Old Testament
Genesis 41:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"The thin, ugly cows ate the first seven fat cows."
Compare translations
And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:
What Genesis 41:20 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Pharaoh's Dreams (Genesis 41:1–36)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 41:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 41:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.