Genesis 41:2

KJV

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

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

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.

Commentary

### 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](/genesis/41-1 "Pharaoh's Troubling Dream by the Nile"), 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](/genesis/41-3 "The Ill-Favored Kine") 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](/genesis/41-25 "Joseph Declares God's Revelation")). 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](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Blessings for Obedience") contrasts with [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Curses for Disobedience")). 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](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Words to His Brothers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **well favoured (Hebrew, _yâpheh'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/genesis/41-3 "The Ill-Favored Kine"), 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.

* [Genesis 41:25-32](/genesis/41-25-32 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### 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](/genesis/41-26 "Joseph Interprets the Seven Good Years").

**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](/genesis/41-2 "The First Vision of Plenty") 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](/genesis/41-33-36 "Joseph's Advice to Pharaoh")), 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](/genesis/41-2 "Christ, the Source of True Abundance") 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](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). 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](/john/10-10 "Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). He is the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Christ's Fullness")), making Him the inexhaustible wellspring of grace, truth, and life, far surpassing the temporary abundance symbolized by the well-favored kine.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 19:6

And they shall turn the rivers far away; [and] the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.