Genesis 41:47

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

Complete Jewish Bible:

During the seven years of abundance, the earth brought forth heaps of produce.

Berean Standard Bible:

During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully.

American Standard Version:

And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And in the seven^{H7651} plenteous^{H7647} years^{H8141} the earth^{H776} brought forth^{H6213} by handfuls^{H7062}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 41:47

Genesis 41:47 is part of the narrative concerning Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was sold into slavery in Egypt. The verse is set within the larger context of a story that spans Genesis 37-50. This period in Joseph's life is marked by his rise to power in Egypt after interpreting Pharaoh's dreams about seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.

**Themes:**

1. **Divine Providence:** The narrative emphasizes God's providential care for Joseph and, by extension, for the nation of Israel. Joseph's ability to interpret dreams is portrayed as a gift from God, and his rise to power is seen as part of a divine plan to preserve the Israelite family during the famine.

2. **Wisdom and Administration:** Joseph's wise management of resources during the seven years of plenty, as mentioned in the verse, showcases his administrative skills. He collects and stores grain, preparing Egypt for the years of famine that follow. This theme highlights the importance of foresight, planning, and good governance.

3. **God's Sovereignty over Nature:** The seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine reflect the idea that God has control over nature and can use natural events to fulfill divine purposes.

4. **Redemption and Forgiveness:** The broader story of Joseph includes themes of redemption and forgiveness, as Joseph eventually reconciles with his brothers who had betrayed him, foreshadowing the themes of forgiveness and redemption that are central to the biblical narrative.

**Historical Context:**

The events described in Genesis 41 are set in ancient Egypt during the time of the Hyksos rule or a period that is not precisely dated in Egyptian history. The story of Joseph reflects some aspects of Egyptian life known from historical records, such as the importance of dream interpretation and the role of wise administrators. Egypt's ability to store surplus grain during good years to sustain the population during lean years is consistent with what is known about ancient Egyptian agriculture and economy.

In the biblical account, Joseph's successful management of the food supply not only saves Egypt from the effects of the famine but also brings his family to Egypt, setting the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement in Egypt, which is a central event in the Hebrew Bible leading to the Exodus.

In summary, Genesis 41:47 reflects themes of divine providence, wisdom in governance, God's sovereignty over nature, and the seeds of redemption and forgiveness within the historical context of ancient Egypt, foreshadowing key elements of the Israelite narrative.

*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: H7651
   There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁבַע
   Transliteration: shebaʻ
   Pronunciation: sheh'-bah
   Description: or (masculine) (שִׁבְעָה); from שָׁבַע; a primitive cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number; ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare שִׁבְעָנָה.
   
2. 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).
   
3. Strong's Number: H8141
   There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁנֶה
   Transliteration: shâneh
   Pronunciation: shaw-neh'
   Description: (in plural or (feminine) שָׁנָה; from שָׁנָה; a year (as a revolution of time); [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly).
   
4. 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.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7062
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קֹמֶץ
   Transliteration: qômets
   Pronunciation: ko'mets
   Description: from קָמַץ; a grasp, i.e. handful; handful.