.
Q: Why did Yosef ask the butler and baker to tell him their dreams?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yosef recognized his own gift for dream interpretation was divinely given (as seen with his own dreams earlier). When he heard they were troubled by dreams without an interpreter, he saw this as an opportunity to help through Hashem's wisdom. The Rambam notes that prophecy and divine insight can manifest through dreams.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's response about dream interpretation?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 55b) derives from this verse that meaningful dreams contain elements of truth, but only Hashem knows their full meaning. Yosef teaches us to approach mysterious matters with humility, acknowledging that true understanding comes from Hashem. This applies today when we face confusing situations - we should seek divine wisdom.
Q: Why does the Torah include this story about Yosef interpreting dreams?
A: This episode shows Yosef's developing character and divine connection during his trials. As the Sforno explains, it demonstrates how Yosef remained faithful to Hashem even in prison, using his gifts to help others. This leads to his eventual rise to power in Egypt, showing how Hashem's plan unfolds through seemingly small events.
Q: How could Yosef interpret dreams if he wasn't a prophet?
A: The Ramban explains that while Yosef wasn't a prophet like his fathers, he had ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration) that allowed him to interpret dreams accurately. The Talmud (Chagigah 14b) teaches that certain righteous individuals can receive temporary divine insight for specific purposes, as happened here with Yosef.