Genesis 41:37-45 - The Meaning & Symbology of Pharoah Appointing Joseph As Ruler Over Egypt

This study delves into the Hebrew and metaphysical meanings of each name and symbol in this passage, highlighting how it reveals the nature of Christ and the birth of Christ consciousness within us. Every name, role, and place symbolizes aspects of the spiritual journey, as Christ is both revealed and formed within.

Genesis 41:37-45: Metaphysical Translation and Revelation of Christ

Verses 37-38: Acknowledging Divine Wisdom

"Now the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants. Then Pharaoh said to his servants, 'Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?'"

• Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה, Par'oh):

  • Meaning: “Great house” or “sun” (from Egyptian origins, adopted into Hebrew).

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Represents the ego or external authority—the governing force of the material mind and worldly power. As the “great house,” Pharaoh symbolizes the structure of human consciousness that houses higher and lower aspects. The ego shines like a sun, yet the sun derives its power from God, Christ, the source of all creation, including light.

  • Christ Connection: Pharaoh’s recognition of Joseph (Christ) mirrors the moment when the ego acknowledges the supremacy of divine wisdom and surrenders its control to higher truth.

• Servants: Symbolize the thoughts and impulses that serve the ego but are now being directed toward divine alignment.

• Divine Spirit: Represents the indwelling Spirit of God, manifest in Christ. It signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit in human consciousness. Pharaoh (ego) invites the Spirit of Christ to bring revelation and ultimately lead it.

Key Symbolism: Pharaoh’s acknowledgment of the divine spirit in Joseph reflects the ego’s recognition of Christ consciousness, power, and life-giving essence as the true authority.

Verses 39-40: Christ as Divine Wisdom

"So Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you are. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people shall be obedient to you; only regarding the throne will I be greater than you.'”

• Joseph (יוסף, Yosef):

  • Meaning: “God will add” or “increase.”

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Represents the Christ consciousness, which manifests divine wisdom, creativity, imagination, and abundance. Joseph symbolizes the higher self that is in perfect alignment with God’s will.

  • Christ Connection: Joseph, as a type of Christ, reflects the redemptive and ruling nature of Jesus. Christ brings divine wisdom to govern the house (the soul).

• House: Symbolizes the inner being, the structure of human consciousness where divine wisdom (Christ) rules.

• Obedient: Reflects the submission of thoughts and impulses to divine authority.

Key Symbolism: Christ, like Joseph, is the divine ruler of the soul, bringing order, clarity, and alignment to all aspects of consciousness.

Verse 41: Christ’s Dominion Over the World

"Pharaoh also said to Joseph, 'See, I have placed you over all the land of Egypt.'”

• Egypt (מצרים, Mitzrayim):

  • Meaning: “Narrow places” or “constraints.”

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Symbolizes the material world, limitations, and challenges of physical existence.

  • Christ Connection: Egypt represents the world Christ overcomes, liberating the soul from bondage and limitations (John 16:33).

Key Symbolism: Christ consciousness, like Joseph, transcends the limitations of the material world (Egypt), empowering us to live in spiritual freedom.

Verse 42: Christ’s Authority and Righteousness

"Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put the gold necklace around his neck."

• Signet Ring:

  • Meaning: Authority and the power to decree.

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Represents spiritual authority, conferred upon Christ as the King of Kings. In us, it signifies the power to act in alignment with divine will.

• Garments of Fine Linen:

  • Meaning: Purity, holiness, and righteousness.

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Reflects the robe of righteousness given to those who align with Christ (Isaiah 61:10).

• Gold Necklace:

  • Meaning: Eternal wisdom and value.

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Symbolizes the wisdom of God, which is timeless and precious.

Key Symbolism: The signet ring, linen garments, and gold necklace signify the authority, purity, and wisdom of Christ. These are also bestowed upon us when we align with divine truth.

Verse 43: Christ as the Way

"And he had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed ahead of him, 'Bow the knee!' And he placed him over all the land of Egypt."

• Chariot:

  • Meaning: A vehicle of progress and movement.

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Represents the path of spiritual growth, guided by Christ consciousness.

• Bow the Knee:

  • Meaning: Submission and reverence.

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Reflects the surrender of the ego and all lower faculties to divine wisdom. Every knee bows to Christ (Philippians 2:10).

Key Symbolism: The chariot symbolizes the path guided by Christ, and bowing the knee reflects surrender to divine authority.

Verse 44: Christ Governs All

"Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.'”

• Hand and Foot:

  • Meaning: Action (hand) and movement (foot).

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Symbolize every thought, action, and step being directed by Christ consciousness.

Key Symbolism: In Christ, all aspects of our life—thoughts, actions, and movements—are governed by divine wisdom and love.

Verse 45: Christ’s New Name and Union

"Then Pharaoh named Joseph Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went out over the land of Egypt."

• Zaphenath-paneah:

  • Meaning: “God speaks, and He lives” or “revealer of mysteries.”

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Reflects Christ as the Word of God (John 1:1) and the revealer of divine truth.

• Asenath:

  • Meaning: “Devoted to Neith” (Egyptian goddess of wisdom).

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Represents the union of divine wisdom (masculine) and intuition (feminine) in Christ consciousness.

• Potiphera (פוטיפרע):

  • Meaning: “He whom Ra (the sun) has given.”

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Symbolizes the illumination of divine truth.

• On:

  • Meaning: Known as Heliopolis, “City of the Sun.”

  • Metaphysical Meaning: Represents the light of divine truth, where Christ consciousness illuminates the soul.

Key Symbolism: Joseph’s new name and union with Asenath reveal the integration of divine wisdom and intuition, completing the Christ-centered transformation.

Summary: Christ Revealed in Genesis 41:37-45

This passage shows that:

1. Joseph as Christ: Joseph prefigures Christ’s mission as the savior and ruler of the soul.

2. Pharaoh as Ego: The ego must yield to the authority of Christ, who governs with divine wisdom.

3. Egypt as the World: Christ overcomes worldly limitations and leads the soul to spiritual freedom.

4. Symbols of Authority: Christ is clothed in righteousness and given spiritual authority, which He imparts to us.

5. Union with Asenath: Christ harmonizes wisdom and intuition within us, bringing spiritual wholeness.