Genesis 41:27
Genesis 41:27 in Multiple Translations
Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine.
And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
And the seven lean and ill-favored kine that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind; they shall be seven years of famine.
The seven thin and poor-looking cows who came up after them are seven years; and the seven heads of grain, dry and wasted by the east wind, are seven years when there will be no food.
The seven skinny and ugly cows that came after them and the seven thin heads of grain dried by the east wind represent seven years of famine.
Likewise the seuen thinne and euilfauoured kine, that came out after them, are seuen yeeres: and the seuen emptie eares blasted with the East winde, are seuen yeeres of famine.
and the seven thin and bad kine which are coming up after them are seven years, and the seven empty ears, blasted with an east wind, are seven years of famine;
The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted with the east wind; they will be seven years of famine.
And the seven thin and ill-favored cows that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind will be seven years of famine.
And the seven lean and thin kine that came up after them, and the seven thin ears that were blasted with the burning wind, are seven years of famine to come:
The seven thin ugly cows that came up behind them and the seven worthless heads of grain that were dried up by the hot east wind each represent seven years ◄of famine/when food will be very scarce►.
Then Joseph said, “And you know those 7 ugly, skinny cows, those ones that came up from the river later on, they are like a picture of 7 dry years with no rain and no food plants growing. And you know those 7 small groups of seeds on the wheat plant. They were dry, because a hot dry wind blew on them. Well, they are like a picture of those 7 dry years too.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:27
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 41:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שֶׁ֣בַע
הַ֠/פָּרוֹת
הָֽ/רַקּ֨וֹת
וְ/הָ/רָעֹ֜ת
הָ/עֹלֹ֣ת
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֗ן
שֶׁ֤בַע
שָׁנִים֙
הֵ֔נָּה
וְ/שֶׁ֤בַע
הַֽ/שִׁבֳּלִים֙
הָ/רֵק֔וֹת
שְׁדֻפ֖וֹת
הַ/קָּדִ֑ים
יִהְי֕וּ
שֶׁ֖בַע
שְׁנֵ֥י
רָעָֽב
וְ/שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
הַ֠/פָּרוֹת
pârâh
H6510
heifer
Art | N-fp
הָֽ/רַקּ֨וֹת
raq
H7534
thin
Art | Adj
וְ/הָ/רָעֹ֜ת
raʻ
H7451
bad
Conj | Art | Adj
הָ/עֹלֹ֣ת
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Art | V-Qal
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֗ן
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
שֶׁ֤בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שָׁנִים֙
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
וְ/שֶׁ֤בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
הַֽ/שִׁבֳּלִים֙
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
Art | N-fp
הָ/רֵק֔וֹת
rêyq
H7386
worthless
Art | Adj
שְׁדֻפ֖וֹת
shâdaph
H7710
to scorch
V-Qal-Inf-c
הַ/קָּדִ֑ים
qâdîym
H6921
east
Art | N-ms
יִהְי֕וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
שֶׁ֖בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שְׁנֵ֥י
shâneh
H8141
year
Adj
רָעָֽב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:27
וְ/שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | 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.
הַ֠/פָּרוֹת
pârâh
H6510
"heifer"
Art | 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.
הָֽ/רַקּ֨וֹת
raq
H7534
"thin"
Art | Adj
Thin or lean describes something or someone that is emaciated or flattened out, often used to illustrate poverty or hunger.
Definition: adj thin, lean
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: lean(-fleshed), thin. See also: Genesis 41:19; Genesis 41:20; Genesis 41:27.
וְ/הָ/רָעֹ֜ת
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Conj | Art | 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.
הָ/עֹלֹ֣ת
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Art | 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.
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֗ן
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
שֶׁ֤בַע
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.
שָׁנִים֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
וְ/שֶׁ֤בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | 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/שִׁבֳּלִים֙
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.
הָ/רֵק֔וֹת
rêyq
H7386
"worthless"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word describes something that is empty or worthless, like an empty vessel or a person without value. It is used to emphasize the importance of being filled with purpose or meaning.
Definition: 1) empty, vain 1a) empty (of vessels) 1b) empty, idle, worthless (ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: emptied(-ty), vain (fellow, man). See also: Genesis 37:24; 2 Kings 4:3; Proverbs 12:11.
שְׁדֻפ֖וֹת
shâdaph
H7710
"to scorch"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to scorch or blast, like when a strong wind damages crops. It is used to describe the destruction of plants. In the Bible, it appears as a warning of God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to scorch, blight 1a) (Qal) scorched (of ears of corn) (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: blast. See also: Genesis 41:6; Genesis 41:23; Genesis 41:27.
הַ/קָּדִ֑ים
qâdîym
H6921
"east"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the direction east or the east wind, often used to describe geographical locations or the direction of the wind.
Definition: 1) east, east wind 1a) east (of direction) 1b) east wind
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: east(-ward, wind). See also: Genesis 41:6; Ezekiel 43:17; Psalms 48:8.
יִהְי֕וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שֶׁ֖בַע
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.
שְׁנֵ֥י
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Adj
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
רָעָֽב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
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.
27Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine.
28It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. 29Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 8:1 | Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed a seven-year famine, and it has already come to the land.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 24:19 | So David went up at the word of Gad, just as the LORD had commanded. |
Genesis 41:27 Summary
Genesis 41:27 explains that the seven thin, ugly cows and the seven worthless heads of grain represent seven years of famine. This means that after a time of great abundance, a severe famine will come, lasting for seven years. Just like God told Pharaoh about these events, He also guides us through the ups and downs of life (Psalm 23:4). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can face both abundance and scarcity with faith and confidence, knowing He is always in control (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the seven thin, ugly cows represent in Genesis 41:27?
The seven thin, ugly cows in Genesis 41:27 represent seven years of famine, as explained by Joseph to Pharaoh, emphasizing God's revelation of upcoming events (Genesis 41:25).
How does the east wind relate to the worthless heads of grain in this verse?
The east wind in Genesis 41:27 is likely a symbol of desolation or barrenness, underscoring the severity of the famine, much like the desolation described in other biblical accounts, such as Isaiah 27:8.
Is the repetition of 'seven years' in Genesis 41:27 significant?
Yes, the repetition of 'seven years' in Genesis 41:27 emphasizes the certainty and duration of both the abundance and the famine, highlighting God's sovereignty over all events, as seen in other biblical accounts like Jeremiah 25:11-12.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
Genesis 41:27 demonstrates God's sovereignty over human affairs, as He reveals His plans to Pharaoh through Joseph, illustrating His control over the forces of nature and the rise and fall of nations, as also seen in Daniel 4:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust God's sovereignty in my own life, especially during times of uncertainty?
- How does the contrast between abundance and famine in Genesis 41:27 relate to the spiritual seasons of my life?
- In what ways can I, like Joseph, be a vessel for God's revelation and wisdom to others?
- What are some practical ways I can prepare for spiritual or physical 'famines' in my life, based on the principles in Genesis 41:27?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:27
And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them [are] seven years,.... Signify other seven years, and these different from the former, as follows: and the seven empty ears blasted
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:27
The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Sermons on Genesis 41:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Elisha's Prediction of Evil by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Elisha and his prediction of evil. When Elisha first began his ministry, a woman recognized him as a man of God and provid |
|
Divine Direction by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on Divine Direction, using examples from the Bible to illustrate how individuals sought and followed God's guidance in their lives. The sermon emphasizes the im |