What Happens in Genesis 39–41? Joseph’s Faith, Pharaoh’s Dreams, and the Path from Prison to Leadership

Genesis 39-41 tells the story of Jacob’s (Israel’s) son, Joseph, in Egypt. He kept having success as the Lord was with him. He has a knack for interpreting dreams and wins important people over by interpreting their dreams.

Joseph is in Egypt in Genesis 40 and 41, which is where the Ishmaelites were traveling when his brothers sold him to them. He later gets thrown in jail, and despite these problems, he remains faithful to the Lord and in good spirits.

Genesis 39-41 Summary

Genesis chapters 39 to 41 are about Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel), in Egypt. He was purchased by Potiphar, one of the Pharaoh’s senior officials, and served as a slave in his house. He served well, because eventually Potiphar was so happy with his service that he put him in charge of his house.

Joseph rebuffed the proposition of Potiphar’s wife and was thrown in jail. The warden of the prison put him in charge of it because he trusted Joseph, perhaps influenced by Potiphar. There, he met the cupbearer and the baker for the Pharaoh. They had dreams, which Joseph correctly interpreted. He said the cupbearer would live and the baker would be executed.

Joseph was summoned from prison to interpret the Pharaoh’s dream. He interpreted this dream as meaning there would be seven years of abundance and seven years of famine in Egypt.

The Pharaoh was pleased with Joseph’s interpretation and appointed him to oversee the country’s harvest. During the abundant years, Joseph gathered the excess grain and saved it in huge warehouses. When the famine came, it came to the entire region, including Canaan.

Joseph’s brothers, who sold him into slavery, came from Canaan to buy grain in Egypt. They met Joseph and were surprised he was alive. When they bought bread from him, he put their money in their grainbags with their grain.

Devotionals and Expressions of Faith

One very significant thing is that Joseph, who was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and imprisoned, never lost faith in God. In fact, the book of Genesis says multiple times that God was with him. We see that because he continually has success through divine providence. It seems he lives a charmed life, but something more is at stake.

Symbolism and Meaning

One interpretation of the meaning of Joseph’s time in the service of Pharaoh, as told in Genesis, is that he took care of the bread and gave it to the people who were hungry. That is exactly what Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, did. Jesus is the bread, and Joseph took care of him, so that he could nourish those who hunger (us).

Parting Shots

There are a couple of things about the story of Joseph that are inspirational to us. First, regardless of the challenges he faces, he remains faithful to God, who continues to show favor to him. Second, he tests his brothers after showing significant stick-to-itiveness.

Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of Genesis 39–41 as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of biblical texts can differ, and this piece represents one approach to understanding the passage.