Genesis 41:40 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

According unto thy word, i.e. direction and command, Heb. mouth, which is oft put for command, \as Exodus 17:1, Exodus 38:21 Numbers 3:16,39, &c.,\ shall all my poeple be ruled, or, be fed; they shall receive their provisions from thy hand, and according to thy disposal. Others, shall kiss, viz. the hand, as inferiors used to do, upon their address to or conference with great persons. See Job 31:27 Hosea 13:2. But it was frivolous for Joseph to command them to do that which by the custom of the place they were obliged and wont to do. Some render the word thus, and that agreeable to the Hebrew, at thy mouth shall the people kiss; which may be understood either properly, as inferiors did sometimes kiss their superiors in token of their homage; see 1 Samuel 10:1; or rather metaphorically, as the same phrase is used Psalms 2:12 Proverbs 24:26, receive all thy commands with reverence and submission. In the throne, i.e. in sovereign power and dignity.

Genesis 41:40

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled:g only in the throne will I be greater than thou.