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Genesis 41:32 - Divine decree swiftly unfolds twice

Genesis 41:32 - בראשית 41:32

Hebrew Text

וְעַל הִשָּׁנוֹת הַחֲלוֹם אֶל־פַּרְעֹה פַּעֲמָיִם כִּי־נָכוֹן הַדָּבָר מֵעִם הָאֱלֹהִים וּמְמַהֵר הָאֱלֹהִים לַעֲשֹׂתוֹ׃

English Translation

And as for the repetition of the dream to Par῾o twice; it is because the thing is fast determined by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

Transliteration

Ve'al hishanot hachalom el-Par'o pa'amayim ki-nakon hadavar me'im ha'Elohim ume'maher ha'Elohim la'asoto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַ֨ל הִשָּׁנ֧וֹת הַחֲל֛וֹם אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה פַּעֲמָ֑יִם כִּֽי־נָכ֤וֹן הַדָּבָר֙ מֵעִ֣ם הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים וּמְמַהֵ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים לַעֲשֹׂתֽוֹ׃
וְעַ֨ל הִשָּׁנ֧וֹת הַחֲל֛וֹם אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה פַּעֲמָ֑יִם כִּֽי־נָכ֤וֹן הַדָּבָר֙ מֵעִ֣ם הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים וּמְמַהֵ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים לַעֲשֹׂתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 41:32) explains that the repetition of Pharaoh's dream signifies the certainty and imminence of its fulfillment. The doubling of the dream demonstrates that the matter is "ready" (נָכוֹן) from Hashem, meaning it is firmly decreed and will happen swiftly. Rashi further notes that this principle applies elsewhere in Tanach, such as with Yosef's own dreams, which were also doubled to indicate their inevitability.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (2:48), Rambam discusses dreams as a form of divine communication. He explains that the repetition of Pharaoh's dream emphasizes the clarity and urgency of the message. Unlike vague or fragmented dreams, a repeated dream carries greater prophetic weight, confirming its divine origin and the certainty of its fulfillment.

Talmudic Insight

The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that a dream repeated is like a letter read twice—its message is reinforced and its outcome assured. The Gemara connects this idea to our verse, stating that Hashem's decree is "fast" (וּמְמַהֵר) because divine plans, once set in motion, unfold without delay.

Midrashic Interpretation

Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeishev 4) draws a parallel between Pharaoh's doubled dream and Yosef's two dreams earlier in the parsha. Just as Yosef's dreams foretold his future leadership, Pharaoh's dreams—repeated for emphasis—confirm that the events they portend are divinely ordained and imminent. The Midrash underscores that Hashem often communicates through repetition to remove doubt.

Ibn Ezra's Commentary

Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 41:32) highlights the linguistic nuance of נָכוֹן ("fast determined"), explaining that it implies both preparedness and inevitability. The doubling of the dream is not merely for emphasis but serves as a divine seal, ensuring that the years of plenty and famine will unfold exactly as foretold.

Practical Implication

From these commentaries, we learn that repetition in divine communication serves two purposes:

  • Certainty: It confirms the truth and inevitability of the message.
  • Urgency: It signals that the events will transpire swiftly, requiring immediate attention (as seen in Yosef's advice to Pharaoh).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is discussed in the context of dreams and their interpretations, emphasizing the certainty of divine decrees as indicated by the repetition of Pharaoh's dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Pharaoh's dream repeated twice in Genesis 41:32?
A: According to Rashi, the repetition of Pharaoh's dream twice signifies that the events it foretold were firmly established by Hashem and would happen soon. This is a common biblical pattern—when something is repeated, it emphasizes certainty and immediacy.
Q: What does 'the thing is fast determined by God' mean in Genesis 41:32?
A: The phrase means that Hashem has decreed these events (the seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine) and they will happen without delay. The Rambam explains that this teaches us about divine providence—when Hashem decrees something, it comes to pass swiftly and surely.
Q: How does Genesis 41:32 show the importance of dreams in the Torah?
A: This verse highlights that dreams can sometimes be prophetic messages from Hashem, especially when they are repeated or vivid. The Talmud (Berachot 55b) discusses how true dreams are a form of minor prophecy, and this verse supports that idea by showing Pharaoh's dreams as divine warnings.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 41:32 about trusting in Hashem's plan?
A: The verse teaches that when Hashem decrees something, it will happen exactly as foretold. Just as Yosef interpreted the dream correctly and prepared for the famine, we learn to trust in divine wisdom and act with faith when we recognize Hashem's signs in our lives.
Q: Why does the verse say 'God will shortly bring it to pass'?
A: The Midrash explains that when Hashem decides to bring about a decree—whether for good or otherwise—He often does so quickly to minimize suffering or to fulfill His plan without delay. This teaches us that divine justice and providence operate with precision and purpose.