What meaning did Joseph's dreams have?

• A. He would be a king over Egypt right away
• B. He would rule over his brothers as a shepherd
• C. He would travel across many lands
• D. He would be a great ruler someday; his family would bow down to him

Answer: (D)

The dreams show a future role of leadership for Joseph and a display of honor from his family. In the first dream, his brothers’ bows to his sheaf signal that someday he would stand in a position of authority over them. In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him point to his father and brothers giving him reverence and recognizing his prominent role. These visions aren’t about happening immediately; they look ahead to a time when Joseph would be a great ruler and his family would bow down to him. That’s why the meaning is that he would be a great ruler someday and his family would bow to him.