Genesis 41:23

KJV

And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, [and] blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, seven {H7651} ears {H7641}, withered {H6798}, thin {H1851}, and blasted {H7710} with the east wind {H6921}, sprung up {H6779} after them {H310}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After them, seven ears, thin and blasted by the east wind, sprang up.

Berean Standard Bible

After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind.

American Standard Version

and, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:23 presents a pivotal image from Pharaoh's second dream, depicting seven ears of grain that are "withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind," emerging after the healthy ones. This vivid imagery serves as a dire divine warning of an impending, severe famine that would utterly consume the land's prosperity, setting the stage for Joseph's providential interpretation and Egypt's subsequent strategic preparation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Pharaoh's two perplexing dreams recounted in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams"). Following his initial dream of seven fat cows being devoured by seven emaciated ones, Pharaoh immediately dreams a parallel vision: seven healthy, full ears of grain are succeeded by seven "withered, thin, and blasted" ears. The deliberate pairing of these dreams, each featuring seven prosperous entities consumed by seven blighted ones, underscores their unified message of impending crisis and highlights the divine origin of the revelation. This repetition emphasizes the certainty and severity of the coming events, creating a narrative tension that is resolved only by Joseph's God-given interpretive wisdom, thus elevating him from prisoner to prime minister and setting the stage for the preservation of Egypt and, ultimately, the nascent nation of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's agricultural prosperity was almost entirely dependent on the annual inundation of the Nile River. A consistent, predictable flood ensured fertile soil and abundant harvests. Conversely, a series of low floods or other adverse climatic conditions could lead to widespread famine. Dreams were widely considered a significant means of divine communication in the ancient Near East, with rulers often employing interpreters to discern their meaning. The "east wind" (Hebrew: _qadîym_) mentioned in the text was particularly feared in the region, known for its hot, dry, and scorching nature, capable of withering crops and bringing desolation, especially in the fertile Nile Delta. Thus, the imagery of "blasted with the east wind" would have immediately conveyed a clear and terrifying picture of agricultural ruin to Pharaoh and his court, resonating deeply with their lived experience and fears regarding crop failure.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Foremost among these is **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over natural phenomena and human affairs, even those of a pagan king. The dream also exemplifies **Divine Revelation**, showcasing God's ability to communicate His plans and warnings to humanity, often through unexpected means, as seen in [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "God Reveals Secrets to Daniel"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Wisdom and Discernment**, as Joseph's God-given insight is crucial for understanding and responding to the divine message. Finally, it underscores **Providence and Preparation**, as God's warning through the dream is not merely predictive but serves as an impetus for strategic action, ultimately leading to the preservation of many lives, including the family of Jacob, which is central to God's covenant plan, as detailed in the broader narrative of [Genesis](/genesis "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:23 vividly portrays the destructive aspect of Pharaoh's second dream, contrasting sharply with the "seven ears of corn, full and good" described in [Genesis 41:22](/genesis/41-22 "Genesis 41:22 - The Seven Good Ears"). This imagery is not merely descriptive but profoundly symbolic, representing a period of severe hardship and scarcity that would directly follow a time of great abundance. The specific descriptors—"withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind"—are crucial for understanding the dream's message and the nature of the coming famine.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **withered (Hebrew, _tsânam'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to blast or shrink," this word describes a state of severe desiccation and decay. In the context of grain, it signifies a complete loss of moisture and vitality, rendering the plant useless for sustenance. This term powerfully conveys the destructive impact of the impending famine on agricultural produce.
* **thin (Hebrew, _daq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "crushed," this term implies a state of being small, lean, or lacking substance. When applied to ears of grain, it indicates a lack of kernels, a failure to fill out, or a shriveled appearance. It directly contrasts with the "full" ears, emphasizing the utter lack of yield and the resulting scarcity.
* **east wind (Hebrew, _qâdîym'_):** This term refers to the fore or front part, and by orientation, the East. In the ancient Near East, the "east wind" was notoriously hot, dry, and scorching, known for its devastating effects on vegetation, causing crops to wither and die. Its inclusion here specifies the destructive agent, indicating that the famine would be caused by a pervasive, natural force that would scorch the land's bounty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin,"**: This clause immediately introduces the stark contrast to the previous vision of healthy grain. The "seven ears" parallel the seven years of plenty, but their condition—"withered" (desiccated, shriveled) and "thin" (lacking substance, meager)—visually communicates a state of severe agricultural failure and profound scarcity. This imagery directly points to a widespread famine that would negate any previous abundance.
* **"[and] blasted with the east wind,"**: This phrase identifies the destructive agent and intensifies the imagery of ruin. The "blasted" (scorched, destroyed) condition of the ears is attributed to the "east wind" (_qadîym_). As discussed in the key word analysis, this wind was a known harbinger of drought and desolation in the ancient Near East. Its presence signifies that the coming famine would not be a minor shortage but a comprehensive, pervasive agricultural blight, a force of nature that would utterly destroy the land's produce.
* **"sprung up after them:"**: This final clause emphasizes the sequential nature of the dream. The blighted ears "sprung up after" the healthy ones, signifying that the period of severe scarcity would directly follow and effectively undo the period of prosperity. This sequence highlights a principle of divine ordering where abundance can be swiftly followed by hardship, underscoring the cyclical nature of God's dealings with humanity and the land, and the direct consequence of the destructive forces.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 41:23 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of desolation through the descriptors "withered, thin, and blasted." This sensory language allows the audience to viscerally grasp the severity of the impending famine. **Symbolism** is central, as the seven blighted ears represent seven years of severe scarcity, directly contrasting with the seven healthy ears (and fat cows) that symbolize seven years of abundance. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between prosperity and desolation, emphasizing the dramatic shift in circumstances. The phrase "blasted with the east wind" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the specific destructive agent (the wind) stands for the broader natural forces that would cause the famine. Furthermore, the entire dream serves as **Foreshadowing**, divinely revealing future events to Pharaoh and, through Joseph's interpretation, preparing Egypt for the coming crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:23 powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in human history and His sovereign control over creation. The dream serves as a divine revelation, a clear and urgent warning from God to Pharaoh, demonstrating that even a pagan ruler's destiny and the fate of his nation are under the purview of the Almighty. This highlights God's ability to communicate His will and purposes through various means, even to those outside His covenant people, to advance His overarching redemptive plan. The imagery of the "east wind" further underscores God's dominion over natural forces, using them as instruments of both blessing and judgment, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine agenda. The dream, therefore, is not just a prediction but a divine impetus for wise stewardship and preparation, ultimately leading to the preservation of life and the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham's descendants.

* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "God Reveals Secrets to Daniel") - God, through His prophets, reveals mysteries and future events to kings and nations.
* [Amos 4:7-9](/amos/4-7-9 "God's Judgment Through Famine") - God declares His sovereignty over nature, using drought and famine as instruments of judgment and a call to repentance.
* [Deuteronomy 28:22](/deuteronomy/28-22 "Consequences of Disobedience: Blasting and Mildew") - This verse, part of the covenant curses, explicitly mentions "blasting" and "mildew" as divine judgments on crops, paralleling the destructive imagery of the "east wind" in Genesis 41:23.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:23 serves as a profound reminder of God's active presence and ultimate sovereignty in all aspects of life, including the seemingly random occurrences of natural phenomena. Just as Pharaoh received a clear, divinely orchestrated warning of impending scarcity, we are called to cultivate spiritual attentiveness and wisdom, discerning the "signs of the times" in our own lives and in the world around us. This passage underscores the vital importance of foresight, responsible stewardship, and diligent preparation during times of abundance, recognizing that periods of hardship or "lean years" may inevitably follow. It challenges us to not become complacent in prosperity but to wisely manage resources, both material and spiritual, for future needs. Ultimately, it fosters a posture of humble dependence on God, trusting that even through seasons of difficulty and desolation, He is working His sovereign purposes for our ultimate good and the advancement of His kingdom, calling us to respond with faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "withered, thin, and blasted" ears of grain speak to potential areas of spiritual or emotional "famine" in our own lives or communities?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Pharaoh's dream about the importance of preparing for future challenges, both practically and spiritually, during times of abundance?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and providential care, even when facing difficult or uncertain circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "east wind" in Pharaoh's dream?**

Answer: The "east wind" (Hebrew: _qadîym_) is highly significant because it typically refers to a hot, dry, and scorching wind prevalent in the ancient Near East, particularly in regions like Egypt. Such winds were notorious for bringing drought, withering vegetation, and causing widespread agricultural devastation. Its inclusion in Pharaoh's dream intensifies the imagery of destruction, indicating that the coming famine would be severe, widespread, and devastating to the land's produce, not merely a localized or minor shortage. It points to a natural force that would actively destroy the bounty of the land, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the impending crisis.

**Why did God communicate with Pharaoh through dreams?**

Answer: God often communicated through dreams in the Old Testament, particularly with those outside the covenant community, to reveal His power, warn of impending events, and advance His redemptive plan. In Pharaoh's case, it demonstrated God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use any means, even a pagan ruler's dreams, to orchestrate events that would ultimately lead to the preservation of Jacob's family and the eventual formation of the nation of Israel. This divine communication also served to elevate Joseph from imprisonment to a position of immense power, where he could fulfill God's purposes as a deliverer and preserver of life, as seen throughout [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Joseph's Rise to Power").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 41:23 vividly describes a physical famine, its imagery and underlying themes point to a deeper spiritual reality ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Just as Joseph, empowered by divine wisdom, prepared Egypt for the coming scarcity, Christ is the ultimate provider who prepares His people for spiritual needs and sustains them through every "famine" of life. He is the "bread of life" who came down from heaven ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus is the Bread of Life in John 6:35")) to satisfy our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst, offering eternal sustenance where the world offers only "withered, thin, and blasted" spiritual provisions and fleeting satisfactions. Furthermore, Joseph's providential role in preserving physical life foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of salvation, rescuing humanity from the spiritual desolation of sin and death, and bringing them into the abundance of eternal life found only in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). He is the true "shepherd" who leads us to green pastures and still waters, ensuring that we "shall not want" for true spiritual nourishment ([Psalm 23:1-2](/psalm/23-1-2 "The Lord is My Shepherd")).

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

Hosea 9:16

Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay [even] the beloved [fruit] of their womb.

Hosea 13:15

Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

Psalms 129:6

Let them be as the grass [upon] the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:

Psalms 129:7

Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.

2 Kings 19:26

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were [as] the grass of the field, and [as] the green herb, [as] the grass on the housetops, and [as corn] blasted before it be grown up.

Hosea 8:7

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Genesis 41:6

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