What does Genesis 41:33 mean?
In the ancient world, rulers were often treated as deities. Even when the king was not considered an actual god, those around him had to maintain a level of reverence and respect. One would expect advice to come only from those specifically appointed by the ruler, and only when requested. In this verse, however, the king of Egypt—Pharaoh—is receiving advice, unrequested, from a literal slave: Joseph.Joseph was summoned to interpret dreams (Genesis 41:14–15). He has done so, but not before correcting the Pharaoh by indicating that God is the one with the required knowledge (Genesis 41:16). His interpretation was complete when he explained the impending years of prosperity and starvation (Genesis 41:28–32). And yet, Joseph now continues, presuming to tell the master of all Egypt how he should govern his own nation. If Joseph is afraid as he speaks these words, no indication is given. He likely recognizes this as a unique position, provided by God, and he intends to use his influence for the greatest good.
The advice itself is bold, as well. Pharaoh is, already, ruling over all of Egypt himself. Joseph's suggestion to select a wise and discerning man to manage the coming crisis could be seen as a suggestion that Pharaoh was not up to the task (Genesis 41:34–36). Fortunately for Joseph, the king and his advisors respond well (Genesis 41:37).
Genesis 41:9–36 contains Joseph's explanation of Pharaoh's visions. When Egypt's ruler is bothered by vivid dreams, his formerly jailed cupbearer remembers a young Hebrew. This is Joseph, who explained the cupbearer's dream in prison (Genesis 40:23). Joseph explains that Pharaoh's dreams point to seven years of abundance in Egypt followed by seven years of desperate famine. Joseph boldly proposes a plan to manage the coming crisis.
Joseph's status in Genesis 41 begins as "forgotten Hebrew prison slave" and ends as "the second most powerful man in Egypt." The cupbearer from the previous chapter finally mentions Joseph two years later, when Pharaoh is troubled by dreams which wise men can't interpret. Joseph reveals the meaning of the dreams: seven years of abundance will be followed by seven years of great famine in the land. Pharaoh, recognizing that God's Spirit is with Joseph, makes him second in command over the entire nation and tasks him with preparing for the famine.
