Genesis 41:37

ESV This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants.
NIV The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials.
NASB Now the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants.
CSB The proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants,
NLT Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials.
KJV And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
NKJV So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants.

What does Genesis 41:37 mean?

From a rational perspective, Joseph took an enormous risk telling Pharaoh what to do (Genesis 41:33–36) about the coming years of abundance and devastating famine (Genesis 41:28–32). In the ancient world, kings and rulers rarely appreciated advice unless it was specifically requested. Joseph is not an advisor; he is a slave just released from years in prison (Genesis 41:14–16), though his charges were false (Genesis 40:14–15).

Still, the plan he has offered flowed naturally from the revealed meaning of the Pharaoh's dreams. Both were given through the empowerment of God's Spirit who is with Joseph, something Pharaoh himself acknowledges in the following verses (Genesis 41:38–39).

Instead of reprimanding Joseph for breaking social protocol, Pharaoh and everyone else in the room is impressed with his proposal and the spirit in which it was delivered. Joseph's courage in speaking on behalf of his God has paid off.
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