Genesis 41:22

KJV

And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I saw {H7200} in my dream {H2472}, and, behold, seven {H7651} ears {H7641} came up {H5927} in one {H259} stalk {H7070}, full {H4392} and good {H2896}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But I dreamed again and saw seven full, ripe ears of grain growing out of a single stalk.

Berean Standard Bible

In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, growing on a single stalk.

American Standard Version

And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up upon one stalk, full and good:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:22 presents the second of Pharaoh's perplexing dreams to Joseph, vividly depicting seven robust ears of grain emerging from a single stalk, described as "full and good." This agricultural vision, which mirrors the preceding dream of seven fat cows, serves as a crucial divine revelation, signifying a period of abundant prosperity for Egypt and setting the urgent stage for Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation and the subsequent strategic preparations for an impending, severe famine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the unfolding narrative in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Pharaoh's Dreams and Joseph's Rise"), where Joseph, having languished in an Egyptian prison, is summoned to interpret the Pharaoh's disturbing dreams. Pharaoh recounts his dreams to Joseph, beginning with the vision of the cows in [Genesis 41:17-21](/genesis/41-17-21 "Pharaoh's First Dream"). Genesis 41:22 then introduces the second, complementary dream, shifting from livestock to agriculture, yet maintaining the central theme of seven prosperous entities followed by seven blighted ones. The repetition of the theme in two distinct but parallel dreams underscores the certainty and divine origin of the message, as Joseph later explains in [Genesis 41:32](/genesis/41-32 "Joseph's explanation of the repeated dream"). This dual revelation builds narrative tension and highlights the urgency of the situation, preparing the reader for Joseph's profound interpretation and his subsequent elevation to a position of immense power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's prosperity was inextricably linked to the annual inundation of the Nile River, which deposited fertile silt crucial for agriculture. Grain, particularly wheat and barley, formed the bedrock of the Egyptian economy and diet. Dreams were widely regarded in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Egypt, as significant channels of divine communication, often interpreted by priests, magicians, or wise men. Pharaoh's inability to find an interpreter among his own court's experts ([Genesis 41:8](/genesis/41-8 "Pharaoh's troubled spirit")) underscores the extraordinary nature of these dreams and sets the stage for God's intervention through Joseph. The imagery of "ears of grain" would have been immediately recognizable and deeply resonant with the daily life and economic concerns of the Egyptian populace, making the symbolism potent and clear to Pharaoh.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all aspects of creation, including natural phenomena like agricultural cycles and the destinies of nations, even those outside the covenant people. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Revelation**, showing God's willingness and ability to communicate His plans and warnings through various means, including dreams, to individuals regardless of their spiritual standing, as seen with Pharaoh. Thirdly, the dream's content, particularly the "full and good" ears, emphasizes **Foresight and Preparation**, laying the groundwork for Joseph's counsel to store up grain during years of plenty to prepare for the inevitable famine ([Genesis 41:33-36](/genesis/41-33-36 "Joseph's Advice to Pharaoh")). This theme underscores the importance of wise stewardship and proactive planning in response to God's warnings and blessings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Pharaoh recounts the second part of his dream to Joseph, stating, "And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good." This vivid agricultural imagery is not merely descriptive but deeply symbolic, mirroring the first dream's depiction of seven fat cows and reinforcing the divine message.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** From H2472, this term signifies a divine or significant nocturnal vision. In this context, Pharaoh's "dream" is not a mere product of his subconscious but a direct, perplexing revelation from God, designed to convey a crucial message about Egypt's future. The repetition of the word emphasizes the profound impact and urgency of the experience for Pharaoh.
* **Came up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** From H5927, meaning "to ascend, to arise, to grow." This verb vividly describes the emergence and growth of the ears of grain from the stalk. It conveys a sense of natural, yet exceptionally vigorous, development, indicating a period of remarkable agricultural productivity and prosperity that is divinely ordained and brought forth.
* **Full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4392, meaning "full (literally or figuratively) or filling." This adjective describes the ears of grain as being heavy with ripe kernels, signifying an abundant yield. It emphasizes the quantitative aspect of the prosperity, indicating a harvest of exceptional volume and completeness, directly contrasting with the later vision of "thin and blasted" ears.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw in my dream":** This opening phrase reiterates Pharaoh's personal, direct experience of the divine communication, underscoring the profound impact and perplexing nature of the revelation. The repetition of "my dream" from the previous verses emphasizes his deep concern and the urgency of understanding its meaning.
* **"and, behold, seven ears came up":** The exclamation "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the miraculous or extraordinary nature of the vision. The "seven ears" (Hebrew: *shibbôlîm*) refers to stalks bearing grain, typically wheat or barley, vital crops in ancient Egypt. The number "seven" consistently signifies completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, here pointing to a full and complete cycle of abundance. Their "coming up" suggests a natural, yet exceptionally bountiful, yield.
* **"in one stalk":** This detail is significant, implying an unusual and exceptionally fertile growth. While a single stalk typically produces one ear, the vision of "seven ears" on "one stalk" suggests a miraculous or extraordinarily concentrated yield, indicating an unprecedented period of agricultural blessing and prosperity.
* **"full and good":** The Hebrew phrase *mâlêʼ* (full) and *ṭôwb* (good) emphasizes both the quantity and quality of the harvest. "Full" denotes a heavy yield, bursting with grain, while "good" speaks to the health, desirability, and excellent condition of the produce. This description signifies a period of great agricultural blessing and national well-being, directly contrasting with the subsequent vision of withered ears, which foreshadows the coming famine.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 41:22 is rich with literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Imagery** is central, as Pharaoh's vivid description of "seven ears... full and good" creates a clear mental picture of abundant agricultural prosperity, a scene immediately relatable to an agrarian society like ancient Egypt. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "seven ears" representing seven years of plenty, and their "full and good" quality symbolizing the extraordinary nature of the coming abundance. This dream also employs powerful **Parallelism** with Pharaoh's first dream of "seven fat cows" ([Genesis 41:18](/genesis/41-18 "Pharaoh's first dream of fat cows")). The repetition of the number seven and the theme of initial abundance followed by desolation across two distinct but analogous visions underscores the certainty and divine origin of the message. This **Repetition** serves to emphasize the truth and urgency of God's revelation, as Joseph later explains that the dual dreams signify that "the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass" ([Genesis 41:32](/genesis/41-32 "Joseph's explanation of the repeated dream")). Finally, the dream functions as **Foreshadowing**, directly predicting the seven years of abundant harvest that will precede the devastating famine, setting the stage for Joseph's divinely guided intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:22, though a descriptive detail of a dream, carries profound significance for understanding God's interaction with humanity. It powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations, economies, and future events, revealing His plans even to a pagan ruler like Pharaoh. This highlights His providential care not only for His covenant people but for all humanity, orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His broader purposes. The divine revelation through dreams underscores God's active communication, preparing humanity for what is to come and calling for wise stewardship and strategic planning during times of plenty to prepare for inevitable periods of hardship.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"): "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel Interprets Dreams"): "But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;"
* [Matthew 6:34](/matthew/6-34 "Do Not Worry About Tomorrow"): "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:22, a seemingly simple detail within Pharaoh's dream, offers profound insights for contemporary life. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world, communicating His plans and warnings, often through unexpected channels, to prepare us for the future. Just as Pharaoh was given insight into coming prosperity and famine, we are called to discern the times and exercise wise stewardship of the resources and opportunities God provides. This verse encourages us to be proactive in times of blessing, recognizing that periods of abundance are often given to equip us for future challenges. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of discernment, seeking God's wisdom in all seasons, and to practice faithful stewardship, saving and preparing, rather than passively consuming. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of trusting in God's sovereign plan, even when it involves periods of both plenty and scarcity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Pharaoh's dream encourage us to pay attention to God's subtle or unexpected forms of communication in our own lives?**
* **In what areas of your life are you experiencing "full and good" seasons, and how are you stewarding those blessings to prepare for potential future challenges?**
* **How can the principle of preparing during times of plenty apply not only to finances but also to spiritual, relational, or emotional resources?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh have two dreams with similar themes?**

Answer: Joseph explains in [Genesis 41:32](/genesis/41-32 "Joseph's explanation of the repeated dream in Genesis 41:32") that the repetition of the dream signifies that "the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass." This divine repetition serves to emphasize the certainty, urgency, and undeniable nature of the message, ensuring Pharaoh understood that the coming events were not random or merely potential, but a definite and imminent plan from God. It was a double confirmation of a singular, crucial message.

**What is the significance of the "seven ears" being "full and good"?**

Answer: The "seven ears" represent a period of seven years, and their being "full and good" symbolizes a time of extraordinary agricultural abundance and prosperity. This imagery contrasts sharply with the subsequent vision of withered ears, which foretells the coming seven years of severe famine. The description highlights the exceptional quality and quantity of the blessing God was about to bestow upon Egypt, making the subsequent famine all the more stark and emphasizing the need for diligent preparation. It signifies a period of complete and perfect abundance.

**Does this dream imply God directly communicates with non-believers?**

Answer: Yes, the narrative clearly shows God communicating directly with Pharaoh, a pagan king, through dreams. This demonstrates God's universal sovereignty and His ability to work through any individual or circumstance to accomplish His divine purposes, even among those who do not explicitly acknowledge Him. His revelation here serves His broader plan for humanity, including the preservation of Joseph's family and, ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah. God's communicative reach extends beyond His covenant people to achieve His redemptive purposes, as seen also with figures like Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar's Dream").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine foresight and providential care displayed in Genesis 41:22, where God reveals future abundance and famine to a pagan king, ultimately point to the greater provision and eternal salvation found in Jesus Christ. Joseph, as the interpreter and administrator who saves Egypt and his family from starvation, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joseph prepared for and provided physical sustenance during a time of great need, Jesus Christ is the ultimate provider of spiritual sustenance and eternal life, preparing His people for eternity and sustaining them through life's trials. The "full and good" harvest foreshadows the spiritual abundance and eternal life offered through Christ, who declared Himself the "bread of life" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"), satisfying the deepest hunger of humanity. His sacrifice, like the ultimate harvest, was "full and good," bringing forth an abundance of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Through Christ, we receive not merely temporary provision but an everlasting inheritance, as He is the one in whom "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Christ Upholds All Things")), ensuring God's perfect plan unfolds for our eternal good.

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.