Genesis 41:2
Genesis 41:2 in Multiple Translations
when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.
And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.
And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, well-favored and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass.
And out of the Nile came seven cows, good-looking and fat, and their food was the river-grass.
He saw seven cows coming up from the river. They looked well-fed and healthy as they grazed among the reeds.
And loe, there came out of the riuer seuen goodly kine and fatfleshed, and they fedde in a medowe:
and lo, from the River coming up are seven kine, of fair appearance, and fat [in] flesh, and they feed among the reeds;
Behold, seven cattle came up out of the river. They were sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass.
And behold, there came up out of the river seven well-favored cows and fat-fleshed; and they fed in a meadow.
Out of which came up seven kine, very beautiful and fat: and they fed in marshy places.
Suddenly seven healthy fat cows come up out of the river. They started eating the grass that was on the riverbank.
and he saw 7 cows coming up from the river. Those 7 cows were good-looking and fat, and they started to eat the long grass that was beside the river.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 41:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
מִן
הַ/יְאֹ֗ר
עֹלֹת֙
שֶׁ֣בַע
פָּר֔וֹת
יְפ֥וֹת
מַרְאֶ֖ה
וּ/בְרִיאֹ֣ת
בָּשָׂ֑ר
וַ/תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה
בָּ/אָֽחוּ
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/יְאֹ֗ר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
stream
Art | N-proper
עֹלֹת֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
פָּר֔וֹת
pârâh
H6510
heifer
N-fp
יְפ֥וֹת
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
מַרְאֶ֖ה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
N-ms
וּ/בְרִיאֹ֣ת
bârîyʼ
H1277
fat
Conj | Adj
בָּשָׂ֑ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
וַ/תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
בָּ/אָֽחוּ
ʼâchûw
H260
meadow
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:2
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/יְאֹ֗ר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
"stream"
Art | N-proper
A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.
Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.
עֹלֹת֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
פָּר֔וֹת
pârâh
H6510
"heifer"
N-fp
A heifer is a young female cow, and this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe such an animal. In Exodus 29:1, a heifer is used as a sacrifice, and in Numbers 19:2, it is used for purification. It is an important animal in biblical times.
Definition: cow, heifer
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cow, heifer, kine. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 19:6; Isaiah 11:7.
יְפ֥וֹת
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
מַרְאֶ֖ה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
וּ/בְרִיאֹ֣ת
bârîyʼ
H1277
"fat"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this word means 'fat' or 'plump', describing something or someone that is well-fed and healthy. It is used to describe animals and people, like in the story of the fat calf in Luke 15:27.
Definition: 1) fat 2) (TWOT) fat, fatter, fed, firm, plenteous, rank Also means: ber.yah (בִּרְיָה "fat" H1274)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fat ((fleshed), -ter), fed, firm, plenteous, rank. See also: Genesis 41:2; Judges 3:17; Psalms 73:4.
בָּשָׂ֑ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
וַ/תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
בָּ/אָֽחוּ
ʼâchûw
H260
"meadow"
Prep | N-ms
A meadow refers to a field of grass or reeds, particularly those found near the Nile River. In the Bible, it is often translated as flag or meadow, describing a lush, grassy area.
Definition: reeds, marsh plants, rushes
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: flag, meadow. See also: Genesis 41:2; Genesis 41:18; Job 8:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 41:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
Context — The Dreams of Pharaoh
1After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile,
2when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.
3After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river. 4And the cows that were sickly and thin devoured the seven sleek, well-fed cows. Then Pharaoh woke up,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 19:6 | The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will trickle and dry up; the reeds and rushes will wither. |
Genesis 41:2 Summary
Genesis 41:2 describes a part of Pharaoh's dream where seven cows come up from the river and start eating among the reeds. These cows are special because they are sleek and well-fed, showing God's abundance and provision (as seen in Psalm 23:1-2). Just like how these cows found food among the reeds, God can provide for us in unexpected places, even in difficult times (like in Isaiah 43:19). This verse reminds us to trust in God's goodness and provision, just as Joseph trusted God to interpret Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the seven cows in Genesis 41:2?
The seven cows represent a period of prosperity and abundance, as seen in the fact that they are sleek and well-fed, much like the seven years of plenty in Genesis 41:29. This is a symbol of God's provision and blessing.
Why did the cows come up from the river in Genesis 41:2?
The cows came up from the river to graze among the reeds, symbolizing how God's blessings can arise from unexpected places, as seen in Isaiah 43:19 where God makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
What can we learn from the description of the cows as 'sleek and well-fed' in Genesis 41:2?
The description of the cows as 'sleek and well-fed' teaches us about the abundance and prosperity that God can provide, as stated in Psalm 23:1-2, where God leads us to green pastures and still waters, restoring our souls.
How does this verse relate to Pharaoh's dream in the context of Genesis 41?
This verse is part of Pharaoh's dream, which was given to him by God to reveal the future, as seen in Genesis 41:1, where Pharaoh had a dream that he could not understand, and God used Joseph to interpret it, as mentioned in Genesis 41:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have experienced God's abundance and prosperity, like the seven sleek and well-fed cows?
- How can I trust God to provide for me in times of scarcity, just as the cows came up from the river to graze among the reeds?
- What are some 'reeds' or challenges in my life that I need to trust God to help me navigate, so I can graze in the abundance of His provision?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to others, just as the seven cows were a symbol of God's blessing to Pharaoh and his people?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:2
And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine, and fatfleshed,.... Seven cows or heifers, sleek, fat, and plump, goodly to look at; these seemed in the dream, as if they came
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:2
And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
This suits well with the nature of the thing, for both the fruitfulness and the barrenness of Egypt depended, under God, upon the increase or diminution of the waters of that river. Kine, when they appeared in dreams, did portend, in the opinion of the learned Egyptians, the years or times to come, and them either good or bad, according to their quality.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.Ver. 2. There came up out of the river] Nile; which, by overflowing, fatteneth the plain of Egypt, filling it with fruits; and so fitly deciphering the seven years of plenty. So far as this river watereth, there is a black mould so fruitful, that they do but throw in the seed, and have four rich harvests in less than four months, say travellers. Mercer. Blunt’ s Voyage, p. 37.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
(2) Kine.—The cow was regarded by the Egyptians as the symbol of the earth, and of agriculture; and naturally both the kine and the ears of wheat rose out of the river, because as no rain falls in Egypt, its fertility entirely depends upon the overflow of the Nile. The cows sacred to Isis were seven in number, and in a copy of the Ritual of the Dead, Mr. Malan (p. 192) found a picture of the seven sacred cows with the divine bull. In a meadow.—Heb., in the marsh-grass. The word occurs only in this chapter and in Job 8:11, where it is translated flag. It is the name of the rank herbage which grows luxuriantly along the banks of the Nile; or, as some think, of one special kind of marsh-grass, called by botanists cyperus esculentus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
Verse 2. There came up out of the river seven well-favoured kine] This must certainly refer to the hippopotamus or river horse, as the circumstances of coming up out of the river and feeding in the field characterize that animal alone. The hippopotamus is the well-known inhabitant of the Nile, and frequently by night comes out of the river to feed in the fields, or in the sedge by the river side.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:2
2. out of the river] The Nile is the source of the fertility and wealth of Egypt. The cows issuing from the Nile would be a symbol of fertility. The Egyptian goddess Hathor is represented with the head of a cow. seven kine] The number “seven” is commonly employed for the purposes of symbolism. The god Osiris is represented in Egyptian drawings as an ox accompanied by seven cows. reed-grass] The Heb. word aḥ ?u transliterates the Egyptian aḥ ?u, or iḥ ?i. It is found also in Genesis 41:18; Job 8:11; Hosea 13:15. LXX ἄχει, which occurs also in Isaiah 19:7; Sir 40:16. Jerome, commenting on Isaiah 19:7, explains ἄχει as quicquid in palude virens nascitur. The word, derived from a root meaning “green,” is applied to the Nile reed-grass whose vivid green, under that bright sky, strikes every traveller in Egypt1[58] [58] “Pro junco papyrum transtulerunt LXX, de quo charta fit, addentes de suo Achi, viride, quod in Hebraeo non habetur. Cumque ab eruditis quaererem, quid hic sermo significaret, audivi ab Aegyptiis hoc nomine lingua eorum quicquid in palude virens nascitur appellari” (Comm. in Esai, § 291).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:2
2. Seven well favoured kine — Hebrews, seven heifers beautiful in appearance. “The Egyptians esteemed the cow above all other animals. It was sacred to Isis, (Herod.