Dreams & Symbolism
What did Joseph’s brothers’ sheaves of grain do in his dream?
They bowed down to Joseph’s sheaf.
Who was Joseph’s father?
Jacob.
What special gift did Jacob give Joseph that made his brothers jealous?
A special robe (coat of many colors).
What does the image of seven healthy heads of grain represent?
Seven years of abundance.
Did Joseph’s brothers like his dreams?
No.
What did the sun, moon, and 11 stars represent in Joseph’s dream?
The sun = Jacob, the moon = his mother, the 11 stars = his brothers.
Which brother tried to save Joseph from being killed?
Reuben.
Where did Joseph’s brothers throw him before selling him?
Into a pit (cistern).
What does the image of seven thin, scorched heads of grain represent?
Seven years of famine.
Did Joseph gain freedom right after interpreting the cupbearer’s dream?
No.
Pharaoh dreamed of seven fat cows and seven thin cows. What did this symbolize?
Seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.
Name one trait Joseph showed in Potiphar’s house.
Faithfulness (he resisted Potiphar’s wife).
Who bought Joseph in Egypt?
Potiphar, an Egyptian officer.
Name one image from Genesis 40 that Joseph interpreted.
The cupbearer’s vine with three branches (restoration) OR the baker’s baskets of bread (execution).
Did Pharaoh laugh at Joseph’s interpretation of his dreams?
No.
Whose dream showed restoration, and whose dream showed death in prison?
The cupbearer’s dream = restoration; the baker’s dream = death.
Name two traits Joseph showed in prison.
Responsible and trustworthy.
Why did Joseph go to prison?
He was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife.
Why is imagery important in dreams?
It reveals deeper meaning through vivid pictures or symbols.
Did Reuben suggest killing Joseph?
No (he wanted to save him).
Define symbolism in literature and give one example from Joseph’s story.
Symbolism is when an object, image, or event represents a deeper meaning. Example: Joseph’s brothers’ sheaves bowing = their future submission to him.
Who was Joseph sold to when he arrived in Egypt?
Potiphar.
What position did Pharaoh give Joseph after he interpreted the dreams?
Second-in-command of Egypt (vizier/ruler).
Complete this: “Imagery is when an author uses ______ to create a picture in the reader’s mind.”
Descriptive language (words, details).
Did Pharaoh make Joseph second-in-command of Egypt?
Yes.