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Genesis 41:8 - Pharaoh's dream baffles Egypt's sages

Genesis 41:8 - בראשית 41:8

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בַבֹּקֶר וַתִּפָּעֶם רוּחוֹ וַיִּשְׁלַח וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־כָּל־חַרְטֻמֵּי מִצְרַיִם וְאֶת־כָּל־חֲכָמֶיהָ וַיְסַפֵּר פַּרְעֹה לָהֶם אֶת־חֲלֹמוֹ וְאֵין־פּוֹתֵר אוֹתָם לְפַרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Miżrayim, and all her wise men: and Par῾o told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them to Par῾o.

Transliteration

Vayehi vaboker vatipa'em rukho vayishlach vayikra et-kol-chartumei Mitzrayim ve'et-kol-chachameha vayesaper Par'oh lahem et-chalomo ve'ein-poter otam le-Far'oh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֤י בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ וַתִּפָּ֣עֶם רוּח֔וֹ וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח וַיִּקְרָ֛א אֶת־כׇּל־חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י מִצְרַ֖יִם וְאֶת־כׇּל־חֲכָמֶ֑יהָ וַיְסַפֵּ֨ר פַּרְעֹ֤ה לָהֶם֙ אֶת־חֲלֹמ֔וֹ וְאֵין־פּוֹתֵ֥ר אוֹתָ֖ם לְפַרְעֹֽה׃
וַיְהִ֤י בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ וַתִּפָּ֣עֶם רוּח֔וֹ וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח וַיִּקְרָ֛א אֶת־כׇּל־חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י מִצְרַ֖יִם וְאֶת־כׇּל־חֲכָמֶ֑יהָ וַיְסַפֵּ֨ר פַּרְעֹ֤ה לָהֶם֙ אֶת־חֲלֹמ֔וֹ וְאֵין־פּוֹתֵ֥ר אוֹתָ֖ם לְפַרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Troubled Spirit

The verse states, "וַתִּפָּעֶם רוּחוֹ" ("his spirit was troubled"). Rashi explains that Pharaoh's spirit was agitated because his dream repeated itself (Genesis 41:8), indicating its divine significance and urgency. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 89:6) elaborates that Pharaoh's distress stemmed from the dream's ominous nature, as it hinted at future famine and upheaval in Egypt.

The Futility of Egypt's Wise Men

Pharaoh summoned "כָּל־חַרְטֻמֵּי מִצְרַיִם וְאֶת־כָּל־חֲכָמֶיהָ" ("all the magicians of Egypt and all her wise men"). The Ramban notes that these advisors were experts in occult arts and natural sciences, yet they failed to interpret the dream. The Talmud (Chagigah 14b) teaches that true dream interpretation requires divine inspiration (ruach hakodesh), which they lacked.

  • Rashi emphasizes that their failure ("וְאֵין־פּוֹתֵר אוֹתָם") was providential, ensuring Yosef's eventual rise to power.
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:45) contrasts their reliance on astrology with Yosef's God-given wisdom.

Dreams as Divine Communication

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeishev 4) highlights that Pharaoh's dream was a divine message, paralleling Nebuchadnezzar's later experience (Daniel 2). Only a tzaddik like Yosef, attuned to heavenly wisdom, could decode its meaning. The verse thus sets the stage for Yosef's emergence as the true interpreter, fulfilling his destiny (Genesis 37:5-11).

📚 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 Pharaoh's dream was not understood by his magicians and wise men.
📖 Sanhedrin 67b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the limitations of Egyptian magicians and wise men, contrasting their inability to interpret dreams with the divine wisdom granted to Joseph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Pharaoh's spirit troubled in Genesis 41:8?
A: According to Rashi, Pharaoh's spirit was troubled because he had a disturbing dream that he couldn't understand. The Midrash explains that he sensed this was an important message from Hashem about future events, which is why he was so agitated when none of his advisors could interpret it.
Q: Who were the 'magicians of Egypt' mentioned in Genesis 41:8?
A: The 'chartumim' (magicians) were Egypt's top advisors and occult practitioners. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67b) explains they used supernatural arts and astrology. Rambam notes they were part of Pharaoh's royal court who claimed wisdom in interpreting signs and dreams.
Q: Why couldn't Pharaoh's wise men interpret his dream?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem made them forget their interpretations or gave them incorrect explanations so that Yosef (Joseph) would eventually be brought forward. The Midrash adds that true dream interpretation comes only through divine inspiration, which these magicians lacked.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh seeking dream interpretation?
A: The verse teaches that when people face confusing situations, they should seek true wisdom. As the Talmud (Berachot 55b) states, dreams contain partial truths but require proper interpretation. This shows the importance of turning to those with genuine divine wisdom like Yosef, who had ruach hakodesh (holy spirit).
Q: How does this verse connect to the story of Yosef?
A: This moment sets the stage for Yosef's rise. As Ramban explains, Hashem orchestrated events so Pharaoh's advisors would fail, creating the need to call Yosef from prison. This demonstrates how Hashem guides history to fulfill His plans, as Yosef's interpretation would save Egypt and bring Yaakov's family there.