TRV
Translation
King James Version
And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:
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:
World English Bible Messianic
I saw in my dream, and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, full and good:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Moreouer I sawe in my dreame, and beholde, seuen eares sprang out of one stalke, full and faire.
Young's Literal Translation
`And I see in my dream, and lo, seven ears are coming up on one stalk, full and good;
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In the KJVVerse 1,218 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 17–32
17 ¶ And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:
18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:
19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:
20 And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:
21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:
23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:
24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.
26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
27 And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.
29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:
30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;
31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.
32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Here, I. Pharaoh relates his dream. He dreamt that he stood upon the bank of the river Nile, and saw the kine, both the fat ones and the lean ones, come out of the river. For the kingdom of Egypt had no rain, as appears, Zac 14:18, but the plenty of the year depended upon the overflowing of the river, and it was about one certain time of the year that it overflowed. If it rose to fifteen or sixteen cubits, there was plenty; if to twelve or thirteen only, or under, there was scarcity. See how many ways Providence has of dispensing its gifts; yet, whatever the second causes are, our dependence is still the same upon the first Cause, who makes every creature that to us that it is, be it rain or river.
II. Joseph interprets his dream, and tells him that it signified seven years of plenty now immediately to ensue, which should be succeeded by as many years of famine. Observe, 1. The two dreams signified the same thing, but the repetition was to denote the certainty, the nearness, and the importance, of the event, Gen 41:32. Thus God has often shown the immutability of his counsel by two immutable things, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. The covenant is sealed with two sacraments; and in the one of them there are both bread and wine, wherein the dream is one, and yet it is doubled, for the thing is certain. 2. Yet the two dreams had a distinct reference to the two things wherein we most experience plenty and scarcity, namely, grass and corn. The plenty and scarcity of grass for the cattle were signified by the fat kine and the lean ones; the plenty and scarcity of herb for the service of man by the full ears and the thin ones. 3. See what changes the comforts of this life are subject to. After great plenty may come great scarcity; how strong soever we may think our mountain stands, if God speak the word, it will soon be moved. We cannot be sure that tomorrow shall be as this day, next year as this, and much more abundant, Isa 56:12. We must learn how to want, as well as how to abound. 4. See the goodness of God in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine, that provision might be made accordingly. Thus he sets the one over-against the other, Ecc 7:14. With what wonderful wisdom has Providence, that great housekeeper, ordered the affairs of this numerous family from the beginning hitherto! Great variety of seasons there have been, and the product of the earth is sometimes more and sometimes less; yet, take one time with another, what was miraculous concerning the manna is ordinarily verified in the common course of Providence, He that gathers much has nothing over, and he that gathers little has no lack, Exo 16:18. 5. See the perishing nature of our worldly enjoyments. The great increase of the years of plenty was quite lost and swallowed up in the years of famine; and the overplus of it, which seemed very much, yet did but just serve to keep men alive, Gen 41:29-31. Meat for the belly, and the belly for meats, but God shall destroy both it and them, Co1 6:13. There is bread which endures to everlasting life, which shall not be forgotten, and which it is worth while to labour for, Joh 6:27. Those that make the things of this world their good things will find but little pleasure in remembering that they have received them, Luk 16:25. 6. Observe, God revealed this beforehand to Pharaoh, who, as king of Egypt, was to be the father of his country, and to make prudent provision for them. Magistrates are called shepherds, whose care it must be, not only to rule, but to feed.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 17–32. Public domain.
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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, 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 41:22 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. 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) 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). 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
Verse Breakdown
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). 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). 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.
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
FAQ
Why did Pharaoh have two dreams with similar themes?
Answer: Joseph explains 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.
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, 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). 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), ensuring God's perfect plan unfolds for our eternal good.