Old Testament
Genesis 41:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream, where seven thin and ugly cows consume seven healthy and fat cows.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"The thin, ugly cows ate the first seven fat cows."
And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream, where seven thin and ugly cows consume seven healthy and fat cows. This imagery symbolizes a coming famine in Egypt. The thin cows represent the years of scarcity that will follow the years of abundance represented by the fat cows. The dream serves as a warning to Pharaoh about the need to prepare for the future by storing grain during the years of plenty. This moment is crucial as it highlights God's ability to reveal future events through dreams, emphasizing the importance of heeding divine messages. The stark contrast between the healthy and unhealthy cows illustrates the severity of the upcoming famine, making it clear that the years of plenty will be followed by significant hardship. Joseph's interpretation not only demonstrates his wisdom but also sets the stage for his rise to power in Egypt as he advises Pharaoh on how to manage the impending crisis.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 41:20 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of being prepared for difficult times, especially after experiencing periods of abundance. It encourages us to plan wisely and take action when we see signs of potential challenges ahead, trusting in God's guidance.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 41:20 mean?
Genesis 41:20 describes a dream interpreted by Joseph, where seven thin cows consume seven fat cows. This symbolizes a coming famine in Egypt, indicating that years of abundance will be followed by years of scarcity.
What is the significance of the cows in Genesis 41:20?
The cows in Genesis 41:20 represent two contrasting periods: the fat cows symbolize years of plenty, while the thin cows represent the impending years of famine. This imagery highlights the need for preparation during times of abundance.
What does the phrase 'thin and ugly cows' mean in Genesis 41:20?
The phrase 'thin and ugly cows' refers to the cows that symbolize the upcoming years of scarcity and hardship. Their consumption of the fat cows illustrates the severity of the famine that will follow the years of plenty.
How does Genesis 41:20 relate to leadership?
Genesis 41:20 highlights the importance of wise leadership in times of abundance, as Joseph advises Pharaoh to prepare for the upcoming famine. This demonstrates the need for foresight and planning in leadership roles.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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