Old Testament
Genesis 41:30
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 dreams, revealing that after seven years of plenty, Egypt will face seven years of severe famine.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"But after them, seven years of famine will follow, and all the abundance will be forgotten in Egypt. The famine will devastate the land."
And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, revealing that after seven years of plenty, Egypt will face seven years of severe famine. The abundance experienced during the good years will be completely overshadowed by the hardships of the famine. This prophecy highlights the importance of preparation and foresight, as the land will suffer greatly, and the people will forget the times of plenty due to the overwhelming nature of the famine. The message serves as a warning about the cyclical nature of prosperity and adversity, emphasizing that one must be ready for difficult times even when things seem to be going well. The famine will not only affect food supplies but will also have a profound impact on the economy and society as a whole, leading to widespread suffering and loss.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 41:30 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of being prepared for difficult times, even when life is good. We should save and plan for the future, recognizing that circumstances can change rapidly. By being proactive, we can better navigate challenges and support others during tough periods.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 41:30 mean?
Genesis 41:30 means that after a period of seven years of abundance in Egypt, there will be seven years of famine that will erase the memory of the good times. This verse emphasizes the need for preparation during prosperous times to face future hardships.
What is the significance of famine in Genesis 41:30?
The famine in Genesis 41:30 signifies a time of severe scarcity and hardship that will follow a season of plenty. It serves as a warning about the cyclical nature of prosperity and adversity, highlighting the importance of being prepared.
What does 'abundance will be forgotten' mean in Genesis 41:30?
'Abundance will be forgotten' means that the hardships of the coming famine will overshadow the previous years of plenty, leading people to forget their good fortune due to the severity of their suffering.
How can we apply Genesis 41:30 to our lives?
We can apply Genesis 41:30 by recognizing the importance of planning and saving during good times to prepare for potential future difficulties. This proactive approach helps us navigate challenges and support others in need.
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.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.