Genesis 41:46
New International Version
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt.

New Living Translation
He was thirty years old when he began serving in the court of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. And when Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence, he inspected the entire land of Egypt.

English Standard Version
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.

King James Bible
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

New King James Version
Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

New American Standard Bible
Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.

NASB 1995
Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.

NASB 1977
Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went through all the land of Egypt.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and passed through all the land of Egypt.

Amplified Bible
Now Joseph [had been in Egypt thirteen years and] was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Joseph departed from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt [performing his duties].

Christian Standard Bible
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Contemporary English Version
Joseph was 30 when the king made him governor, and he went everywhere for the king.

English Revised Version
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh (the king of Egypt). He left Pharaoh and traveled all around Egypt.

International Standard Version
Joseph was 30 years old when he began to serve Pharaoh, king of Egypt, by traveling throughout the land of Egypt, independent from Pharaoh's oversight.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh?s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.

NET Bible
Now Joseph was 30 years old when he began serving Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph was commissioned by Pharaoh and was in charge of all the land of Egypt.

New Heart English Bible
Joseph was thirty years old when he began to serve Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph left the presence of Pharaoh and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt: and Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

World English Bible
Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joseph [is] a son of thirty years in his standing before Pharaoh king of Egypt, and Joseph goes out from the presence of Pharaoh, and passes over through all the land of Egypt;

Young's Literal Translation
And Joseph is a son of thirty years in his standing before Pharaoh king of Egypt, and Joseph goeth out from the presence of Pharaoh, and passeth over through all the land of Egypt;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joseph the son of thirty years in his standing before Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and Joseph will go forth from the face of Pharaoh, and will pass over all the land of Egypt.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
(Now he was thirty years old when he stood before king Pharao) and he went round all the countries of Egypt.

Catholic Public Domain Version
(Now he was thirty years old when he stood in the sight of king Pharaoh.) And he traveled throughout the regions of Egypt.

New American Bible
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. After Joseph left Pharaoh, he went throughout the land of Egypt.

New Revised Standard Version
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went through all the land of Egypt.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yoseph was son of thirty years when he stood before Pharaoh the King of Egypt, and Yoseph went out from before Pharaoh and he passed through in all the land of Egypt.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt.--And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharao, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharao, and went through all the land of Egypt.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Seven Years of Plenty
46Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt. 47During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully.…

Cross References
Acts 7:10
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.

Psalm 105:21-22
He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance, / to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.

1 Kings 3:28
When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

Daniel 6:3
Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Isaiah 45:1-3
This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

Nehemiah 2:8
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

Exodus 12:40-41
Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years. / At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt.

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Luke 16:10
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.


Treasury of Scripture

And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

years.

Genesis 37:2
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.

Numbers 4:3
From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

2 Samuel 5:4
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

he stood.

1 Samuel 16:21
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

1 Kings 12:6,8
And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? …

Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

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Egypt Entered Face Joseph Passed Passeth Pharaoh Pharaoh's Presence Service Standing Stood Thirty Throughout Traveled Whole
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Egypt Entered Face Joseph Passed Passeth Pharaoh Pharaoh's Presence Service Standing Stood Thirty Throughout Traveled Whole
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.














Now Joseph was thirty years old
Joseph's age of thirty is significant in biblical context. Thirty is often seen as an age of maturity and readiness for leadership. In the Hebrew tradition, priests began their service at age thirty (Numbers 4:3). David became king at thirty (2 Samuel 5:4), and Jesus began His public ministry at the same age (Luke 3:23). This age marks a transition from preparation to active service.

when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt
Joseph's entry into Pharaoh's service marks a pivotal moment in his life and in the narrative of Genesis. After years of suffering and preparation, including being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph is elevated to a position of power. This transition fulfills the dreams he had as a young man (Genesis 37:5-11) and sets the stage for the preservation of his family and the future nation of Israel. Pharaoh, as the ruler of Egypt, was considered a god-like figure, and Joseph's role as his second-in-command highlights God's providence and sovereignty in using Joseph to influence a major world power.

And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence
Joseph's departure from Pharaoh's presence signifies the beginning of his active role in implementing the plan to save Egypt from the impending famine. It demonstrates his authority and the trust Pharaoh placed in him. This moment also reflects Joseph's obedience and readiness to fulfill the responsibilities given to him, aligning with the biblical theme of faithful stewardship.

and traveled throughout the land of Egypt
Joseph's travels throughout Egypt were crucial for the administration of the seven years of plenty and the subsequent famine. By overseeing the collection and storage of grain, Joseph ensured the survival of Egypt and surrounding nations. This action prefigures the role of Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance and salvation. Joseph's journey throughout the land also symbolizes the spread of God's influence and wisdom beyond the confines of his immediate environment, impacting a broader region.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The central figure in this passage, Joseph is a Hebrew who has risen from slavery and imprisonment to become a powerful leader in Egypt. His journey reflects God's providence and faithfulness.

2. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt who appoints Joseph to a position of authority after interpreting his dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph serves as a leader, a place of both refuge and challenge for the Israelites in the biblical account.

4. Service of Pharaoh
Joseph's role in the Egyptian government, where he is tasked with preparing the nation for the upcoming famine.

5. Travel throughout Egypt
Joseph's actions to oversee the collection and storage of grain during the years of abundance, demonstrating his leadership and administrative skills.
Teaching Points
God's Timing and Preparation
Joseph was thirty years old when he began his service, indicating a period of preparation and growth. God's timing is perfect, and He prepares us for His purposes in His own time.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's rise to power was preceded by years of hardship. His faithfulness in adversity is a model for trusting God through difficult times.

Leadership and Stewardship
Joseph's role required wisdom and discernment. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources and responsibilities God entrusts to us.

God's Sovereignty and Providence
Joseph's account is a testament to God's sovereignty. Even when circumstances seem dire, God is at work for His glory and our good.

Impact of Obedience
Joseph's obedience to God's guidance not only saved Egypt but also preserved his family. Our obedience can have far-reaching impacts beyond what we can see.Verse 46. - And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt - literally, a son of thirty years in his standing before Pharaoh. If, therefore, he had been three years in prison (Genesis 40:4; Genesis 41:1), he must have served for ten years in the house of Potiphar. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh (in the performance of his official duties), and went throughout all the land of Egypt - super-intending the district overseers.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Joseph
וְיוֹסֵף֙ (wə·yō·w·sêp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

was thirty
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים (šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth

years old
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

when he entered the service
בְּעָמְד֕וֹ (bə·‘ā·mə·ḏōw)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

of Pharaoh
פַּרְעֹ֣ה (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Egypt.
מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

And Joseph
יוֹסֵף֙ (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

left
וַיֵּצֵ֤א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

Pharaoh’s
פַרְעֹ֔ה (p̄ar·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

presence
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י (mil·lip̄·nê)
Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

and traveled
וַֽיַּעְבֹ֖ר‪‬ (way·ya‘·ḇōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

throughout
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the land
אֶ֥רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Egypt.
מִצְרָֽיִם׃ (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa


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OT Law: Genesis 41:46 Joseph was thirty years old when he (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 41:45
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