And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

GENESIS 41:32KJV
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Genesis 41:32 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:32 mean?

Genesis 41:32 explains that Pharaoh’s dream was repeated to show that the message is firmly decided by God and will happen soon. Joseph tells Pharaoh that the dream’s doubling is a sign of certainty and urgency from God.

Joseph is speaking to Pharaoh after interpreting his dreams about upcoming years of plenty and famine in Egypt. By saying the dream was “doubled,” Joseph points out that God (using the word אֱלֹהִים, ’Elohim) has firmly set this future, and it will not be delayed. This helps Pharaoh understand that the warning is serious and action is needed quickly.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:32

  • “Doubled” (שָׁנָה, shanah): This word means to repeat or do again. Joseph highlights that the dream’s repetition is not random but a deliberate sign from God.
  • “Thing” (דָּבָר, davar): This word can mean “matter,” “event,” or “word.” Here, it refers to the event God has planned, stressing its certainty.
  • “Established” (כּוּן, kun): This word means to be fixed, prepared, or made firm. Joseph uses it to show that God’s decision about Egypt’s future is unchangeable.
  • “Shortly” (מַהֵר, maher): This word means quickly or soon. Joseph emphasizes that God will bring about the events in Pharaoh’s dream without delay.

Why Genesis 41:32 matters

  • Genesis 41:32 clears up that the repetition of Pharaoh’s dream is not just for emphasis or by chance, but a sign of God’s settled decision and the nearness of its fulfillment.
  • The verse shows Joseph’s confidence in God’s control over future events, which reassures Pharaoh that the message is trustworthy and urgent.
  • This explanation sets the stage for Pharaoh’s immediate response, helping the reader understand why Pharaoh acts quickly on Joseph’s advice in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“doubled” Hebrew H8138 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 21:13 And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.
  • Esther 1:7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold,(the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
  • Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

“by” Hebrew H5973 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Exodus 22:14 And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
  • 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

“dream” Hebrew H2472 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • Genesis 41:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
  • Job 7:14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

“shortly” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 13:10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.