Genesis 41:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the diverse way in which God's plan unfolds! Initially, God permits Him to challenge all those regarded as learned, so that when their lack of understanding is uncovered, this prisoner, captive, servant, Jew, may arrive at the heart of it all and, unveiling what has been concealed from many, demonstrate to everyone the grace that illuminates Him from above.

Pharaoh experienced a vision that featured two varieties of ears and two types of cows. The interpretation of this dream was clear, yet to designate Joseph as its interpreter, God concealed its meaning from Pharaoh's wise men. After two years, through God's divine plan, Pharaoh had extraordinary dreams that surpassed the understanding of all the wise men in Egypt. He called upon these wise men to explain his dreams, but none were able to discern their significance.

Interpreters of the sacred texts—often referred to as wise men—have been known historically as secret-seers or interpreters of mysteries, drawing from the Hebrew term חרטמים, which is linked to the Syrian word for saw and interpreted, concluding with the concept of closure. This interpretation resonates with Aquila's use of the term κρυφιαςας. It is noteworthy that the Egyptian priests, identified as ιερογραμματεις, who served as interpreters of sacred writings, specifically hieroglyphics, are encompassed within this understanding. According to Isychius's explanation and the term εξηγητας utilized by the seventy interpreters, Pharaoh had particular reason to seek counsel from the interpreters of hieroglyphics, as the nature of the hieroglyphs was apparent in his dream.