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Genesis 41:21

Genesis 41:21 in Multiple Translations

When they had devoured them, however, no one could tell that they had done so; their appearance was as ugly as it had been before. Then I awoke.

And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

and when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

And even with the fat cows inside them they seemed as bad as before. And so I came out of my sleep.

But afterwards you couldn't tell they'd eaten them because they looked just as skinny and ugly as before. Then I woke up.

And when they had eaten them vp, it could not be knowen that they had eaten them, but they were still as euilfauoured, as they were at the beginning: so did I awake.

and they come in unto their midst, and it hath not been known that they have come in unto their midst, and their appearance [is] bad as at the commencement; and I awake.

and when they had eaten them up, it couldn’t be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

And yet gave no mark of their being full: but were as lean and ill favoured as before. I awoke, and then fell asleep again,

But afterwards, no one would have known that the thin cows ate them, because they were just as ugly as they were before. Then I woke up.

But after that, those ugly, skinny cows looked just the same as before. They were still very ugly and skinny, even though they ate those fat cows. That was the end of my dream, and I woke up.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:21

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 41:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תָּבֹ֣אנָה אֶל קִרְבֶּ֗/נָה וְ/לֹ֤א נוֹדַע֙ כִּי בָ֣אוּ אֶל קִרְבֶּ֔/נָה וּ/מַרְאֵי/הֶ֣ן רַ֔ע כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֑ה וָ/אִיקָֽץ
וַ/תָּבֹ֣אנָה bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
קִרְבֶּ֗/נָה qereb H7130 entrails N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
נוֹדַע֙ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj
בָ֣אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
קִרְבֶּ֔/נָה qereb H7130 entrails N-ms | Suff
וּ/מַרְאֵי/הֶ֣ן marʼeh H4758 appearance Conj | N-ms | Suff
רַ֔ע raʻ H7451 bad Adj
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֑ה tᵉchillâh H8462 beginning Prep | N-fs
וָ/אִיקָֽץ yâqats H3364 to awake Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:21

וַ/תָּבֹ֣אנָה bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
קִרְבֶּ֗/נָה qereb H7130 "entrails" N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נוֹדַע֙ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָ֣אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
קִרְבֶּ֔/נָה qereb H7130 "entrails" N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
וּ/מַרְאֵי/הֶ֣ן marʼeh H4758 "appearance" Conj | N-ms | Suff
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.
רַ֔ע raʻ H7451 "bad" Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֑ה tᵉchillâh H8462 "beginning" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.
וָ/אִיקָֽץ yâqats H3364 "to awake" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to wake up or become active, and is used in the Bible to describe someone awakening from sleep. It is translated as 'awake' in the KJV.
Definition: (Qal) to awake, awaken, become active
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be) awake(-d). See also: Genesis 9:24; Judges 16:14; Psalms 78:65.

Study Notes — Genesis 41:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 3:3 “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
2 Psalms 37:19 In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.
3 Revelation 10:9–10 And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it; and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter.
4 Isaiah 9:20 They carve out what is on the right, but they are still hungry; they eat what is on the left, but they are still not satisfied. Each one devours the flesh of his own offspring.

Genesis 41:21 Summary

Genesis 41:21 is a part of a dream that Pharaoh had, where seven ugly cows ate seven well-fed cows, but still looked ugly. This dream was given to Pharaoh by God, and it signified a time of great abundance followed by a time of great scarcity. Just like the ugly cows, the years of famine would consume all the resources of the years of plenty, and the outward appearance of scarcity would still remain (as seen in Genesis 41:23). We can learn from this verse to trust in God's sovereignty, just like Joseph did, and to prepare for the future, even when the present seems uncertain, as encouraged in Proverbs 21:5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the dream of Pharaoh in Genesis 41:21 signify?

The dream signifies a time of great abundance followed by a time of great scarcity, as seen in the ugly cows devouring the well-fed cows, symbolizing how the years of plenty will be forgotten in the years of famine, as mentioned in Genesis 41:30.

Why did the ugly cows still appear ugly after devouring the well-fed cows in Genesis 41:21?

This could signify that even though the years of famine may consume all the resources of the years of plenty, the outward appearance of scarcity and lack will still remain, as also seen in the withered heads of grain in Genesis 41:23.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Genesis 41?

Genesis 41:21 is part of a larger narrative where God gives Pharaoh a dream that only Joseph can interpret, highlighting Joseph's role in storing up food during the seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine, as stated in Genesis 41:34-36.

What does Genesis 41:21 teach us about God's sovereignty?

This verse teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of nations and the cycles of nature, as seen in the dream given to Pharaoh, and that He raises up leaders like Joseph to guide His people through times of abundance and scarcity, as promised in Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I have experienced a time of abundance, only to be followed by a time of scarcity, and how can I learn from those experiences?
  2. How can I, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and prepare for the future, even when the present seems uncertain?
  3. What are some ways that I can store up spiritual 'food' during times of abundance, so that I can be nourished during times of scarcity, as encouraged in Matthew 6:20?
  4. How can I apply the lessons of Genesis 41:21 to my own life, trusting in God's providence and guidance, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:21

And when they had eaten them up,.... Or "were come into their bowels" (k), into their inward parts, their bellies, being swallowed and devoured by them: it could not be known that they had eaten

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:21

And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:21

They seemed to be neither fatter in the flesh, nor fuller in their bodies. As many times in famine men eat much, but are not satisfied, because God withdraws his blessing from it, by which alone it is that meat nourisheth us.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:21

Genesis 41:21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they [were] still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke. Ver. 21.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:21

Verse 21. And when they had eaten them up, c.] Nothing can more powerfully mark the excess and severity of the famine than creatures of the beeve or of the hippopotamus kind eating each other, and yet without any effect remaining as lean and as wretched as they were before. A sense of want increases the appetite, and stimulates the digestive powers to unusual action; hence the concoction of the food becomes very rapid, and it is hurried through the intestines before its nutritive particles can be sufficiently absorbed; and thus, though much is eaten, very little nourishment is derived from it. And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. A most nervous and physically correct description.

Sermons on Genesis 41:21

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 41:21-32 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream as described in the book of Genesis. The dream consists of two parts: the first part involves seven he
George Warnock Wynne Prison - Part 3 by George Warnock In this sermon, Brother George emphasizes the importance of recognizing our needs as God's people. He refers to Luke 4:17, where Jesus reads from the book of Isaiah and proclaims h
Les Wheeldon Gifts of the Spirit - Part 2 (Rora 2003) by Les Wheeldon In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of knowing the subject and purpose of one's speech. He then delves into the topic of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, emphasizin
Ray Lowe (February 1987) 01 - Arise and Measure the Temple by Ray Lowe In this sermon, the preacher talks about a revolution that is taking place in the country, which will be followed by a revival. He shares a story about a preacher in 1964 who exper
A.W. Tozer Nothing but Sweetness by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dual nature of God's Word, which is both sweet and bitter. While it brings delight and nourishment to believers, sharing it with those who reject it can l

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