Genesis 41:7
Genesis 41:7 in Multiple Translations
And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream.
And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
And the thin ears swallowed up the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
And the seven thin heads made a meal of the good heads. And when Pharaoh was awake he saw it was a dream.
The seven thin and dried heads of grain swallowed up the ripe and healthy ones. Then Pharaoh woke up and realized he'd been dreaming.
And the thinne eares deuoured the seuen ranke and full eares. then Pharaoh awaked, and loe, it was a dreame.
and the thin ears swallow the seven fat and full ears — and Pharaoh awaketh, and lo, a dream.
The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream.
And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream.
And devoured all the beauty of the former. Pharao awaked after his rest:
Then the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven ripe full heads. Then the king woke up. He realized that he had been dreaming.
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 Pharaoh’s dream, and he thought it was real. Then he woke up, and he knew that it was a dream.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:7
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 41:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּבְלַ֨עְנָה֙
הַ/שִּׁבֳּלִ֣ים
הַ/דַּקּ֔וֹת
אֵ֚ת
שֶׁ֣בַע
הַֽ/שִּׁבֳּלִ֔ים
הַ/בְּרִיא֖וֹת
וְ/הַ/מְּלֵא֑וֹת
וַ/יִּיקַ֥ץ
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
חֲלֽוֹם
וַ/תִּבְלַ֨עְנָה֙
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הַ/שִּׁבֳּלִ֣ים
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
Art | N-fp
הַ/דַּקּ֔וֹת
daq
H1851
thin
Art | Adj
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
הַֽ/שִּׁבֳּלִ֔ים
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
Art | N-fp
הַ/בְּרִיא֖וֹת
bârîyʼ
H1277
fat
Art | Adj
וְ/הַ/מְּלֵא֑וֹת
mâlêʼ
H4392
full
Conj | Art | Adj
וַ/יִּיקַ֥ץ
yâqats
H3364
to awake
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
חֲלֽוֹם
chălôwm
H2472
dream
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:7
וַ/תִּבְלַ֨עְנָה֙
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.
הַ/שִּׁבֳּלִ֣ים
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/דַּקּ֔וֹת
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.
אֵ֚ת
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.
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.
הַֽ/שִּׁבֳּלִ֔ים
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/בְּרִיא֖וֹת
bârîyʼ
H1277
"fat"
Art | 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/הַ/מְּלֵא֑וֹת
mâlêʼ
H4392
"full"
Conj | Art | Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
וַ/יִּיקַ֥ץ
yâqats
H3364
"to awake"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
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.
חֲלֽוֹם
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Dreams of Pharaoh
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.
8In 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. 9Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:5 | Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. |
| 2 | Genesis 20:3 | One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” |
Genesis 41:7 Summary
In Genesis 41:7, we see that the thin heads of grain swallow up the plump, ripe ones, representing the coming famine in Egypt. This dream is a warning to Pharaoh and the people of Egypt to prepare for the hard times ahead, as seen in Genesis 41:30. Just like Pharaoh, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when things seem uncertain or scary (Psalm 23:4). By looking to God and trusting in His goodness, we can face the challenges of life with confidence and hope, knowing that He is always with us (Genesis 28:15).
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the thin heads of grain represent in this dream?
The thin heads of grain likely represent the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, as described in Genesis 41:30, swallowing up the abundance of the previous seven years of plenty, as seen in Genesis 41:29.
Why did Pharaoh have two dreams with similar meanings?
God often uses repetition to emphasize the importance of a message, as seen in Genesis 41:32, where it is written that the repetition of the dream indicates that the thing is established by God and God will soon bring it to pass.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's immediate realization that it was a dream?
Pharaoh's realization that it was a dream suggests that he was aware of the spiritual realm and the possibility of divine communication through dreams, as seen in Job 33:15, where it is written that God speaks to people in dreams and visions.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph in Egypt?
This verse is a crucial part of the story of Joseph, as it sets the stage for Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his subsequent rise to power in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:37-45.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am experiencing abundance, and how can I prepare for potential times of scarcity?
- How do I respond when God speaks to me through dreams or visions, and what can I learn from Pharaoh's example?
- What are some ways that God uses repetition to emphasize important messages in my life, and how can I be more attentive to these messages?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in times of uncertainty or hardship, as seen in Genesis 41:7?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:7
And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears,.... So it appeared to Pharaoh in his dream, which must be very amazing to behold, and unaccountable how it should be: and Pharaoh awoke,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:7
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 41:7
Not a real thing, as Pharaoh in his sleep imagined it to be. Heb. Behold the dream, i.e. the dream did not vanish, as dreams commonly do, but was fixed in his mind, and he could not shake it off; by which he saw that it was no common or natural, but a Divine and significant dream.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:7
Genesis 41:7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, [it was] a dream.Ver. 7. Behold, it was a dream.] That is, It was but a dream, and no more; yet a divine dream: whereof,
Sermons on Genesis 41:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:7-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dreams of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph had two dreams where his family members, including his parents and brothers, bowed dow |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 37th chapter of the book of Genesis, which introduces the story of Joseph. The preacher explains that there is more emphasis on Joseph t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:12-39:10 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Joseph's perspective in the story. He highlights Joseph's refusal to engage in wickedness, even though it may |
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Emblems From the Story of Joseph by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the life of Joseph as a profound example of faith and suffering, drawing parallels between Joseph's experiences and those of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes Josep |
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When God Speaks Discerning His Voice by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need to discern God's voice amidst the chaos of competing influences in our lives. He illustrates this through the biblical accounts of Abraha |
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When God Speaks Discerning the Voice of God - Genesis 20 22 by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning the voice of God amidst the noise of life, urging believers to cultivate a spiritual appetite through obedience to God's Word. |
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On Dreaming by John Newton | John Newton delves into the mysterious world of dreams, highlighting how our minds continue to work even as our bodies rest, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection. He emphasizes |