Genesis 41:24
Genesis 41:24 in Multiple Translations
And the thin heads of grain swallowed the seven plump ones. I told this dream to the magicians, but no one could explain it to me.”
And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
and the thin ears swallowed up the seven good ears: and I told it unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
And the seven thin heads made a meal of the seven good heads; and I put this dream before the wise men, but not one of them was able to give me the sense of it.
The seven thin heads of grain swallowed up the healthy ones. I told all this to the magicians, but none of them could explain its meaning to me.”
And the thinne eares deuoured the seuen good eares. Nowe I haue tolde the soothsayers, and none can declare it vnto me.
and the thin ears swallow the seven good ears; and I tell unto the scribes, and there is none declaring to me.'
The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads of grain. I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”
And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this to the magicians; but there was none that could explain it to me.
And they devoured the beauty of the former: I told this dream to the conjecturers, and there is no man that can expound it.
The thin heads of grain swallowed the seven good heads. I told these dreams to the magicians, but none of them could explain to me what they meant.”
Then those 7 groups of small dry seeds, they ate the 7 groups of good big seeds, like a person eats food. That was the end of my dream.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I talked to the men that can do magic, and I told them about those dreams that I had. But they don’t know what my dreams mean.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:24
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 41:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּבְלַ֨עְןָ֙
הָ/שִׁבֳּלִ֣ים
הַ/דַּקֹּ֔ת
אֵ֛ת
שֶׁ֥בַע
הַֽ/שִׁבֳּלִ֖ים
הַ/טֹּב֑וֹת
וָֽ/אֹמַר֙
אֶל
הַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּ֔ים
וְ/אֵ֥ין
מַגִּ֖יד
לִֽ/י
וַ/תִּבְלַ֨עְןָ֙
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הָ/שִׁבֳּלִ֣ים
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
Art | N-fp
הַ/דַּקֹּ֔ת
daq
H1851
thin
Art | Adj
אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֶׁ֥בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
הַֽ/שִׁבֳּלִ֖ים
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
Art | N-fp
הַ/טֹּב֑וֹת
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
וָֽ/אֹמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּ֔ים
charṭôm
H2748
magician
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מַגִּ֖יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:24
וַ/תִּבְלַ֨עְןָ֙
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
הָ/שִׁבֳּלִ֣ים
shibbôl
H7641
"Shibboleth"
Art | N-fp
Shibboleth is a Hebrew word that means a flowing stream or an ear of grain. It was also used as a password to distinguish between different groups of people, as in the story of the Gileadites and Ephraimites.
Definition: means: growing ear (of grain), flowing stream used as a password
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: branch, channel, ear (of corn), (water-)flood, Shibboleth. Compare H5451 (סִבֹּלֶת). See also: Genesis 41:5; Judges 12:6; Psalms 69:3.
הַ/דַּקֹּ֔ת
daq
H1851
"thin"
Art | Adj
Means thin or small, like a thin cloth or a gaunt person, used to describe something or someone as fragile or weak.
Definition: 1) thin, small, fine, gaunt 1a) thin 1b) small, fine
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: dwarf, lean(-fleshed), very little thing, small, thin. See also: Genesis 41:3; Exodus 16:14; Isaiah 29:5.
אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שֶׁ֥בַע
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.
הַֽ/שִׁבֳּלִ֖ים
shibbôl
H7641
"Shibboleth"
Art | N-fp
Shibboleth is a Hebrew word that means a flowing stream or an ear of grain. It was also used as a password to distinguish between different groups of people, as in the story of the Gileadites and Ephraimites.
Definition: means: growing ear (of grain), flowing stream used as a password
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: branch, channel, ear (of corn), (water-)flood, Shibboleth. Compare H5451 (סִבֹּלֶת). See also: Genesis 41:5; Judges 12:6; Psalms 69:3.
הַ/טֹּב֑וֹת
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וָֽ/אֹמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
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.
הַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּ֔ים
charṭôm
H2748
"magician"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a magician or astrologer who claims to have special knowledge of the stars and supernatural forces. Such individuals were known for drawing magical lines and circles to predict the future. They were often seen as having occult powers.
Definition: 1) diviner, magician, astrologer 1a) engraver, writer (only in derivative sense of one possessed of occult knowledge) Aramaic equivalent: char.tom (חַרְטֹם "magician" H2749)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: magician. See also: Genesis 41:8; Exodus 8:14; Daniel 2:2.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַגִּ֖יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 41:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
22In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, growing on a single stalk.
23After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind.
24And the thin heads of grain swallowed the seven plump ones. I told this dream to the magicians, but no one could explain it to me.”
25At this, Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. 26The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 4:7 | When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me. |
| 2 | Genesis 41:8 | In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. |
| 3 | Exodus 8:19 | “This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. |
Genesis 41:24 Summary
[Genesis 41:24 tells us about a dream where thin heads of grain swallowed the plump ones, signifying a time of hardship that would overshadow a period of abundance, similar to the principles found in Deuteronomy 28:38-40. This dream, as explained by Joseph, was a message from God about what was to come. It shows us that God is in control of everything, including the good and the bad times, as noted in Romans 11:33-36. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can face the future with faith, knowing He guides and provides for us, as seen in Acts 17:26.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the image of thin heads of grain swallowing the plump ones signify in Genesis 41:24?
This image signifies how a time of famine and hardship will consume and overshadow a period of abundance and prosperity, as explained further in Genesis 41:25-26 and supported by the principles found in Deuteronomy 28:38-40.
Why did Pharaoh tell his dream to the magicians if they couldn't interpret it?
Pharaoh sought the magicians' interpretation because, in those times, magicians and wise men were believed to have the ability to interpret dreams, as seen in Genesis 41:8, but ultimately, only God can provide true understanding, as noted in Daniel 2:27-28.
Is this dream a reflection of Pharaoh's personal life or something larger?
The dream, as interpreted by Joseph, reflects not just Pharaoh's personal life but a broader, national phenomenon affecting Egypt, indicating God's control over the affairs of nations, as seen in Isaiah 40:15-17 and Acts 17:26.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse illustrates God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to reveal the future to those He chooses, such as Joseph, highlighting His supreme control and wisdom, as emphasized in Romans 11:33-36 and Ephesians 1:11.
Reflection Questions
- How do I discern God's voice and guidance in my life, especially in times of uncertainty, based on the example of Joseph in Genesis 41?
- What are some areas in my life where I might be experiencing a 'famine' after a time of 'plenty', and how can I seek God's guidance and provision?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty over my life and the world around me, despite the challenges and mysteries that I face, as reflected in Genesis 41:24 and other scriptures?
- How does understanding the fulfillment of Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41 influence my faith and trust in God's ability to guide and provide for me?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:24
And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears,.... [See comments on Genesis 41:7]; and I told [this] unto the magicians; just in the same manner as he had to Joseph: but [there was] none that could
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:24
And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me. Devoured the seven rank and full ears.
Sermons on Genesis 41:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spirit and Soul by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity for believers to recognize their spirit, as it is the primary means through which God communicates with humanity. He explains that many Christ |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 8:1-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the eighth plague that God brought upon the land of Egypt, which was the infestation of frogs. God commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh and deman |
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When God Crashes the Party by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the story of Belshazzar in Daniel 5, highlighting the tragic dissipation and revelry at the royal feast, where intemperance, impropriety, impiety, and idolat |