Genesis 41:38

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 41:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the spirit of God is?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the spirit of God is?
Genesis 41:38 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 41

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
38And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the spirit of God is?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, etc.] That were about him, and with whom he was consulting about a proper person to be over this affair of gathering in the fruits of the earth in the time of plenty, and laying them up against a time of famine: can we find [such an one] as this [is], in whom the Spirit of God [is]? if we search among all the ranks and degrees of men throughout the kingdom, let them be of what character they will, we shall never find a man like this, who appears to have the Spirit of God, or “of the gods”, as he in his Heathenish way spoke, and which he concluded from his vast knowledge of things; and especially of things future: hence the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“JOSEPH MADE RULER OF EGYPT. (Gen. 41:37-57) Pharaoh said unto his servants--The kings of ancient Egypt were assisted in the management of state affairs by the advice of the most distinguished members of the priestly order; and, accordingly, before admitting Joseph to the new and extraordinary office that was to be created, those ministers were consulted as to the expediency and propriety of the appointment. a man in whom the Spirit of God is--An acknowledgment of the being and power of the true God, though faint and feeble, continued to linger amongst the higher classes long after idolatry had come to prevail.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification