Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

GENESIS 41:33KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 41:33 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:33 mean?

Genesis 41:33 describes Joseph advising Pharaoh to find a man who is both discerning and wise, and to appoint him in charge of Egypt. Joseph suggests this as a practical solution to the coming crisis revealed in Pharaoh’s dreams.

In this scene, Joseph is speaking directly to Pharaoh after interpreting Pharaoh’s troubling dreams about years of plenty followed by famine. Joseph does not just interpret the dreams; he also offers advice on what Pharaoh should do next. The verse highlights Joseph’s wisdom and initiative, as he proposes that Pharaoh look for someone with understanding and good judgment to manage the nation’s resources during the upcoming years.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:33

  • The word for “discreet” is בִּין (bin), which means someone who has understanding or discernment. This emphasizes the need for a leader who can see beyond the surface and make wise decisions.
  • The word for “wise” is חָכָם (chakam), often used for someone skilled, experienced, or possessing practical wisdom. Joseph is pointing to the need for both insight and real-world wisdom in the person Pharaoh should choose.
  • The verb “look out” is רָאָה (ra’ah), which means to see or to look carefully. Joseph urges Pharaoh to actively seek out such a person, not just wait for one to appear.
  • The word for “set” is שִׁית (sim), meaning to appoint or place in a position of responsibility. Joseph’s advice is not just to find such a person, but to officially put him in charge over all Egypt.

Why Genesis 41:33 matters

  • This verse shows Joseph’s practical wisdom, as he moves from interpreting dreams to giving actionable advice, which sets the stage for his rise to power in Egypt.
  • The emphasis on both discernment and wisdom clarifies that Pharaoh should not just pick someone with status or power, but someone with proven judgment and skill.
  • Genesis 41:33 connects the dream interpretation to real-life action, showing that understanding God’s message also involves taking wise steps in response.

Where else these words appear

“set” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Job 14:13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.