Genesis 41:29

KJV

Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, there come {H935} seven {H7651} years {H8141} of great {H1419} plenty {H7647} throughout all the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here it is: there will be seven years of abundance throughout the whole land of Egypt;

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt,

American Standard Version

Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:29 unveils Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, announcing the imminent arrival of seven years of unparalleled agricultural abundance across the entire land of Egypt. This period of "great plenty," revealed through God's sovereign foresight, serves as a crucial prelude to the subsequent years of severe famine, thereby setting the stage for Joseph's strategic leadership and God's providential preservation of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is a direct utterance from Joseph, who has been miraculously elevated from his unjust imprisonment to stand before the most powerful ruler of the ancient world, Pharaoh. Pharaoh, deeply troubled by two recurring, symbolic dreams—one depicting seven fat cows devoured by seven lean ones, and another showing seven full ears of grain consumed by seven thin, scorched ears—sought an interpreter among his own wise men and magicians, all of whom failed. It was the chief cupbearer, remembering Joseph's accurate interpretation of his own dream in prison, who recommended Joseph to Pharaoh. Crucially, before delivering this interpretation, Joseph humbly redirected all credit for the revelation, declaring to Pharaoh, "[It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph's humble declaration to Pharaoh")". Thus, [Genesis 41:29](/genesis/41-29 "The prophecy of plenty") delivers the initial, divinely revealed meaning of the prosperous elements within Pharaoh's disturbing dreams, forming the first part of a two-fold prophecy concerning Egypt's immediate future.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agricultural civilization whose prosperity was entirely dependent on the annual inundation of the Nile River. A consistent, predictable flood meant fertile land and abundant harvests, while deviations could lead to scarcity and famine. Pharaohs were considered divine or semi-divine, and dreams were often interpreted as messages from the gods, carrying immense weight for national policy. The practice of dream interpretation was a recognized, albeit often superstitious, skill. Joseph, as a Hebrew, would have been an outsider, but his unique connection to Yahweh, the one true God, allowed him to transcend cultural barriers and offer an interpretation that no Egyptian could. The concept of storing grain for future use was known, but the scale and foresight described here—seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine—would necessitate an unprecedented, centralized, and divinely guided national effort.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 41:29](/genesis/41-29 "The prophecy of plenty") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty**, showing God's absolute control over natural phenomena (harvests, weather patterns) and His active involvement in the destinies of nations, even those outside the immediate covenant line. It highlights the **Nature of Prophecy**, demonstrating that true biblical prophecy is a precise, verifiable foretelling of future events, originating from God, not human speculation, distinguishing the true God from the false deities of Egypt. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **God's Providential Care**, revealing His foresight and provision not only for His chosen people (who would later come to Egypt) but for all humanity, as the survival of many would depend on Egypt's preparedness. Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of **Stewardship and Wisdom**, as the coming abundance would necessitate prudent management and preparation for the subsequent crisis, a principle that echoes throughout the biblical narrative, from [Proverbs](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The wisdom of the ant") to the parables of Jesus concerning wise preparation, such as [the parable of the wise and foolish builders](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The declaration in [Genesis 41:29](/genesis/41-29 "The prophesied years of plenty"), "Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt," is a precise and profound prophetic utterance. Joseph, acting as God's mouthpiece, unveils a future reality that would dramatically reshape the nation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **come (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** This primitive root (H935) signifies "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications, including to "befall," "bring to pass," or "enter." Here, it conveys the certainty and imminence of the events. It's not a mere possibility but a divinely ordained arrival, emphasizing God's active hand in bringing these years to fruition. The use of "come" highlights the direct, intentional nature of God's action, rather than a passive observation of natural cycles.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, this word means "great (in any sense)." It denotes magnitude, significance, and intensity. Applied to "plenty," it emphasizes an abundance that is not merely sufficient but exceptionally large, exceeding normal expectations. This "greatness" underscores the extraordinary nature of God's provision and the unprecedented scale of the coming agricultural prosperity, setting it apart from typical good harvests.
* **plenty (Hebrew, _sâbâʻ'_):** From H7647, this term refers to "copiousness" or "abundance," conveying the idea of being satisfied or full. It speaks to an overflowing, superabundant provision of food and resources. This word is crucial as it describes the quality and quantity of the coming years, indicating not just enough, but a surplus that would allow for significant storage and preparation, a direct manifestation of God's generous and strategic provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, there come seven years":** This opening phrase functions as a prophetic announcement, drawing immediate attention to the divine revelation. The term "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) signals an important, often surprising, declaration. The specification of "seven years" (שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים, _sheba' shanim_) is precise, indicating a divinely appointed period. This exact duration is critical for the subsequent planning and execution of Joseph's strategy, demonstrating God's meticulous foresight.
* **"of great plenty":** This clause describes the nature of the coming seven years. The combination of "great" (גָּדֹול, _gadol_) and "plenty" (שָׂבָע, _saba'_) emphasizes an extraordinary, overwhelming abundance of agricultural produce. This is not merely a good harvest but a period of unprecedented fertility and yield, a direct act of God's benevolent provision, designed to be more than enough for immediate consumption, allowing for significant surplus.
* **"throughout all the land of Egypt":** This final phrase defines the geographical scope of the prophecy. The abundance will not be localized but will extend across the entire nation of Egypt, indicating a widespread and comprehensive blessing. This broad scope highlights the magnitude of God's favor and ensures that the entire populace would benefit, and subsequently, be impacted by the following famine, necessitating a unified national response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Prophetic Declaration** is evident in the opening "Behold," signaling an authoritative, divinely revealed truth. The precise numerical detail of "seven years" and the qualitative description "great plenty" provide **Specificity** and **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the coming abundance, which goes beyond typical agricultural cycles. The phrase "throughout all the land of Egypt" uses **Synecdoche**, where "land of Egypt" represents the entire nation and its people, underscoring the universal impact of this prophecy within that realm. Overall, the verse functions as a **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the subsequent years of famine and the critical role Joseph will play in God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 41:29](/genesis/41-29 "The prophecy of plenty") serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over creation and human history. It demonstrates His ability to orchestrate natural events like harvests and famines, not randomly, but with divine purpose to fulfill His overarching plan. This verse underscores that God is not merely a distant observer but an active participant in the affairs of nations, revealing His will and providing foresight even to those outside the covenant community, ultimately for the good of His people and the demonstration of His glory. It highlights the principle that God's provision often comes with a call to wise stewardship and preparation, transforming seasons of abundance into opportunities for prudent action.

* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - God's blessing of rain")
* [Psalm 104:14](/psalms/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God provides vegetation for man")
* [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The wisdom of the ant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 41:29](/genesis/41-29 "The prophecy of plenty") offers profound insights for contemporary life, reminding us of God's active hand in both global events and our personal circumstances. Just as God forewarned Egypt through Joseph, He often provides insights or warnings through His Word, the guidance of His Spirit, and the wisdom of others. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of acknowledging God's sovereignty, recognizing that both seasons of abundance and scarcity are under His ultimate control and serve His purposes. In times of "great plenty"—whether material wealth, good health, or abundant opportunities—we are called to be wise and prudent stewards of our resources, preparing not only for our own future needs but also for the needs of others. This echoes the vital preparation required for the severe [famine that would follow](/genesis/41-30 "The coming famine"), emphasizing the importance of generosity and foresight. Ultimately, when facing uncertainty or navigating life's challenges, we can trust that God knows the future and can provide the wisdom and guidance needed, often through unexpected means or individuals, to navigate His unfolding plan, always with a view towards His glory and the well-being of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over seasons of "plenty" and "famine" impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing "great plenty," and how are you stewarding those resources with foresight and generosity?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater reliance on God's revealed wisdom, rather than human speculation, when making plans for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why did God reveal this future plenty to Pharaoh through Joseph, a non-Egyptian?**

Answer: God's revelation through Joseph demonstrates His universal sovereignty and His ability to work through any individual, regardless of their background or status, to accomplish His divine purposes. It also highlights His providential care, not only for His covenant people (who would later rely on Egypt's stores) but for all humanity, as the survival of many, including Jacob's family, would depend on Egypt's preparedness. This act underscores that God's plan is far-reaching and encompasses all nations, even those seemingly outside His direct covenant. The fact that the revelation came through a Hebrew slave also served to magnify God's power and wisdom above the gods of Egypt.

**Could Egypt have prepared for the famine without Joseph's interpretation?**

Answer: While natural cycles of plenty and famine existed, the "great plenty" and subsequent "sore famine" described here were divinely orchestrated and of an unprecedented scale and duration. Without Joseph's specific, divinely revealed interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and the strategic plan he subsequently proposed in [Genesis 41:33-36](/genesis/41-33-36 "Joseph's proposed plan for Egypt"), Egypt would likely not have understood the precise nature, timing, or duration of the coming events. They would not have implemented the necessary large-scale, centralized storage and distribution system required to effectively survive a famine of such severity, which was described as "very grievous" and consuming "all the plenty" ([Genesis 41:30-31](/genesis/41-30-31 "The coming grievous famine")). Joseph's divine insight was indispensable for their survival.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 41:29](/genesis/41-29 "The prophecy of plenty") and the broader narrative of Joseph's rise to power offer profound Christ-centered fulfillment, presenting Joseph as a compelling type of Christ. Just as Joseph, through divine wisdom, foresees and prepares for a coming crisis, ultimately becoming the savior of Egypt and his own family from starvation, so too does Jesus, the ultimate source of divine wisdom, foreknow and prepare for humanity's greatest crisis—sin and eternal death. Joseph's role as the one who gathers and distributes the "bread" of Egypt prefigures Christ as the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who provides spiritual sustenance and eternal salvation to all who believe. The abundance of the seven years of plenty, strategically managed by Joseph, foreshadows the spiritual abundance and grace offered through Christ, which is more than sufficient to meet humanity's deepest needs. Just as Joseph's suffering and imprisonment led to his exaltation and the salvation of many, Christ's suffering on the cross led to His glorious resurrection and the salvation of all who trust in Him ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), demonstrating God's perfect plan to bring life out of scarcity, hope out of despair, and ultimate provision through His beloved Son.

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

Genesis 41:26

The seven good kine [are] seven years; and the seven good ears [are] seven years: the dream [is] one.

Genesis 41:49

And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for [it was] without number.

Genesis 41:46

¶ And Joseph [was] thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:47

And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.