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Genesis 41:39 - Divine wisdom elevates Yosef

Genesis 41:39 - בראשית 41:39

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל־יוֹסֵף אַחֲרֵי הוֹדִיעַ אֱלֹהִים אוֹתְךָ אֶת־כָּל־זֹאת אֵין־נָבוֹן וְחָכָם כָּמוֹךָ׃

English Translation

And Par῾o said to Yosef, since God has shown thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Par'o el-Yosef acharei hodi'a Elohim otcha et-kol-zot ein-navon ve'chacham kamocha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף אַחֲרֵ֨י הוֹדִ֧יעַ אֱלֹהִ֛ים אוֹתְךָ֖ אֶת־כׇּל־זֹ֑את אֵין־נָב֥וֹן וְחָכָ֖ם כָּמֽוֹךָ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף אַחֲרֵ֨י הוֹדִ֧יעַ אֱלֹהִ֛ים אוֹתְךָ֖ אֶת־כׇּל־זֹ֑את אֵין־נָב֥וֹן וְחָכָ֖ם כָּמֽוֹךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Recognition of Divine Wisdom

The verse (Bereshit 41:39) describes Pharaoh acknowledging Yosef's wisdom as divinely inspired. Rashi explains that Pharaoh recognized Yosef's abilities were not merely human intellect but came from Hashem. This is evident in Pharaoh's phrasing "אַחֲרֵי הוֹדִיעַ אֱלֹהִים אוֹתְךָ" ("since God has shown you"), indicating a supernatural source of knowledge.

The Superiority of Yosef's Wisdom

Pharaoh declares, "אֵין־נָבוֹן וְחָכָם כָּמוֹךָ" ("there is none so discreet and wise as you"). The Kli Yakar notes that Pharaoh's advisors—despite their own wisdom—could neither interpret his dreams nor propose solutions, whereas Yosef did both. This demonstrates that true wisdom comes from connection to the Divine.

Distinction Between "Navon" and "Chacham"

  • Navon (נָבוֹן): The Malbim explains this refers to analytical understanding—the ability to derive insights from information, as Yosef did in interpreting dreams.
  • Chacham (חָכָם): This denotes practical wisdom in implementation, as seen in Yosef's detailed plan for managing the years of plenty and famine.

Pharaoh's Public Declaration

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 90:3) highlights that Pharaoh's proclamation was a kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as he attributed Yosef's wisdom to Divine revelation. This public acknowledgment by a gentile king underscores the impact of Yosef's righteousness even in exile.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Pharaoh mean when he says 'there is none so discreet and wise as you' to Yosef?
A: Pharaoh acknowledges that Yosef's wisdom comes directly from Hashem, as Yosef himself had stated earlier (Genesis 41:16). Rashi explains that Pharaoh recognized Yosef's divine inspiration in interpreting dreams and solving Egypt's impending famine, making him uniquely qualified for leadership.
Q: Why is it significant that Pharaoh credits God for Yosef's wisdom?
A: This demonstrates a key Torah principle that true wisdom comes from Hashem. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 90:1) highlights how Yosef consistently gave credit to God, which ultimately led even Pharaoh - a pagan king - to acknowledge the divine source of Yosef's abilities.
Q: How does Yosef's wisdom in this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:1) teaches that we should emulate Yosef's example by using our God-given wisdom to help others and improve society. Just as Yosef used his insight to save Egypt from famine, we should use our talents for the greater good.
Q: What can we learn from how Yosef handled Pharaoh's praise?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 89a) derives from Yosef's example that one should remain humble even when receiving high praise. Though Pharaoh called him the wisest man in Egypt, Yosef didn't become arrogant but continued attributing his wisdom to Hashem.
Q: Why does the Torah tell us about Pharaoh's statement to Yosef?
A: This moment marks the fulfillment of Yosef's dreams from earlier in the Torah (Genesis 37). As Ibn Ezra explains, it shows how Hashem's plan unfolded - the same brothers who scorned Yosef's dreams now see him elevated by Pharaoh himself, demonstrating divine providence in Jewish history.