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Book of Genesis - Chapter 41 - Verse 17

41:17
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:

Meaning

When Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river," he was recounting a significant moment in the biblical narrative found in the book of Genesis. This verse sets the stage for the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream by Joseph, which ultimately leads to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt. Pharaoh's dream of standing by the river is a prophetic vision that symbolizes the upcoming events that will unfold in Egypt. Joseph, being a skilled interpreter of dreams, is able to decipher the meaning behind Pharaoh's dream and foretells the upcoming famine that will affect the land. This verse highlights the importance of dreams and the divine intervention that can occur through them in the Bible.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of Pharaoh's dream as recounted in Genesis 41:17, it is important to note the significance of the river. In ancient Egypt, the river was often seen as a sacred and life-giving entity, with the Nile River being central to the livelihood of the people. This context lends a deeper meaning to Pharaoh's dream, as standing on the bank of the river can symbolize his connection to the divine or his position of authority as a ruler. Additionally, the river can also represent the flow of time and change, suggesting that Pharaoh's dream may be a divine sign of imminent transformation or transition in his kingdom. Through word studies, we can further explore the symbolism behind the river and its implications for Pharaoh's future decisions and the unfolding of events in the narrative.

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the brink of the river:
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