Genesis 41:12 Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually.

◄ Genesis 41:12 ►

New International Version
Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream.

New Living Translation
There was a young Hebrew man with us in the prison who was a slave of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he told us what each of our dreams meant.

English Standard Version
A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each man according to his dream.

Berean Standard Bible
Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually.

King James Bible
And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

New King James Version
Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream.

New American Standard Bible
Now a Hebrew youth was there with us, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we told him the dreams, and he interpreted our dreams for us. For each man he interpreted according to his own dream.

NASB 1995
“Now a Hebrew youth was with us there, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we related them to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us. To each one he interpreted according to his own dream.

NASB 1977
“Now a Hebrew youth was with us there, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we related them to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us. To each one he interpreted according to his own dream.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now there was with us a Hebrew youth, a slave of the captain of the bodyguard, and we recounted them to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us. To each one he interpreted according to his own dream.

Amplified Bible
Now there was with us [in the prison] a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us, to each man according to the significance of his own dream.

Christian Standard Bible
Now a young Hebrew, a slave of the captain of the guards, was with us there. We told him our dreams, he interpreted our dreams for us, and each had its own interpretation.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now a young Hebrew, a slave of the captain of the guards, was with us there. We told him our dreams, he interpreted our dreams for us, and each had its own interpretation.

American Standard Version
And there was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

Contemporary English Version
A young Hebrew, who was a servant of the captain of the guard, was there with us at the time. When we told him our dreams, he explained what each of them meant,

English Revised Version
And there was with us there a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A young Hebrew, a slave of the captain of the guard, was with us. We told him our dreams, and he told each of us what they meant.

Good News Translation
A young Hebrew was there with us, a slave of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us.

International Standard Version
There was a Hebrew young man incarcerated with us, who was also working as a servant to the captain of the bodyguard. "We each related our dreams, and then he interpreted them for us. He provided specific meanings for each of our dreams.

Majority Standard Bible
Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually.

NET Bible
Now a young man, a Hebrew, a servant of the captain of the guards, was with us there. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted the meaning of each of our respective dreams for us.

New Heart English Bible
Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guards, and we told him, and he interpreted our dreams to us, to each man he interpreted according to his own dream.

Webster's Bible Translation
And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he interpreted.

World English Bible
There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. He interpreted to each man according to his dream.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And there [is] with us a youth, a Hebrew, servant to the chief of the executioners, and we recount to him, and he interprets to us our dreams, [to] each according to his dream has he interpreted,

Young's Literal Translation
And there is with us a youth, a Hebrew, servant to the chief of the executioners, and we recount to him, and he interpreteth to us our dreams, to each according to his dream hath he interpreted,

Smith's Literal Translation
And there with us a Hebrew youth, servant to the chief of the cooks: and we shall relate to him, and he will interpret to us our dreams; and he interpreted a man according to his dream.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
There was there a young man a Hebrew, servant to the same captain of the soldiers: to whom we told our dreams,

Catholic Public Domain Version
In that place, there was a Hebrew, a servant of the same commander of the military, to whom we explained our dreams.

New American Bible
There was a Hebrew youth with us, a slave of the chief steward; and when we told him our dreams, he interpreted them for us and explained for each of us the meaning of his dream.

New Revised Standard Version
A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each according to his dream.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And there was with us a young man, a Hebrew, a servant of the commander of the guard; and we told him our dreams, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And there was with us a young Hebrew man, the Servant of the Chief of the Guard, and we narrated to him and he interpreted our dreams for us, each man according to his dream he interpreted.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And there was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew servant of the captain of the guard; and we related to him our dreams, and he interpreted them to us.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Dreams of Pharaoh
…11One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. 12Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually. 13And it happened to us just as he had interpreted: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Daniel 2:25-28
Arioch hastily brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will tell the king the interpretation.” / The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation?” / Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. ...

Daniel 5:11-12
There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king, / did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”

Acts 7:9-10
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

1 Samuel 9:6-10
“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.” ...

1 Kings 3:16-28
At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ...

Daniel 1:17
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.

Acts 16:9-10
During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” / As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 2:17
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. / She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 2:12-13
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route. / When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”

Daniel 4:8-9
But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: / “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.

Daniel 2:47
The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. / To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, / to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ...

Job 33:15-16
In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, / He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings

Numbers 12:6
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.

Treasury of Scripture

And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

servant.

Genesis 37:36
And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.

Genesis 39:1,20
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither…

interpreted.

Genesis 40:12-19
And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: …

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Bodyguard Bondman Captain Captain's Chief Dream Dreams Executioners Guard Hebrew Interpret Interpretation Interpreted Life-Guard Recount Related Sense Servant Young Youth

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Genesis 41

1. Pharaoh has two dreams.
9. Joseph interprets them.
33. He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.
46. The seven years of plenty.
50. He begets children.
53. The famine begins.

Berean Study Bible

Now a young Hebrew
The phrase "young Hebrew" refers to Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and brought to Egypt. The term "Hebrew" (Hebrew: עִבְרִי, Ivri) is significant as it denotes Joseph's ethnic and cultural identity, setting him apart in the Egyptian context. Historically, the Hebrews were descendants of Eber, an ancestor of Abraham, and this identity would have been crucial in understanding Joseph's background and the divine favor upon him. The mention of his youth underscores his potential and the divine wisdom bestowed upon him despite his age.

was there with us
This phrase situates Joseph in the prison where he was held with the cupbearer and the baker. It highlights God's providence in placing Joseph in the right place at the right time. Theologically, it reflects the belief that God orchestrates circumstances for His purposes, even when they seem unfavorable. Joseph's presence in the prison was not by chance but part of a divine plan to elevate him to a position of influence in Egypt.

a servant of the captain of the guard
Joseph's role as a servant (Hebrew: עֶבֶד, eved) underlines his humble position in Egyptian society. The "captain of the guard" refers to Potiphar, an official in Pharaoh's court. This context is crucial as it shows Joseph's journey from a favored son to a slave, and eventually to a ruler, illustrating the biblical theme of God exalting the humble. Historically, this reflects the social hierarchy of ancient Egypt, where slaves could still hold significant responsibilities.

We told him our dreams
Dreams in the ancient Near East were often seen as divine messages. The act of sharing dreams with Joseph indicates a level of trust and desperation for understanding. In the biblical narrative, dreams are a recurring motif through which God communicates His will, as seen in the lives of other patriarchs like Jacob. This phrase sets the stage for Joseph's God-given ability to interpret dreams, a gift that would eventually lead to his rise in Egypt.

and he interpreted them for us
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams (Hebrew: פָּתַר, patar) is a testament to his divine gifting. Interpretation of dreams was a respected skill in ancient cultures, often associated with wisdom and insight. Joseph's interpretations were not based on human wisdom but on divine revelation, showcasing God's power and sovereignty. This ability foreshadows his future role in interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which would save Egypt from famine.

giving each man the interpretation of his dream
The phrase emphasizes the accuracy and specificity of Joseph's interpretations. Each man received a personal and precise explanation, demonstrating Joseph's prophetic insight. This accuracy would have reinforced the belief in Joseph's divine connection and the truth of his interpretations. Scripturally, it highlights the theme of God's personal involvement in the lives of individuals, providing guidance and revelation according to His purposes.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Now a young
נַ֣עַר (na·‘ar)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

Hebrew
עִבְרִ֗י (‘iḇ·rî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5680: Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite

was there
וְשָׁ֨ם (wə·šām)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

with us,
אִתָּ֜נוּ (’it·tā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

a servant
עֶ֚בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

of the captain
לְשַׂ֣ר (lə·śar)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the guard.
הַטַּבָּחִ֔ים (haṭ·ṭab·bā·ḥîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2876: A butcher, a lifeguardsman, a cook

We told
וַנְּ֨סַפֶּר־ (wan·nə·sap·per-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

him [our dreams]
ל֔וֹ‪‬ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and he interpreted
וַיִּפְתָּר־ (way·yip̄·tār-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6622: To open up, interpret

[them]
חֲלֹמֹתֵ֑ינוּ (ḥă·lō·mō·ṯê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 2472: A dream

for
לָ֖נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

us
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

individually.
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

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OT Law: Genesis 41:12 There was with us there a young (Gen. Ge Gn)