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.

GENESIS 41:43KJV
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Genesis 41:43 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:43 mean?

Genesis 41:43 describes how Pharaoh gave Joseph a position of great honor by having him ride in the second most important chariot and commanding people to show respect to Joseph as he passed, making him ruler over all Egypt. This verse shows Joseph’s sudden rise to power and the public recognition of his authority throughout the land.

In this scene, Pharaoh is elevating Joseph after Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and offers wise advice. The “second chariot” means Joseph is now second only to Pharaoh himself. The command for people to “bow the knee” signals that everyone must honor Joseph’s new status. This public ceremony makes it clear to all Egyptians that Joseph is now the highest official under Pharaoh, responsible for the land during a time of coming famine.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:43

  • “ride” (רָכַב, rākav): This word means to mount or ride, often on a chariot or horse. Joseph riding in the second chariot is a visible sign of his new authority, not just a private appointment.
  • “second” (מִשְׁנֶה, mishneh): This word means “second in rank.” The second chariot is not just any vehicle, but the one reserved for the person directly under Pharaoh, marking Joseph’s official position.
  • “knee” (אַבְרֵךְ, ’avrekh): This word is unique and often understood as a call to bow or kneel. It emphasizes that Joseph is to be shown deep respect, almost as if he were royalty himself.

Why Genesis 41:43 matters

  • This verse clears up that Joseph’s authority was not just behind the scenes; Pharaoh made sure everyone saw and respected Joseph’s new role.
  • The emphasis on public ceremony and the command to bow shows how completely Joseph’s status changed—from prisoner to ruler—highlighting the dramatic reversal in his life.
  • Genesis 41:43 connects to the wider story by setting up Joseph’s leadership during the years of plenty and famine, showing how he became the key figure in Egypt’s survival and his family’s future.

Where else these words appear

“second” Hebrew H4932 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 43:12 And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:
  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • Ezra 1:10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.

“chariot” Hebrew H4818 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 46:29 And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
  • 1 Kings 22:35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.
  • Song of Solomon 6:12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib.

“ride” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.