What number verse is Genesis 41:2 in the Bible?

Genesis 41:2 is the 1,198th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 41:2 sits at position 1,198.

Translation

King James Version

And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, there came up ^H5927 out of the river ^H2975 seven ^H7651 well ^H3303 favoured ^H4758 kine ^H6510 and fatfleshed ^{H1277 H1320}; and they fed ^H7462 in a meadow ^H260.

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Complete Jewish Bible

and there came up out of the river seven cows, sleek and fat; and they began feeding in swamp grass.

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Berean Standard Bible

when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.

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American Standard Version

And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, well-favored and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass.

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World English Bible Messianic

Behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And loe, there came out of the riuer seuen goodly kine and fatfleshed, and they fedde in a medowe:

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Young's Literal Translation

and lo, from the River coming up are seven kine, of fair appearance, and fat in flesh, and they feed among the reeds;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

The initial, prosperous imagery of Pharaoh's first dream depicts seven healthy, aesthetically pleasing, and robustly fed cows emerging from the life-giving Nile River to graze peacefully in a lush meadow. This vivid scene of natural abundance and vitality sets the foundational imagery for the first part of Pharaoh's prophetic vision, foreshadowing a period of great prosperity for Egypt and initiating God's intricate providential plan to preserve His people through Joseph.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse immediately follows Genesis 41:1, which sets the scene with Pharaoh standing by the Nile, troubled by an impending dream. Genesis 41:2 then launches directly into the dream's first sequence, presenting a vision of flourishing abundance. This initial imagery of robust, "well favoured" and "fatfleshed" kine emerging from the river stands in deliberate and stark contrast to the subsequent vision in Genesis 41:3 of "ill favoured and leanfleshed" kine. This sharp juxtaposition is crucial for establishing the dual nature of Pharaoh's dream, which Joseph will later interpret as seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine, thereby underscoring the narrative's central theme of divine foresight and preparation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting of Pharaoh's dream by the Nile is deeply significant for ancient Egypt. The Nile River was the absolute lifeblood of the nation, dictating its agricultural cycles, economic stability, and very survival. Its annual inundation deposited fertile silt, enabling bountiful harvests and sustaining livestock. Cattle, or "kine," were a primary measure of wealth and prosperity in this agrarian society, essential for food, labor, and trade. For kine to be "well favoured" and "fatfleshed" emerging from the Nile would have been a quintessential image of health, fertility, and national well-being. Dreams themselves held immense cultural and religious significance in ancient Egypt, often believed to be messages from the gods, making Pharaoh's troubled state and the subsequent search for interpretation culturally resonant and politically imperative.
Key Themes: Genesis 41:2 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Revelation, as God initiates and orchestrates Pharaoh's dream, demonstrating His control over all earthly rulers and His ability to reveal future events to both believers and unbelievers (Genesis 41:25). Secondly, it introduces the theme of Abundance and Scarcity, setting the stage for Joseph's interpretation of the "seven well favoured kine" as years of plentiful harvest, a common biblical motif used by God to test faith, teach stewardship, or bring about His redemptive purposes (Deuteronomy 28:1-14 contrasts with Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Finally, the verse subtly underscores God's Providential Plan, as this seemingly ordinary dream becomes the catalyst for Joseph's elevation from prison to power, ultimately leading to the preservation of Jacob's family and the lineage through which the Messiah would come (Genesis 50:20).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

well favoured (Hebrew, yâpheh', H3303): From the root meaning "to be beautiful." This word describes the aesthetic quality of the kine, indicating they were pleasing to the eye, comely, and goodly in appearance. In the context of livestock, "well favoured" implies health, vitality, and an ideal physical condition, signifying flourishing prosperity.
fatfleshed (Hebrew, bârîyʼ', H1277): Derived from a root suggesting "fatted" or "plump." This term explicitly describes the physical robustness and corpulence of the kine, emphasizing their healthy, well-nourished state. Coupled with "well favoured," it reinforces the imagery of abundant resources and a thriving environment, indicative of a period of plenty.
meadow (Hebrew, ʼâchûw', H260): Of uncertain, possibly Egyptian, origin, referring specifically to marshy grass or bulrushes, particularly those found along the Nile. This detail grounds the dream in the Egyptian landscape, providing a realistic setting for the cattle's grazing. It signifies a place of lush, readily available sustenance, completing the picture of an idyllic and fertile environment.

Verse Breakdown

"And, behold, there came up out of the river": The introductory "And, behold" (וְהִנֵּה, v'hineh) serves as an interjection, drawing immediate attention to the unfolding vision, signaling its significance as a divine revelation. The emergence "out of the river" (יְאֹר, yᵉʼôr), specifically the Nile, is crucial. It establishes the source of Egypt's prosperity and life, indicating that the forthcoming abundance is intrinsically linked to the fertility and bounty provided by the great river. The verb "came up" (עָלָה, ʻâlâh) suggests a natural, yet divinely orchestrated, ascent from the very source of life.
"seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed": This phrase introduces the central figures of the first part of the dream: seven cows (kine, an archaic plural). The number "seven" (שֶׁבַע, shebaʻ) is biblically significant, often symbolizing completeness, perfection, or a full cycle, here prophetically pointing to seven full years. The descriptions "well favoured" (יָפֶה מַרְאֶה, yâpheh marʼeh – beautiful of appearance) and "fatfleshed" (בָּרִיא בָּשָׂר, bârîyʼ bâsâr – fat of flesh) are highly descriptive. They paint a picture of ideal, robust, and healthy cattle, symbolizing a period of immense agricultural and economic prosperity, where resources are plentiful and the land is fruitful.
"and they fed in a meadow": This final clause completes the idyllic scene. The kine are not merely present but are actively "feeding" (רָעָה, râʻâh – grazing, pasturing) in a "meadow" (אָחוּ, ʼâchûw – marshy grass, bulrushes). This detail reinforces the theme of abundant provision and peace. It suggests a land so fertile that even its marshy areas provide ample sustenance, solidifying the imagery of a time of profound blessing and natural flourishing.

Literary Devices

Genesis 41:2 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. Imagery is paramount, painting a vivid picture of health and abundance through descriptive terms like "well favoured kine" and "fatfleshed," and the serene act of "fed in a meadow." This visual richness immediately establishes a sense of prosperity. Symbolism is also central, with the "seven kine" representing seven years, and their healthy appearance symbolizing years of plenty. The "river" (Nile) is a powerful symbol of life, fertility, and the source of Egypt's well-being. The verse also sets up a strong Juxtaposition with the subsequent verse, Genesis 41:3, where "ill favoured and leanfleshed" kine appear. This immediate contrast highlights the dual nature of Pharaoh's dream and foreshadows the coming famine, making the initial image of abundance all the more impactful. The phrase "And, behold," functions as an Exclamatory Introduction, drawing the reader's attention and signaling the prophetic significance of the dream.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 41:2, as the opening scene of Pharaoh's dream, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over all creation and human affairs, even those of a pagan king. It reveals God's meticulous planning, using a seemingly ordinary dream to initiate a chain of events that would ultimately preserve His chosen people and demonstrate His wisdom through Joseph. The imagery of abundance serves as a divine communication, not just about Egypt's future, but about the cyclical nature of blessing and hardship that God often employs for His redemptive purposes. It underscores that true prosperity, whether physical or spiritual, ultimately flows from God's provision and His design.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 41:2 serves as a profound reminder that periods of prosperity and blessing are often divinely appointed seasons, sometimes preceding times of significant challenge or scarcity. Just as God revealed the coming years of plenty before the famine, He often provides insight, resources, or opportunities for preparation in our lives. This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate times of abundance, viewing them as divine provisions rather than mere happenstance. It calls us to exercise wise stewardship of all our resources—whether financial, relational, spiritual, or temporal—knowing that circumstances can change and that God's purposes often unfold through our preparedness. Furthermore, it speaks to God's meticulous planning and how He uses seemingly ordinary dreams or events to fulfill His extraordinary purposes, often through unexpected individuals like Joseph. This invites us to trust in His overarching plan, even when we cannot see the full picture, and to remain open to how He might use our present blessings to prepare us for future seasons.

Questions for Reflection

How do I recognize and respond to periods of "well favoured" abundance in my own life, whether material or spiritual?
In what ways am I called to be a wise steward of the "fatfleshed" resources God has entrusted to me, in anticipation of future needs or opportunities?
How does the imagery of the kine emerging from the "river" encourage me to consider the ultimate source of all my blessings and provision?
What might God be preparing me for, even in my current season of prosperity, and how can I align my actions with His foresight?

FAQ

What do "well favoured kine and fatfleshed" mean in this context?

Answer: "Well favoured kine" refers to cows (kine is an archaic plural for cattle) that are visually appealing, healthy, and pleasant in appearance. "Fatfleshed" emphasizes their robust, well-nourished condition, indicating a state of abundance and prosperity. Together, these phrases vividly convey the imagery of thriving livestock, symbolizing a period of great agricultural and economic plenty for Egypt, as later interpreted by Joseph in Genesis 41:26.

Why did the kine come "out of the river"?

Answer: The "river" in this context is the Nile, the indispensable lifeblood of ancient Egypt. The Nile's annual flooding brought fertile soil and sustained the land, making it the primary source of all agricultural prosperity. The kine emerging from the river symbolizes that the coming abundance would directly stem from the Nile's bounty and the land's fertility, which was entirely dependent on the river's consistent provision. This detail grounds the dream in the specific realities of Egyptian life and economy.

Does this verse suggest anything about preparation for the future?

Answer: While Genesis 41:2 itself only describes the initial vision of abundance, it is the first part of a dream that explicitly warns of coming famine. Therefore, in the broader context of Pharaoh's complete dream and Joseph's subsequent interpretation and counsel (see Genesis 41:33-36), this verse implicitly highlights the critical importance of recognizing and wisely stewarding periods of prosperity as preparation for potential future hardships. It sets the stage for a divine call to foresight, prudent management, and strategic planning.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The abundance depicted in Genesis 41:2 and the subsequent provision orchestrated through Joseph profoundly foreshadow the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ. Joseph, through divine wisdom and foresight, saved Egypt and his own family from physical famine by storing up grain during the years of plenty. This act of physical salvation and sustenance prefigures Christ, who is the true "Bread of Life," the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and eternal provision for all humanity (John 6:35). Just as Joseph's foresight led to physical salvation for many, Christ's sacrificial act on the cross and His glorious resurrection provide spiritual salvation and eternal life for all who believe, offering an unending abundance that transcends any earthly prosperity or famine (John 10:10). He is the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19), making Him the inexhaustible wellspring of grace, truth, and life, far surpassing the temporary abundance symbolized by the well-favored kine.

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Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 1–8

1 ¶ And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.

2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.

3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.

4 And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.

5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.

6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.

7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.

8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

Observe, 1. The delay of Joseph's enlargement. It was not till the end of two full years (Gen 41:1); so long he waited after he had entrusted the chief butler with his case and began to have some prospect of relief. Note, We have need of patience, not only bearing, but waiting, patience. Joseph lay in prison until the time that his word came, Psa 105:19. There is a time set for the deliverance of God's people; that time will come, though it seem to tarry; and, when it comes, it will appear to have been the best time, and therefore we ought to wait for it (Hab 2:3), and not think two full years too long to continue waiting. 2. The means of Joseph's enlargement, which were Pharaoh's dreams, here related. If we were to look upon them as ordinary dreams, we might observe from them the follies and absurdities of a roving working fancy, how it represents to itself tame cows as beasts of prey (nay, more ravenous than any, eating up those of their own kind), and ears of corn as devouring one another. Surely in the multitude of dreams, nay, even in one dream, there are divers vanities, Ecc 5:7. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, I think it is no matter how little we either heed them or tell them. Foolish dreams related can make no better than foolish talk. But these dreams which Pharaoh dreamed carried their own evidence with them that they were sent of God; and therefore, when he awoke, his spirit was troubled, Gen 41:8. It cannot but put us into a concern to receive any extraordinary message from heaven, because we are conscious to ourselves that we have no reason to expect any good tidings thence. His magicians were puzzled, the rules of their art failed them: these dreams of Pharaoh, it seems, did not fall within the compass of them, so that they could not offer at the interpretation of them. This was to make Joseph's performance by the Spirit of God the more admirable. Human reason, prudence, and foresight, must be nonplussed, that divine revelation may appear the more glorious in the contrivance of our redemption, Co1 2:13, Co1 2:14. Compare with this story, Dan 2:27; Dan 4:7; Dan 5:8. Joseph's own dreams were the occasion of his troubles, and now Pharaoh's dreams were the occasion of his enlargement.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.

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JeromeAD 420

Hebrew Questions on Genesis

(Chapter 41, Verse 2) And behold, seven cows were coming up from the river, attractive to look at, well-fed and well-built, and they were grazing in the meadow. In Genesis it is written as Achi (Ἄχα), which is neither a Greek nor Latin word. Even in Hebrew it is corrupted: it is said to be Ahu (אָחוּ), which means 'in the marsh'. But because the Hebrew letters Vau and Yod are similar and only differ in size, the Seventy Interpreters translated Ahu as Achi and, according to their custom of expressing double aspiration, they joined the Hebrew letter Heth with the Greek letter Chi (χ).

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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