Genesis 41:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it [shall be] very grievous.

Complete Jewish Bible:

and the abundance will not be known in the land because of the famine that will follow, because it will be truly terrible.

Berean Standard Bible:

The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe.

American Standard Version:

and the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine which followeth; for it shall be very grievous.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the plenty^{H7647} shall not be known^{H3045} in the land^{H776} by reason^{H6440} of that famine^{H7458} following^{{H310}{H3651}}; for it shall be very^{H3966} grievous^{H3515}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 41:31

**Themes:**
- **Divine Providence:** The verse reflects the theme of God's providence, as it is part of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, which foretells a period of abundance followed by severe famine. This divine foresight allows for preparation and ultimately the preservation of lives.
- **Wisdom and Foresight:** Joseph's ability to interpret the dream and plan for the future demonstrates the importance of wisdom and foresight in leadership and governance.
- **Cycles of Plenty and Scarcity:** The verse highlights the natural cycles of plenty and scarcity, which are common themes throughout the Bible, symbolizing the ebb and flow of human fortune and the need for prudent management of resources.

**Historical Context:**
- **Set in Egypt:** The events take place in ancient Egypt, where Joseph, a Hebrew, has been sold into slavery but rises to a position of power due to his ability to interpret dreams.
- **Joseph's Rise to Power:** At this point in the narrative, Joseph has interpreted Pharaoh's dreams of seven fat cows followed by seven lean cows, and seven healthy ears of grain followed by seven thin ears, as a prophecy of seven years of plenty to be followed by seven years of famine.
- **Preparation for Famine:** Pharaoh has recognized Joseph's wisdom and put him in charge of gathering and storing grain during the years of abundance to prepare for the years of famine.
- **Economic Planning:** The verse underscores the importance of economic planning and food security, as Joseph advises that the abundance will be forgotten during the famine, emphasizing the need to save during the plentiful years.

In summary, Genesis 41:31 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates the themes of divine providence, wisdom in governance, and the cyclical nature of human experiences, set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt where Joseph's God-given abilities enable him to save the nation and the surrounding regions from the ravages of a great famine.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7647
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׂבָע
   Transliteration: sâbâʻ
   Pronunciation: saw-baw'
   Description: from שָׂבַע; copiousness; abundance, plenteous(-ness, -ly).
   
2. Strong's Number: H3045
   There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָדַע
   Transliteration: yâdaʻ
   Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
   Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); 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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H776
   There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶרֶץ
   Transliteration: ʼerets
   Pronunciation: eh'-rets
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7458
   There are 88 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָעָב
   Transliteration: râʻâb
   Pronunciation: raw-awb'
   Description: from רָעֵב; hunger (more or less extensive); dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger.
   
6. Strong's Number: H310
   There are 766 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַחַר
   Transliteration: ʼachar
   Pronunciation: akh-ar'
   Description: from אָחַר; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses); 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.
   
7. Strong's Number: H3651
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כֵּן
   Transliteration: kên
   Pronunciation: kane
   Description: from כּוּן; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and relation; often with other particles); [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you.
   
8. Strong's Number: H3966
   There are 278 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מְאֹד
   Transliteration: mᵉʼôd
   Pronunciation: meh-ode'
   Description: from the same as אוּד; properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or superlative; especially when repeated); diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well.
   
9. Strong's Number: H3515
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּבֵד
   Transliteration: kâbêd
   Pronunciation: kaw-bade'
   Description: from כָּבַד; heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid); (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick.