Genesis 41:53

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt ended;

Berean Standard Bible:

When the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end,

American Standard Version:

And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egypt, came to an end.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the seven{H7651} years{H8141} of plenteousness{H7647}, that was in the land{H776} of Egypt{H4714}, were ended{H3615}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Psalms 73:20

  • As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

Luke 16:25

  • But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Genesis 41:29

  • Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

Genesis 41:31

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

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Commentary for Genesis 41:53

Genesis 41:53 succinctly marks the conclusion of a significant period in the narrative of Joseph and the broader history of Egypt: "And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended." This verse is part of a larger story arc that begins with Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundant harvests followed by seven years of severe famine. The historical context of this verse is set within the patriarchal narratives of the Book of Genesis, where Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, eventually rising to power in Egypt through his gift of dream interpretation and administrative acumen.

The themes present in this verse include divine providence, as God's plan for Joseph unfolds, allowing him to save not only Egypt but also his own family from starvation. It also touches on the themes of wisdom and foresight, as Joseph's advice to Pharaoh to store grain during the years of plenty is proven correct. The verse highlights the cyclical nature of abundance and scarcity, a universal human experience, and the importance of preparation and planning during times of prosperity to mitigate future hardships. Additionally, it underscores the interconnectedness of human actions and divine will, as Joseph's role in Egypt is pivotal for the survival of many nations during the ensuing famine.

In the broader context of the Bible, this verse sets the stage for the reunification of Joseph with his family, the descent of the Hebrews into Egypt, and the eventual enslavement that will lead to the Exodus. It is a pivotal moment that transitions the narrative from a period of plenty to one of dire need, demonstrating the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises through the rise of Joseph, a type of savior figure whose actions have far-reaching consequences for the people of God.

*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: 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).
  3. 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).
  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: H4714
    There are 602 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מִצְרַיִם
    Transliteration: Mitsrayim
    Pronunciation: mits-rah'-yim
    Description: dual of מָצוֹר; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt; Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim.
  6. Strong's Number: H3615
    There are 200 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: כָּלָה
    Transliteration: kâlâh
    Pronunciation: kaw-law'
    Description: a primitive root; to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete, prepare, consume); accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste.