Genesis 41:5
Genesis 41:5 in Multiple Translations
but he fell back asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk.
And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
And he slept and dreamed a second time: and, behold, seven ears of grain came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
But he went to sleep again and had a second dream, in which he saw seven heads of grain, full and good, all on one stem.
Pharaoh fell asleep again and had a second dream. Seven heads of grain were growing on one stalk, ripe and healthy.
Againe he slept, and dreamed the second time: and beholde, seuen eares of corne grewe vpon one stalke, ranke and goodly.
And he sleepeth, and dreameth a second time, and lo, seven ears are coming up on one stalk, fat and good,
He slept and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good.
And he slept and dreamed the second time: and behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
He slept again, and dreamed another dream: Seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk full and fair:
The king went to sleep again, and he had another dream. This time he saw seven heads of grain that were full of kernels of grain and ripe, and all growing on one stalk.
Then Pharaoh went to sleep again, and he had another dream. In his dream, he saw a plant that grows seeds for food, called wheat. That wheat plant had 1 stick part, and on top were 7 groups of wheat seeds growing on it. Each group had lots of good big seeds.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:5
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 41:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּישָׁ֕ן
וַֽ/יַּחֲלֹ֖ם
שֵׁנִ֑ית
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
שֶׁ֣בַע
שִׁבֳּלִ֗ים
עֹל֛וֹת
בְּ/קָנֶ֥ה
אֶחָ֖ד
בְּרִיא֥וֹת
וְ/טֹבֽוֹת
וַ/יִּישָׁ֕ן
yâshên
H3462
to sleep
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַֽ/יַּחֲלֹ֖ם
châlam
H2492
be healthy
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שֵׁנִ֑ית
shênîy
H8145
second
Adj
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שִׁבֳּלִ֗ים
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
N-fp
עֹל֛וֹת
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal
בְּ/קָנֶ֥ה
qâneh
H7070
branch
Prep | N-ms
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
בְּרִיא֥וֹת
bârîyʼ
H1277
fat
Adj
וְ/טֹבֽוֹת
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:5
וַ/יִּישָׁ֕ן
yâshên
H3462
"to sleep"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means to sleep or be lazy, it also implies growing old or stale, as seen in the story of David's mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23:32. It can also mean to die or be in a deep sleep. This word is used to describe a state of inactivity.
Definition: 1) to sleep, be asleep 1a) (Qal) to sleep, go to sleep, be asleep 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to remain a long time, be stored up 1b2) to be festering (of leprosy) 1c) (Piel) to cause to sleep, entice to sleep
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Psalms 4:9; Psalms 3:6.
וַֽ/יַּחֲלֹ֖ם
châlam
H2492
"be healthy"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to dream, like in Genesis 37:5-10 where Joseph dreams about his future. It can also mean to recover or be in good health, as in Psalm 73:4.
Definition: 1) to be healthy, be strong 1a) (Qal) to be healthy 1b) (Hiphil) to restore to health
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) dream(-er), be in good liking, recover. See also: Genesis 28:12; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 126:1.
שֵׁנִ֑ית
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
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.
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.
שִׁבֳּלִ֗ים
shibbôl
H7641
"Shibboleth"
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.
עֹל֛וֹת
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.
בְּ/קָנֶ֥ה
qâneh
H7070
"branch"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes a branch or reed, and is used to represent measurement, strength, or support. In the Bible, it is used to describe objects like the rod of a steelyard or the branches of a lampstand.
Definition: : branch 1) reed, stalk, bone, balances 1a) stalk 1b) water-plant, reed 1c) calamus (aromatic reed) 1d) derived meanings 1d1) measuring-rod 1d2) reed (as unit of measure-6 cubits) 1d3) beam (of scales-for scales themselves) 1d4) shaft (of lampstand) 1d5) branches (of lampstand) 1d6) shoulder-joint
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. See also: Genesis 41:5; Isaiah 19:6; Psalms 68:31.
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
בְּרִיא֥וֹת
bârîyʼ
H1277
"fat"
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.
וְ/טֹבֽוֹת
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Conj | 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.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 41:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:5
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:5
- Sermons on Genesis 41:5
Context — The Dreams of Pharaoh
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,
5but he fell back asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk.
6After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind. 7And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 32:14 | with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine. |
Genesis 41:5 Summary
In Genesis 41:5, Pharaoh has a second dream, where seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, come up on one stalk, representing seven years of abundance, as seen in the interpretation of the dream in Genesis 41:26-27. This dream is a message from God, warning Pharaoh of the coming famine and giving him a chance to prepare, much like the principle found in Proverbs 22:3, where the prudent see danger and take refuge. Just as Pharaoh needed to understand and respond to his dreams, we too need to be attentive to God's voice and guidance in our lives, trusting in His sovereignty and providence, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, we can navigate life's challenges and uncertainties with confidence and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pharaoh have two dreams in a row?
The Lord often speaks to us in ways that are unmistakable, as seen in Pharaoh's dual dreams, to emphasize the importance of His message, much like the principle found in Deuteronomy 19:15, where two witnesses are required to confirm a matter.
What is the significance of the seven heads of grain in Pharaoh's dream?
The seven heads of grain represent seven years of abundance, as interpreted by Joseph in Genesis 41:26-27, which is a direct fulfillment of God's plan to provide for His people during times of scarcity, as promised in Genesis 41:29-30.
Is there any spiritual significance to Pharaoh falling back asleep and having a second dream?
Pharaoh's ability to fall back asleep and have another dream may indicate that God was gracious in giving him a second chance to understand and heed the warning, reflecting the Lord's patience and desire for all to come to repentance, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph in the Bible?
This verse is a pivotal part of the story of Joseph, as it sets the stage for his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his subsequent rise to power in Egypt, ultimately fulfilling God's plan to preserve the Israelites during a time of famine, as prophesied in Genesis 45:5-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking God's guidance, and how can I be more attentive to His voice, just as Pharaoh was given a second dream to understand God's message?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening, like the image of the thin heads of grain devouring the plump ones?
- In what ways can I be a vessel for God's message, just as Joseph was used to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and bring salvation to his people?
- What are some 'dreams' or visions that God has given me, and how can I take steps to fulfill them, even if they seem impossible or unlikely?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:5
And he slept, and dreamed the second time,.... He fell asleep again quickly, and dreamed another dream the same night, and to the same purpose, being much of the like kind with the former: and,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:5
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 41:5
Ears of corn are fit and proper resemblances of the thing here intended, both because the fertility of a land doth mainly consist in the abundance and goodness of these; and because ears of corn appearing to any in a dream, did, in the judgment of the Egyptian wise men, signify years, as Josephus notes.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:5
Genesis 41:5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.Ver. 5. And dreamed the second time.] Divine dreams use to be repeated, and to take deep impression, as this did. "Pharaoh’ s spirit was troubled"; Heb., behammered.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:5
(5) Seven ears . . . upon one stalk.—The wheat cultivated in Egypt is called triticum compositum, because it produces several ears upon the same stalk. The statement of Herodotus (ii. 36), that the Egyptians regarded it as disgraceful to feed upon wheat or barley, is disproved by the paintings in the temples, especially in the district of Thebes, which show that it was the main crop there, and its cultivation held in high honour. Maspero, Hist. Ancienne, p. 9, says, “In spite of Herodotus, the usual food of the people was wheat and other cereals, which the soil of Egypt produces in abundance.”
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:5
5. a second time] Here, as in Genesis 37:9 and Genesis 40:16, the duplication of the dream seems to place its significance beyond dispute. The resemblance of the dreams is found in (1) the number “seven”; (2) in the good products being consumed by the bad. The first dream was concerned with the sacred animal of Egypt; the second with Egypt’s chief source of wealth. rank] Heb. fat, i.e. rich and good.
Sermons on Genesis 41:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 41:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two dreams that Pharaoh had. In the first dream, Pharaoh sees seven years of abundant corn growing on one stalk, followed by seven years of th |