Old Testament

Genesis 41:31

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, revealing that a time of great abundance in Egypt will be followed by a severe famine.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

"The abundance will not even be remembered because of the famine that follows, for it will be extremely severe."

KJVKing James Version

And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream, revealing that a time of great abundance in Egypt will be followed by a severe famine. The severity of the famine will be so intense that the memories of the previous plenty will fade away. This highlights the contrast between prosperity and hardship, emphasizing that times of plenty can quickly turn into times of need. The message serves as a warning to prepare for difficult times ahead, as the future can be unpredictable. The famine will be so grievous that it will overshadow the memories of the good times, illustrating the impact of hardship on people's lives. This verse underscores the importance of recognizing and preparing for the cycles of abundance and scarcity in life, reminding us that we should not take good times for granted, as they can be fleeting.

How to apply Genesis 41:31 to your life

This verse encourages us to prepare for difficult times during periods of abundance. It reminds us to be wise with our resources and to plan for the future, as circumstances can change unexpectedly. By being proactive, we can navigate life's ups and downs more effectively.

Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Genesis 41:31 mean?

Genesis 41:31 means that the severe famine following a time of abundance will be so intense that people will forget the previous prosperity. It highlights the unpredictability of life and the importance of preparing for future hardships.

What is the significance of famine in Genesis 41:31?

The famine in Genesis 41:31 signifies a drastic change from plenty to scarcity, illustrating how quickly circumstances can shift. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the cycles of abundance and hardship in life.

How does Genesis 41:31 relate to preparation?

Genesis 41:31 relates to preparation by emphasizing the need to plan for difficult times during periods of abundance. It encourages wise management of resources to better navigate future challenges.

What is the main message of Genesis 41:31?

The main message of Genesis 41:31 is that times of plenty can quickly turn into times of need, and the severity of future hardships can overshadow past blessings. It warns against taking good times for granted.

The Book of Genesis
Book Summary

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.

Premium

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

Best value • Save over 90%

or

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.