Genesis 41:30

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And there shall arise {H6965} after them {H310} seven {H7651} years {H8141} of famine {H7458}; and all the plenty {H7647} shall be forgotten {H7911} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}; and the famine {H7458} shall consume {H3615} the land {H776};

Complete Jewish Bible

but afterwards, there will come seven years of famine; and Egypt will forget all the abundance. The famine will consume the land,

Berean Standard Bible

but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:30 is a pivotal prophetic declaration within the narrative of Joseph in Egypt, foretelling a period of catastrophic famine that would utterly eclipse the preceding seven years of unprecedented abundance. This verse, part of Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation of Pharaoh's troubling dreams, reveals God's meticulous plan for the land of Egypt and, by extension, for the preservation of Joseph's family, thereby setting the stage for the unfolding of His providential purposes for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's first dream, which foretold seven years of abundant harvest throughout Egypt ([Genesis 41:29](/genesis/41-29 "Genesis 41:29 - The Seven Years of Plenty")). Pharaoh had been deeply disturbed by two recurring dreams: one of fat and lean cows, and another of full and blighted ears of grain. Joseph, having been brought from prison specifically to interpret these dreams, attributes the interpretation directly to God, stating that the two dreams are one and reveal God's imminent action ([Genesis 41:25-28](/genesis/41-25-28 "Genesis 41:25-28 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams")). Verse 30 specifically details the second phase of this divine revelation—the nature and intensity of the impending famine—creating a stark contrast with the preceding plenty and emphasizing the comprehensive impact it would have on the land and its inhabitants. This divine forewarning is crucial, as it provides the opportunity for preparation and sets the stage for Joseph's elevation to a position of immense power and responsibility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's prosperity was almost entirely dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile River, which deposited fertile silt onto the agricultural lands. Fluctuations in the Nile's inundation directly impacted crop yields, making famine a constant, existential threat. A multi-year famine, as described here, would have been catastrophic, leading to widespread starvation, societal collapse, and potentially mass migration. Dreams were considered significant divine communications in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often interpreted by priests or wise men to discern the will of the gods or predict future events. Pharaoh's distress over his dreams reflects this cultural understanding of their prophetic weight. The concept of storing grain during abundant years was a known, albeit challenging, practice, but the scale of the famine described here would demand an unprecedented, centrally managed effort, highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's intervention and Joseph's subsequent role.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural phenomena like weather and agricultural cycles, and His ability to orchestrate human events to fulfill His purposes. The stark **Contrast between Abundance and Scarcity** is also a central theme, highlighting the transient nature of earthly prosperity and the necessity of wisdom and foresight. This verse also underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Warning**, as God reveals His plans through dreams, not to cause fear, but to enable preparation and demonstrate His faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly as this famine will eventually bring Jacob's family to Egypt, fulfilling earlier prophecies about their descent into a foreign land ([Genesis 15:13](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13 - God's Prophecy to Abram about His Descendants")). Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of **Wisdom and Preparedness**, as Joseph's God-given insight will lead to a national strategy that saves not only Egypt but also his own family from utter destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:30 presents the dire prophecy of the coming famine, emphasizing its severity and the profound impact it would have on Egypt. Joseph's interpretation is direct and unambiguous, revealing God's sovereign control over the natural world and His intention to bring about a significant shift in Egypt's fortunes. The language employed underscores the comprehensive and devastating nature of the impending crisis.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** (H6965) This primitive root means "to rise" in various applications, including literal, figurative, intensive, and causative. In this context, it signifies the beginning or emergence of the famine. It suggests an active, almost personified, coming into being, rather than a passive occurrence. The famine will not merely happen; it will "arise," implying a powerful, undeniable force that will establish itself over the land. This emphasizes the divine decree behind its onset.
* **Famine (Hebrew, _râʻâb'_):** (H7458) Derived from a root meaning "to be hungry," this noun denotes hunger, scarcity, or dearth, often describing a widespread and severe lack of food. The repetition of this word in the verse ("seven years of famine," "the famine shall consume") stresses its central role and devastating nature. It is not merely a shortage but a profound, life-threatening condition that will grip the entire nation.
* **Consume (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** (H3615) This primitive root means "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to perish." Transitively, it means "to complete," "to prepare," or "to consume." Here, it powerfully describes the famine's ability to utterly exhaust, devastate, and bring to an end the prosperity and resources of the land. It implies a thorough and destructive process, leaving nothing in its wake, signifying not just a lack of food but a comprehensive depletion of the land's vitality and resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there shall arise after them seven years of famine":** This clause precisely delineates the duration and nature of the coming hardship. The "them" refers to the preceding seven years of abundance, creating a stark, divinely ordained contrast. The verb "arise" (H6965, _qûwm'_) suggests a powerful, inevitable emergence of this period of scarcity, indicating it is not a random event but a divinely appointed phase. This specific timing highlights God's meticulous planning and revelation, allowing for strategic preparation.
* **"and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt":** This powerful statement conveys more than just a physical lack of food; it speaks to the profound psychological and societal impact of the famine. The idea that "all the plenty shall be forgotten" suggests that the hardship would be so overwhelming and prolonged that the very memory of the preceding abundance would vanish, consumed by the immediate and desperate struggle for survival. This indicates a famine of such magnitude that it would erase the concept of prosperity from the collective consciousness, a testament to its profound and traumatic effect on the people and their experience.
* **"and the famine shall consume the land":** The repetition of "famine" underscores its central role and devastating power. The verb "consume" (H3615, _kâlâh'_) describes the famine's ability to utterly exhaust, devastate, and bring to an end the resources and vitality of the land. This is not merely a localized scarcity but a widespread, destructive force that would affect the entire nation, impacting every aspect of life and economy, leaving nothing in its wake. This comprehensive destruction sets the stage for Joseph's pivotal role in managing the crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey the gravity of the prophecy. **Foreshadowing** is central, as the verse explicitly predicts a future event of immense consequence, setting up the subsequent narrative of Joseph's rise and the preservation of his family. The most prominent device is **Contrast**, as the "seven years of famine" are directly juxtaposed with the "seven years of plenty" mentioned in the preceding verse, highlighting the dramatic shift in Egypt's fortunes and emphasizing the cyclical, yet divinely controlled, nature of events. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the plenty shall be forgotten," which, while perhaps not literally meaning every memory would vanish, powerfully conveys the overwhelming and psychologically devastating impact of the famine, suggesting it would utterly overshadow any past prosperity. Finally, a subtle form of **Personification** is present in the phrase "the famine shall consume the land," attributing an active, destructive agency to the famine itself, as if it were a living entity devouring the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:30 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and human affairs, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate natural events to fulfill His redemptive purposes. This divine foreknowledge, revealed through Joseph, serves as a mercy, providing a crucial warning that enables preparation and ultimately leads to the preservation of many lives, including God's chosen family. It highlights the transient nature of earthly prosperity and the importance of wisdom and foresight in managing resources, recognizing that seasons of abundance can quickly give way to periods of severe hardship. This narrative powerfully underscores that even in the face of impending disaster, God is actively at work, using challenging circumstances to bring about His greater plan.

* [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:30 offers timeless lessons for believers today, underscoring the vital importance of wisdom, foresight, and faithful stewardship in every season of life. Just as Joseph advised Pharaoh to store up grain during the years of plenty ([Genesis 41:33-36](/genesis/41-33-36 "Genesis 41:33-36 - Joseph's Counsel for Famine Preparation")), we are called to exercise prudence and discipline in managing our resources—whether financial, relational, or spiritual. This includes not only saving and investing wisely for future needs but also cultivating spiritual disciplines during times of ease, building a reservoir of faith and resilience for inevitable seasons of scarcity or trial. Furthermore, this narrative reminds us that even when faced with difficult prophecies or challenging circumstances, God remains sovereign and actively involved. He often reveals future events or allows hardships, not to punish indiscriminately, but for a greater redemptive purpose—to test and strengthen our faith, to reorient our focus from fleeting earthly comforts to eternal values, and to deepen our reliance on Him as our ultimate provider and sustainer. Our response to seasons of plenty and famine reveals the true object of our trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I currently steward my resources (time, money, talents) during seasons of "plenty" in my life?**
* **What spiritual "reserves" am I building now that could sustain me through future seasons of "famine" or hardship?**
* **How does the understanding of God's sovereignty in this passage impact my perspective on unexpected difficulties or crises in my own life?**
* **In what ways can I, like Joseph, be a channel of God's provision and wisdom for others during times of need?**

### FAQ
**Why did God send a famine after years of plenty?**

Answer: God sent the famine to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs, revealing His power to both give and take away. It served multiple, interconnected purposes within His overarching redemptive plan. First, it was a divine judgment that also acted as a catalyst to elevate Joseph to a position of immense power and influence in Egypt, fulfilling God's earlier prophetic dreams given to Joseph ([Genesis 37:5-11](/genesis/37-5-11 "Genesis 37:5-11 - Joseph's Dreams")). Second, it was a means to preserve a remnant of humanity, including Jacob's family, during a global crisis, ultimately bringing them into Egypt where they would grow into a great nation, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Finally, it served as a practical lesson in wisdom, preparedness, and dependence on divine revelation, not just for Egypt but for all who would read this account.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's general revelation?**

Answer: While God's general revelation is seen in the consistent laws of nature (e.g., the sun rising, seasons changing) and the moral conscience of humanity, this prophecy is a clear example of specific, special revelation. It is a direct, supernatural communication from God through dreams and their divinely inspired interpretation, providing precise details about future events that could not be known through natural observation or human reason alone. This highlights God's ability and willingness to intervene directly in human history and communicate His specific plans, warnings, and purposes beyond what can be discerned from the created order.

**Is the "forgetting of plenty" a literal or metaphorical description?**

Answer: It is both literal and metaphorical, emphasizing the profound impact of the famine. Literally, the phrase "all the plenty shall be forgotten" implies that the famine would be so severe, prolonged, and all-consuming that the physical memory of the abundant years would be overshadowed and virtually erased by the immediate, desperate struggle for survival. People would be so focused on their present hunger and lack that the past abundance would feel like a distant, unreal dream. Metaphorically, it speaks to the human tendency to quickly forget past blessings and provision when faced with overwhelming hardship. It highlights the profound psychological and emotional toll the famine would take, demonstrating how easily prosperity can be eclipsed by adversity, leading to a collective amnesia regarding former ease and comfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 41:30, with its stark prophecy of devastating famine following a period of abundance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several compelling ways. Joseph, who receives and interprets this prophecy, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joseph was sent by God, suffered rejection, was unjustly imprisoned, and yet was ultimately exalted to a position of immense power and authority to save his family and many nations from physical starvation, so Christ, sent by the Father, suffered rejection, was unjustly crucified, and yet was exalted to provide spiritual sustenance and eternal salvation for all who believe, saving humanity from the spiritual famine of sin and judgment. Christ is the ultimate "storehouse" of grace and truth, the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who ensures that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. His provision is not merely for earthly trials but for eternal life, offering a spiritual abundance that transcends any earthly scarcity and can never be forgotten or consumed. Through Christ, the ultimate famine of separation from God is overcome, and eternal life is secured for all who trust in Him, just as Joseph secured physical life for those who came to him.

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 47:13

¶ And [there was] no bread in all the land; for the famine [was] very sore, so that the land of Egypt and [all] the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.

Genesis 41:54

And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

Psalms 105:16

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.

James 5:17

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

Proverbs 31:7

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Genesis 41:56

And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

2 Kings 8:1

¶ Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.