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Genesis 41:25 - Divine decree through dreams revealed

Genesis 41:25 - בראשית 41:25

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף אֶל־פַּרְעֹה חֲלוֹם פַּרְעֹה אֶחָד הוּא אֵת אֲשֶׁר הָאֱלֹהִים עֹשֶׂה הִגִּיד לְפַרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to Par῾o, The dream of Par῾o is one: God has declared to Par῾o what he is about to do.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Yosef el-Par'o, chalom Par'o echad hu, et asher ha'Elohim oseh higid le'Par'o.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יוֹסֵף֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה חֲל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶחָ֣ד ה֑וּא אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֧ר הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים עֹשֶׂ֖ה הִגִּ֥יד לְפַרְעֹֽה׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יוֹסֵף֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה חֲל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶחָ֣ד ה֑וּא אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֧ר הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים עֹשֶׂ֖ה הִגִּ֥יד לְפַרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Unity of Pharaoh's Dreams

Yosef declares to Pharaoh, "חֲלוֹם פַּרְעֹה אֶחָד הוּא" ("The dream of Pharaoh is one"), emphasizing that despite appearing as two separate dreams, they convey a single divine message. Rashi (Bereshit 41:25) explains that the repetition through two dreams—the cows and the stalks of grain—signifies the certainty and immediacy of the events foretold. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Berachot 55b) that a repeated dream indicates its imminent fulfillment.

Divine Revelation Through Dreams

Yosef attributes the dream's origin to "אֵת אֲשֶׁר הָאֱלֹהִים עֹשֶׂה" ("what God is about to do"), highlighting that Pharaoh's dream was not a random occurrence but a prophetic revelation. Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:7) teaches that dreams can serve as a medium for divine communication, especially when interpreted by a true prophet or sage like Yosef. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:6) adds that God chose to reveal this message to Pharaoh—a non-Jewish ruler—to demonstrate His sovereignty over all nations.

Yosef's Role as Interpreter

Yosef's phrasing—"הִגִּיד לְפַרְעֹה" ("has declared to Pharaoh")—underscores his humility. Despite his own prophetic insight, he credits God entirely, avoiding any suggestion of personal glory. The Sforno (Bereshit 41:25) notes that Yosef’s approach contrasts with the arrogance of Pharaoh’s magicians, who failed to interpret the dream. This aligns with the Mishnaic ideal (Avot 6:6) that true wisdom is accompanied by humility.

Theological Implications

  • Divine Providence: The verse reinforces that God governs historical events, even through foreign rulers (cf. Ramban, Bereshit 41:32).
  • Prophecy to Non-Jews: As the Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 41:25) observes, God occasionally reveals truths to gentiles to fulfill His broader plan for humanity.
  • Unity of Message: The "oneness" of the dream reflects the singular divine will, echoing the principle of ה' אֶחָד (Devarim 6:4).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, illustrating how Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream was divinely inspired.
📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the nature of dreams and their significance, using Joseph's statement to Pharaoh as an example of true dream interpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yosef mean when he says Pharaoh's dream is 'one'?
A: Yosef explains that both of Pharaoh's dreams (about the cows and the stalks of grain) convey the same message—they are 'one' in meaning. Rashi clarifies that this shows the certainty of the upcoming events, as the repetition in dreams indicates their imminent fulfillment (based on Bereshit Rabbah 89:6).
Q: Why does Yosef emphasize that God revealed the dream's meaning?
A: Yosef makes it clear that the interpretation comes from God, not his own wisdom, to teach humility and acknowledge divine providence. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) notes that true prophecy or divine insight must align with Torah principles, as Yosef’s interpretation does.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's response to Pharaoh?
A: Yosef models how to speak truth with both confidence and humility—he boldly interprets the dream but attributes the wisdom to God. The Talmud (Pesachim 117b) praises Yosef for sanctifying God’s name in public by giving credit to Him, a principle we should emulate in our own lives.
Q: How does this verse show God's control over history?
A: By revealing future events through Pharaoh’s dream, God demonstrates that He directs the fate of nations—even Egypt’s famine and abundance. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayigash 8) highlights this as part of God’s plan to position Yosef to save his family and fulfill the covenant with Avraham.