And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh’s question isn't just about finding someone competent; it’s a direct recognition of the divine source of Joseph's wisdom. This isn't merely political shrewdness; Pharaoh is acknowledging that Joseph possesses an extraordinary quality, a connection to God, that surpasses all ordinary understanding and skill.
And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh has just heard Joseph interpret his disturbing dreams, revealing a coming seven-year famine after seven years of plenty. Recognizing Joseph's unique wisdom and divine insight, Pharaoh asks his advisors if they can find anyone else with such a profound connection to God. This leads directly to Pharaoh appointing Joseph as second-in-command over all of Egypt, entrusting him with the immense task of managing the nation's resources to survive the impending crisis.
Pharaoh was desperate. His wise men failed him, and a terrifying dream haunted his nights. Then, Joseph, a Hebrew slave, stepped forward.
When Pharaoh asks, "Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?" he's not just impressed by Joseph's dream-interpreting skills. He's recognizing something more. Joseph had already declared, 'It is not in me; God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace' (Genesis 41:16). Pharaoh, even as a pagan ruler, sees that Joseph's wisdom and insight come from a divine source, far beyond the abilities of his own magicians.
This moment highlights a crucial truth: God can and does work through ordinary people, even in difficult circumstances, to reveal His wisdom and power. Pharaoh’s acknowledgment, though from a non-believer, points to the unmistakable presence of God's Spirit in Joseph's life, setting him apart.
Joseph had been falsely imprisoned for years. Yet, when called before Pharaoh, he didn't come with bitterness, but with God's wisdom and a plan.
Pharaoh’s question, "Can we find such a one as this?" comes after Joseph has not only interpreted the terrifying dreams of famine but also offered a practical, strategic plan for survival. He proposed storing up one-fifth of the harvest during the seven years of plenty to prepare for the seven years of famine.
This shows that the 'Spirit of God' isn't just about divine insight; it's also about practical wisdom, sound judgment, and leadership. Joseph, despite his suffering and unjust imprisonment, demonstrates remarkable foresight, competence, and a statesmanlike approach. Pharaoh recognizes that this isn't just a gifted interpreter, but a capable leader who can navigate Egypt through a national crisis.
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Understand the original words
ruach 'elohiym · Hebrew Noun phrase
A term often used to describe the supernatural influence, presence, or power of the Creator God that enables wisdom, prophecy, or special capability in an individual.
Pharaoh's recognition of the 'Spirit of God' in Joseph highlights the stark contrast between divinely-inspired wisdom and the failed attempts of Egypt's magicians, setting the stage for Joseph's unprecedented rise to power.
c. 1700-1600 BC
Joseph Enters Egypt
Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, eventually becomes a trusted servant in the household of Potiphar, an official in Pharaoh's court.
c. 1700-1600 BC
Joseph Imprisoned
False accusations lead to Joseph's imprisonment, where he languishes for an extended period despite his integrity.
c. 1700-1600 BC
Pharaoh's Troubling Dreams
Pharaoh experiences two disturbing dreams involving cows and grain stalks, which deeply trouble him.
c. 1700-1600 BC
Butler Remembers Joseph
After two years, the chief butler remembers Joseph's accurate interpretation of his and the chief baker's dreams, leading to Joseph's release.
c. 1700-1600 BC— this verse
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, revealing seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine for Egypt.
c. 1700-1600 BC
Joseph Appointed Governor
Recognizing Joseph's wisdom and divine guidance, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over all of Egypt to manage the impending crisis.
c. 1700-1600 BC
Years of Abundance Begin
Egypt experiences the predicted seven years of plentiful harvests, during which Joseph diligently oversees the storage of grain.
This passage speaks of God filling Bezalel with the Spirit of God for skilled craftsmanship, highlighting how God's Spirit empowers individuals for specific tasks, just as Pharaoh recognized in Joseph.
Daniel 5:14King Belshazzar uses a similar phrase, 'the spirit of the gods is in thee,' to describe Daniel's wisdom, showing a parallel in rulers recognizing divine endowment in individuals who possess exceptional understanding.
Numbers 27:18Here, Moses is instructed to lay his hands on Joshua, so that 'the spirit of wisdom may be in him,' illustrating the transfer of God's Spirit and wisdom for leadership, mirroring Pharaoh's recognition of Joseph's divinely granted capability.
1 Samuel 16:14This verse describes the Spirit of the Lord departing from Saul and an 'evil spirit from the Lord' troubling him, underscoring the concept of God's Spirit being directly linked to a person's state of mind and leadership effectiveness.
calvinGenesis 41:1-57: "And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river."
And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
Et comederunt vaccae turpes aspectu, et tenues carne, septem vaccas pulchras aspectu et pingues: et expergefactus est Pharao.
And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
Deinde do…
ellicottGenesis 41:38: "And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?"
(38) In whom the Spirit of God is. —Joseph from the first declared that he neither claimed for himself, nor possessed any art of divination, but that “Elohim would answer (that which would be for) the peace of Pharaoh” ( Genesis 41:16 ). And not only does Pharaoh now recognise the truth of Joseph’s words, but sees also in him the instrument by which Elohim had spoken. But…
Pharaoh’s question isn't just about finding someone competent; it’s a direct recognition of the divine source of Joseph's wisdom. This isn't merely political shrewdness; Pharaoh is acknowledging that Joseph possesses an extraordinary quality, a connection to God, that surpasses all ordinary understanding and skill.
Pharaoh has just heard Joseph interpret his disturbing dreams, revealing a coming seven-year famine after seven years of plenty. Recognizing Joseph's unique wisdom and divine insight, Pharaoh asks his advisors if they can find anyone else with such a profound connection to God. This leads directly to Pharaoh appointing Joseph as second-in-command over all of Egypt, entrusting him with the immense task of managing the nation's resources to survive the impending crisis.
Pharaoh has just heard Joseph interpret his disturbing dreams, revealing a coming seven-year famine after seven years of plenty. Recognizing Joseph's unique wisdom and divine insight, Pharaoh asks his advisors if they can find anyone else with such a profound connection to God. This leads directly to Pharaoh appointing Joseph as second-in-command over all of Egypt, entrusting him with the immense task of managing the nation's resources to survive the impending crisis.
"And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”" — Pharaoh’s question isn't just about finding someone competent; it’s a direct recognition of the divine source of Joseph's wisdom. This isn't merely political shrewdness; Pharaoh is acknowledging that…
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Last reviewed October 2026