Genesis 40:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What do they claim? They say, “We have had dreams, but no one is able to interpret them.” They lacked the understanding of the One who spoke to them; they regarded Him merely as one among many. Thus, they hesitate to share the content of their dreams, stating only that they have experienced a dream with no one to elucidate it. However, this remarkable figure responded, “Is not the interpretation from God? Share it with me.” Can I assure you of any insight on my own? It is God who imparts revelations. “Share it with me.” Observe the profound wisdom and incredible humility! He does not assert, “I will elucidate these dreams for you,” but rather simply asks, “Share it with me.” Only God provides such divine understanding.

When he sought to understand the reason for their sadness, they both replied, "We have had dreams, and we are troubled because there is no one able to interpret the dreams we have experienced." He responded, "It is the Lord's purpose to disclose such matters to those who revere Him, but share your dreams with me so that God may provide their interpretation through me."

We place our challenges in the hands of the most knowledgeable and seek His counsel instead of relying on others. The wise words of a righteous person are far more valuable than the insights of the most learned. The wounds from a true friend are more beneficial than the empty flattery of foes (Proverbs 27:6). Justice belongs to the righteous, while reasoning is the domain of the wise; the former assesses conflicts, and the latter discovers paths of proof. When these gifts are united, the guidance offered will be esteemed for its wisdom and fairness, leading all to seek out the counsel of one who embodies both qualities. Even while imprisoned, Joseph remained industrious, providing counsel during times of crisis. His insights aided all of Egypt, allowing the nation to withstand the seven years of famine and assist other lands suffering from scarcity (see Genesis 41).

They responded, "We have each had a dream, but there is no one to interpret them." Joseph replied, "Is it not God who grants the understanding of dreams that He sends? Share your dreams with me." Joseph's words reveal his spiritual growth, a result of the trials he faced. As a youth, he recognized the significance of his dreams and shared them with his father and brothers, seeking clarity yet hesitant to offer his own interpretation. Now, upon hearing that the elders have dreamt, he eagerly seeks divine insight, reflecting his closeness to God, cultivated through suffering, faith, purity, and prayer. These dreams have immersed him in a trial of anguish; they will also lead him out, as Providence often places those chosen for great purposes into such testing situations.

Do not the insights come from God? As noted by Herodotus, the Egyptians believed that the practice of sorcery or divination was not a human endeavor but rather a gift from divine beings. This belief is echoed in the words of Pharaoh (Gen. 41:38). The Chaldeans similarly esteemed this talent of divine insight (Dan. 4:6). Josephus, while engaging with the views of those around him, seizes the opportunity to exalt the true God, the source of all gifts (1 Cor. 12:11).