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Genesis 41:15 - Can Yosef decode dreams?

Genesis 41:15 - בראשית 41:15

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל־יוֹסֵף חֲלוֹם חָלַמְתִּי וּפֹתֵר אֵין אֹתוֹ וַאֲנִי שָׁמַעְתִּי עָלֶיךָ לֵאמֹר תִּשְׁמַע חֲלוֹם לִפְתֹּר אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

And Par῾o said to Yosef, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Paroh el-Yosef chalom chalamti u'foter ein oto va'ani shamati alecha leimor tishma chalom lif'tor oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף חֲל֣וֹם חָלַ֔מְתִּי וּפֹתֵ֖ר אֵ֣ין אֹת֑וֹ וַאֲנִ֗י שָׁמַ֤עְתִּי עָלֶ֙יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר תִּשְׁמַ֥ע חֲל֖וֹם לִפְתֹּ֥ר אֹתֽוֹ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף חֲל֣וֹם חָלַ֔מְתִּי וּפֹתֵ֖ר אֵ֣ין אֹת֑וֹ וַאֲנִ֗י שָׁמַ֤עְתִּי עָלֶ֙יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר תִּשְׁמַ֥ע חֲל֖וֹם לִפְתֹּ֥ר אֹתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Recognition of Yosef's Divine Gift

The verse (Bereishit 41:15) describes Pharaoh acknowledging Yosef's unique ability to interpret dreams. Rashi explains that Pharaoh had heard about Yosef's reputation from the chief butler, who testified that Yosef's interpretations were accurate because they were divinely inspired. The phrase "תִּשְׁמַע חֲלוֹם לִפְתֹּר אֹתוֹ" ("you can understand a dream to interpret it") implies that Yosef did not rely on human wisdom but on divine insight (Rashi on Bereishit 41:15).

The Limitations of Egyptian Dream Interpreters

Pharaoh states, "וּפֹתֵר אֵין אֹתוֹ" ("there is none that can interpret it"), indicating that his court magicians and wise men failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 89:6) elaborates that they offered interpretations, but none resonated with Pharaoh because they lacked divine truth. This highlights the distinction between human conjecture and genuine prophecy or divine insight, which Yosef possessed.

Yosef's Humility and Attribution to Hashem

While the verse focuses on Pharaoh's words, the broader context (see Bereishit 41:16) shows Yosef immediately redirecting credit to Hashem, saying, "בִּלְעָדָי אֱלֹהִים יַעֲנֶה אֶת־שְׁלוֹם פַּרְעֹה" ("It is not in me; G-d will give Pharaoh a favorable answer"). Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) emphasizes that true prophecy or divine insight must be accompanied by humility and acknowledgment of its divine source, as demonstrated by Yosef.

The Significance of Dreams in Torah

The Talmud (Berachos 55b) teaches that dreams are a form of minor prophecy, and their interpretation requires divine assistance. Yosef's ability to interpret dreams accurately—first for the butler and baker, and now for Pharaoh—demonstrates his role as a conduit for divine communication. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeishev 4) further connects Yosef's dream interpretation to his broader mission of sustaining the world during famine, as foreshadowed in his own dreams earlier in the parsha.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, illustrating Joseph's ability to interpret dreams as a divine gift.
📖 Chullin 95b
Mentioned in the context of discussing the nature of dreams and the qualifications needed to interpret them, using Pharaoh's statement to Joseph as an example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Pharaoh mean when he says 'I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it'?
A: Pharaoh is expressing his frustration that none of his wise men or magicians could properly interpret his troubling dreams. According to Rashi, this shows that Hashem made the dreams specifically difficult so that only Yosef, with Divine inspiration, could interpret them correctly.
Q: Why did Pharaoh specifically call for Yosef to interpret his dream?
A: The Midrash explains that Pharaoh heard about Yosef's reputation from the royal cupbearer, who had experienced Yosef's accurate dream interpretation in prison. This demonstrates how Hashem prepares the solution before the problem arises, as Yosef's earlier interpretations led to this moment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh admitting he needs Yosef's help?
A: The Talmud teaches that humility is essential, even for powerful leaders. Pharaoh, despite being king of Egypt, acknowledged that he needed Yosef's wisdom. This teaches us that true greatness involves recognizing when others have abilities we lack.
Q: How does Yosef's ability to interpret dreams relate to Jewish belief?
A: The Rambam explains that true prophecy and dream interpretation come from Hashem. Yosef made clear (in the next verse) that his ability came from G-d, not himself. This shows the Jewish principle that special wisdom ultimately comes from the Divine.
Q: Why is this moment important in the Torah's narrative?
A: This conversation marks the turning point where Yosef begins his rise to power in Egypt, which ultimately leads to the Jewish people settling there. The Sages teach that this was part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham about his descendants' exile.