33 'And now, let Pharaoh provide a man, intelligent and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt; 34 let Pharaoh make and appoint overseers over the land, and receive a fifth of the land of Egypt in the seven years of plenty, 35 and they gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and heap up corn under the hand of Pharaoh—food in the cities; and they have kept 'it', 36 and the food hath been for a store for the land, for the seven years of famine which are in the land of Egypt; and the land is cut off by the famine.'
37 And the thing is good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants, 38 and Pharaoh saith unto his servants, 'Do we find like this, a man in whom the spirit of God 'is'?' 39 and Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'After God's causing thee to know all this, there is none intelligent and wise as thou; 40 thou—thou art over my house, and at thy mouth do all my people kiss; only in the throne I am greater than thou.' 41 And Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'See, I have put thee over all the land of Egypt.' 42 And Pharaoh turneth aside his seal-ring from off his hand, and putteth it on the hand of Joseph, and clotheth him 'with' garments of fine linen, and placeth a chain of gold on his neck, 43 and causeth him to ride in the second chariot which he hath, and they proclaim before him, 'Bow the knee!' and—to put him over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, 'I 'am' Pharaoh, and without thee a man doth not lift up his hand and his foot in all the land of Egypt;' 45 and Pharaoh calleth Joseph's name Zaphnath-Paaneah, and he giveth to him Asenath daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, for a wife, and Joseph goeth out over the land of Egypt.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 41:33-45
Commentary on Genesis 41:33-45
(Read Genesis 41:33-45)
Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph marks of honour. He gave him such a name as spoke the value he had for him, Zaphnath-paaneah, "a revealer of secrets." This preferment of Joseph encourages all to trust in God. Some translate Joseph's new name, "the saviour of the world." The brightest glories, even of the upper world, are put upon Christ, the highest trust lodged in his hand, and all power given him, both in heaven and earth.