Genesis 41 opens with Pharaoh experiencing two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret. In the first dream, he sees seven fat, healthy cows grazing by the river, followed by seven thin, ugly cows that devour the fat ones. In the second dream, seven plump ears of grain grow on a single stalk, but seven thin, scorched ears swallow them up. These vivid dreams leave Pharaoh deeply disturbed and searching for answers.

The chief cupbearer, finally remembering Joseph's accurate interpretation of dreams in prison, speaks up and recommends Joseph to Pharaoh. Joseph is quickly summoned from the dungeon, cleaned up, and brought before the Egyptian ruler. When Pharaoh describes his dreams, Joseph humbly credits God as the source of dream interpretation and explains that both dreams carry the same divine message about Egypt's future.

Joseph reveals that the seven fat cows and full ears represent seven years of abundant harvests coming to Egypt, while the seven thin cows and scorched ears symbolize seven years of severe famine that will follow. He emphasizes that God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do, and the repetition of the dream in two forms indicates that this plan is firmly established and will happen soon. The coming famine will be so severe that it will consume all memory of the preceding abundance.

Recognizing the gravity of this revelation, Joseph boldly advises Pharaoh to find a wise administrator to oversee a systematic storage program during the seven years of plenty. This person should collect one-fifth of Egypt's harvest each year and store it in cities under Pharaoh's authority, creating reserves that will sustain the nation through the devastating famine to come.

Pharaoh and his officials are impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment. Pharaoh declares that, since God has revealed these things to Joseph, no one is more qualified to implement the plan. He appoints Joseph as second-in-command over all of Egypt, giving him his signet ring, fine clothing, and a gold chain as symbols of authority. Joseph, now thirty years old, is given an Egyptian name and marries Asenath, daughter of an Egyptian priest.

Genesis 41 concludes by describing the fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation. During the seven years of abundance, Joseph efficiently collects and stores grain throughout Egypt in quantities so vast they stop measuring it. He also has two sons during this period: Manasseh and Ephraim. When the seven years of famine begin as predicted, Joseph opens the storehouses and begins selling grain not only to the Egyptians but to people from surrounding nations who come to Egypt seeking relief from the widespread famine.