And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The command "Bow the knee!" wasn't a generic decree for everyone to prostrate themselves, but likely a specific Egyptian acclamation, perhaps meaning "Attention!" or "At your service!", used to publicly acknowledge Joseph's elevated, second-in-command status. This highlights how ancient royal pronouncements often involved unique cultural cues that we might easily misunderstand as simple commands.
And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh, deeply troubled by his dreams and impressed by Joseph's wisdom, has just heard Joseph interpret the dreams and offer a wise plan for managing the coming famine. This verse describes the public installation of Joseph into his new, unprecedented position of authority over all of Egypt, showcasing the official ceremony that elevates him to second-in-command. Pharaoh bestows upon Joseph symbols of his new status, including a chariot and a royal proclamation, ensuring the people recognize and obey him.
Joseph is elevated from a prisoner to the second-highest ruler in Egypt. What do the specific actions taken by Pharaoh reveal about the nature of power and authority in that ancient world?
Pharaoh's bestowal of authority upon Joseph is marked by distinct acts of royal ceremony:
The Second Chariot: Joseph is made to ride in the king's second-best chariot. This wasn't just transportation; it was a public declaration. It signaled that Joseph held a position of immense importance, second only to Pharaoh himself. This visual cue immediately communicated his elevated status to all of Egypt.
The Proclamation "Bow the Knee": The command, often translated as "Abrech," is deeply significant. While its exact meaning is debated (ranging from "Attention!" to "Tender father" or even a Semitic root for "father"), the intent is clear: it was a royal decree demanding reverence and obedience to Joseph from the people of Egypt. It stripped away any doubt about his new position and established his authority.
These actions were not merely symbolic gestures; they were the practical, public pronouncements that legitimized Joseph's rule and prepared the Egyptians to accept his authority during the coming crisis.
Joseph's rise seems almost miraculous, a dramatic turnaround from prison to power. How does this narrative underscore God's active role in human affairs, even through pagan rulers?
Ask a follow-up
Pharaoh himself recognizes that Joseph's abilities stem from a divine source. When seeking an interpreter for his dreams, he asks, "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" (Genesis 41:38).
Divine Insight: Joseph doesn't claim innate wisdom. He consistently states, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace" (Genesis 41:16). His ability to interpret dreams and devise a plan for famine relief is presented as a gift from God.
Pharaoh's Acknowledgment: Pharaoh's subsequent actions—elevating Joseph, giving him royal regalia, and proclaiming his authority—are a response to recognizing the Spirit of God at work in Joseph. Even a pagan ruler acknowledges the divine power at play.
God's Purpose: Joseph's placement is not accidental. It is God's sovereign plan to save not only Egypt but also his chosen family, Jacob, from starvation. This dramatic elevation is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to use anyone, anywhere, to accomplish His purposes.
Understand the original words
aḇrēḵ · Hebrew Verb/Interjection
A term that implies deep submission, reverence, or paying homage. It signifies the acknowledgment of a superior's authority or a divine presence, often used in the context of prostration.
This event marks a dramatic reversal of fortune for Joseph, elevated from prisoner to ruler due to divine foresight. The ceremony described in Genesis 41:43 highlights the immense power and authority bestowed upon him, signifying his new role in managing Egypt's destiny during a critical period.
c. 1710 BC
Joseph is sold into slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, eventually ending up in Egypt.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph imprisoned
Falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is imprisoned by the Egyptian authorities.
c. 1645 BC
Pharaoh's dreams
Pharaoh of Egypt dreams of seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean cows, and seven healthy ears of grain being devoured by seven blighted ears. The dreams trouble him deeply.
c. 1645 BC
Joseph interprets dreams
The chief cupbearer remembers Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams. Joseph is summoned from prison and correctly interprets Pharaoh's dreams as a prophecy of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine.
c. 1645 BC— this verse
Joseph appointed governor
Pharaoh, impressed by Joseph's wisdom and divine insight, appoints him second-in-command over all of Egypt. He is given royal regalia, including a signet ring and fine linen robes, and rides in Pharaoh's second chariot, with heralds proclaiming his authority.
c. 1645 BC - 1638 BC
Years of abundance
Joseph oversees the collection and storage of a massive surplus of grain during the seven years of plenty, preparing Egypt for the coming famine.
c. 1638 BC - 1631 BC
Years of famine
The predicted seven years of famine arrive. Joseph opens the storehouses, and the Egyptians, along with people from surrounding lands, come to him to buy food, saving countless lives.
This passage describes a similar public elevation and proclamation of honor for Mordecai, highlighting the practice of honoring a chosen individual with a royal procession and decree.
Daniel 2:48Daniel is also promoted to a high position over all the wise men of Babylon by the king, showcasing a parallel in the elevation of a servant of God to authority due to divine wisdom.
Luke 1:52This verse speaks of God bringing down the mighty and exalting the lowly, which resonates with Joseph's dramatic rise from a prison to the second-highest authority in Egypt.
Psalm 105:17-22This psalm recounts Joseph's journey from hardship to leadership, emphasizing God's active role in his exaltation and how he was used to save many lives.
cambridgeGenesis 41:43: "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."
43 . the second chariot ] It has been objected that horses and chariots first appear in Egyptian inscriptions in the 18th Dynasty (1580–1350 b.c.). But they were introduced into use in Egypt under the rule of the Hyksos (13th to 17th Dynasty). The Egyptian word for “chariot,” mrkbt , is borrowed from the Semitic. The “second” wou…
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…
The command "Bow the knee!" wasn't a generic decree for everyone to prostrate themselves, but likely a specific Egyptian acclamation, perhaps meaning "Attention!" or "At your service!", used to publicly acknowledge Joseph's elevated, second-in-command status. This highlights how ancient royal pronouncements often involved unique cultural cues that we might easily misunderstand as simple commands.
Pharaoh, deeply troubled by his dreams and impressed by Joseph's wisdom, has just heard Joseph interpret the dreams and offer a wise plan for managing the coming famine. This verse describes the public installation of Joseph into his new, unprecedented position of authority over all of Egypt, showcasing the official ceremony that elevates him to second-in-command. Pharaoh bestows upon Joseph symbols of his new status, including a chariot and a royal proclamation, ensuring the people recognize and obey him.
Pharaoh, deeply troubled by his dreams and impressed by Joseph's wisdom, has just heard Joseph interpret the dreams and offer a wise plan for managing the coming famine. This verse describes the public installation of Joseph into his new, unprecedented position of authority over all of Egypt, showcasing the official ceremony that elevates him to second-in-command. Pharaoh bestows upon Joseph symbols of his new status, including a chariot and a royal proclamation, ensuring the people recognize and obey him.
"And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt." — The command "Bow the knee!" wasn't a generic decree for everyone to prostrate themselves, but likely a specific Egyptian acclamation, perhaps meaning "Attention!" or "At your service!", used to publi…
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Last reviewed October 2026