Genesis 41:43
ESV
And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, "Bow the knee!" Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.
NIV
He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, "Make way !" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.
NASB
And he had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed ahead of him, 'Bow the knee!' And he placed him over all the land of Egypt.
CSB
He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, and servants called out before him, "Make way!" So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.
NLT
Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. And wherever Joseph went, the command was shouted, 'Kneel down!' So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt.
KJV
And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
NKJV
And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt.
What does Genesis 41:43 mean?
Pharaoh has made Joseph the second most powerful man in Egypt after himself (Genesis 41:38–41). He has given Joseph his signet ring, along with fine linen robes and a gold necklace or collar (Genesis 41:42). These are not only part of Joseph's payment for his role, but also important signs about his acceptance by Egypt's king. Later, Pharaoh will enhance this naturalization—a process of making someone an official member of a society—by giving him an Egyptian name and an Egyptian wife (Genesis 41:45).Now Pharaoh assigns his second chariot to Joseph. This implies Joseph is taken out in public, riding in the streets to demonstrate his authority and presence. Everywhere Joseph goes, the people are made to kneel as a sign of respect and submission. Joseph's position as ruler is real and weighty. He will have all the authority he needs to prepare for and manage the coming famine crisis (Genesis 41:28–36).
