Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsGenesis 41
English College of Douai–Rheims
Read Genesis 41 in the BibleGenesis 41:45
Saviour of the world.
In the original text the new name and title given by Pharao to Joseph is expressed by these two words, Saphnath pahanaach: the former saphnath in Hebrew signifieth a secret or hidden thing, of saphan to hide: but the signification of the other word pahanaach, is more uncertain, being found nowhere else in the holy Bible. The Rabbins do commonly interpret them both together, The man to whom secrets are revealed, or The revealer of secrets: [1] and so this name agreeth well to Joseph, in respect of the gift of interpreting dreams. But besides his interpreting, he also gave most wise counsel, that tended to the safety of many, which, it is like, Pharao meant to express by this new name. And S. Hierom, who doubtless with great diligence, and no less judgement, searched the true signification thereof, saith that albeit this name in Hebrew soundeth The finder out of secrets, yet seeing it was imposed by an Ægyptian (who knew no Hebrew) the reason thereof must be had of the same tongue; and these two words in the Ægyptian language are interpreted [2] The Saviour of the world; for that he delivered the world from the imminent ruin of famine. Thus saith S. Hierom. And so most aptly the figure answereth to Christ [3], the true Saviour of the world.
- 1 Joseph truly called the revealer of secrets.
- 2 But more honourably, the Saviour of the world.
- 3 Therein a figure of Christ.
Original Douay–Rheims Annotations — English College of Douai–Rheims. CC0 1.0
Genesis 41:43
Made Governor.
[1] It is easy in the eyes of God suddenly to enrich the poor. For who would have thought (saith Philo) [2] that in one day a bondman should be made a Lord, a poor prisoner the chief of the nobility, an under-gaoler the Viceroy or King's deputy, from a common prison to have a Kingly court of his own, from extreme ignominy, to ascend into so high a room of dignity?