Genesis 41:31

KJV

And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it [shall be] very grievous.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the plenty {H7647} shall not be known {H3045} in the land {H776} by reason {H6440} of that famine {H7458} following {H310}{H3651}; for it shall be very {H3966} grievous {H3515}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the abundance will not be known in the land because of the famine that will follow, because it will be truly terrible.

Berean Standard Bible

The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe.

American Standard Version

and the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine which followeth; for it shall be very grievous.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:31, a pivotal declaration within Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, starkly predicts the overwhelming severity of the coming seven-year famine in Egypt. It foretells a scarcity so profound that the preceding seven years of abundant harvest would be utterly forgotten, their memory eclipsed by the pervasive suffering and hardship, underscoring the famine's devastating and inescapable impact on the land and its inhabitants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 41:31 is situated at the climax of Joseph's divinely granted interpretation of Pharaoh's perplexing dreams. Following the dreams of seven fat cows devoured by seven thin cows, and seven full ears of grain swallowed by seven withered ones, Joseph reveals to Pharaoh that both dreams signify the same prophetic sequence: [seven years of extraordinary abundance](/genesis/41-29 "Genesis 41:29 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream of Plenty") followed by [seven years of devastating famine](/genesis/41-30 "Genesis 41:30 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream of Famine"). This verse, specifically, intensifies the description of the famine, emphasizing its unprecedented and all-consuming nature. It immediately precedes Joseph's practical advice to Pharaoh on how to prepare for the impending crisis, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation. The narrative flow moves from divine revelation to human response, with this verse serving as a critical bridge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's civilization was entirely dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile River, which deposited fertile silt crucial for agriculture. A disruption in this cycle, such as prolonged drought, would lead to widespread famine. The concept of storing grain during years of plenty was a known, albeit challenging, practice. Pharaoh, as the absolute ruler, was seen as responsible for the welfare of his people and often associated with divine favor or disfavor concerning the land's fertility. Dreams were considered significant omens or divine messages in the ancient Near East, particularly those of rulers, making Joseph's ability to interpret them a sign of profound wisdom and divine connection. The "grievous" nature of the famine would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society acutely aware of the fragility of their food supply.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores God's **sovereignty over creation and history**, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate natural events like famine to fulfill His purposes, even through pagan rulers like Pharaoh. It highlights the theme of **divine foresight and revelation**, as God reveals future events to Joseph, enabling preparation. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **wise stewardship and preparation**, as the severity of the predicted famine necessitates proactive measures during times of prosperity. Joseph's role in this chapter also reinforces the theme of **God's use of individuals**, even those in foreign lands and difficult circumstances, to advance His redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel, as seen in later chapters of [Genesis](/genesis/45 "Genesis 45 - Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:31 vividly portrays the catastrophic nature of the impending famine, declaring that "And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it [shall be] very grievous." This is not merely a prediction of scarcity but of a famine so profound that it would erase the very memory of the preceding years of abundance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plenty (Hebrew, _sâbâʻ'_):** This word denotes "copiousness" or "abundance." In this context, it refers specifically to the seven years of extraordinary agricultural bounty that Egypt was about to experience. The prophecy suggests that this period of overflowing provision, though significant, would be entirely overshadowed and functionally forgotten due to the subsequent hardship.
* **Known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to know," encompassing a wide range of senses from intellectual understanding to intimate acquaintance, recognition, and even experience. Here, "shall not be known" implies not a literal amnesia, but that the memory or experience of plenty would be so thoroughly obliterated by the famine's severity that it would cease to be a relevant or comforting reality in the collective consciousness. The famine would redefine their experience of life.
* **Grievous (Hebrew, _kâbêd'_):** The word _kâbêd_ fundamentally means "heavy," and figuratively, "severe," "difficult," or "stupid." When combined with _mᵉʼôd_, which means "very" or "exceedingly" (implying vehemence and intensity), the phrase "very grievous" conveys an unparalleled degree of burden, suffering, and difficulty. It emphasizes the immense weight of the famine's impact, suggesting it would be overwhelmingly oppressive and burdensome for the entire land and its people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the plenty shall not be known in the land":** This clause highlights the psychological and societal impact of the coming famine. It prophesies that the memory and experience of the preceding seven years of abundant harvest would be utterly eclipsed. The suffering would be so pervasive and severe that the previous prosperity would seem insignificant, distant, or even unreal in comparison, effectively erased from the collective consciousness as people struggled for survival.
* **"by reason of that famine following":** This phrase directly attributes the obliteration of the memory of plenty to the subsequent famine. It emphasizes the causal link between the two periods, asserting that the severity of the famine would be the direct cause of the forgotten abundance. The "famine following" refers to the seven years of scarcity that were to immediately succeed the years of plenty.
* **"for it [shall be] very grievous":** This final clause provides the reason for the famine's profound impact. The use of "very grievous" (Hebrew: _mᵉʼôd kâbêd_) signifies an extreme, oppressive, and overwhelmingly severe trial. It indicates that the famine would not merely be a period of scarcity, but one of immense suffering, hardship, and difficulty, making any prior prosperity seem utterly insignificant in the face of such overwhelming adversity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the statement "the plenty shall not be known," which is an exaggeration used to emphasize the extreme severity of the coming famine. It does not mean people would literally forget the good years, but that the overwhelming suffering would make the memory of prosperity seem utterly insignificant or irrelevant. This hyperbole underscores the profound psychological and physical impact the famine would have. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Contrast** established between the "plenty" and the "famine," highlighting the dramatic shift from abundance to extreme scarcity. This juxtaposition serves to amplify the devastating nature of the impending crisis. The entire verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, not only of the literal famine but also of God's providential hand in preparing a way for His people, as Joseph's wisdom in managing the crisis would ultimately lead to the preservation of Jacob's family and the nation of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:31 powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His meticulous orchestration of human history. The prophecy of such a severe famine, revealed through Joseph, underscores that even natural disasters are within God's providential control and can serve His purposes, whether for judgment, discipline, or, as in this case, to set the stage for the preservation and growth of His chosen people. It also serves as a profound lesson in the transient nature of earthly abundance and the critical importance of wise stewardship, reminding humanity to prepare for future challenges during times of prosperity, fostering a reliance on God rather than complacency in material blessings.

* [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")
* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "James 4:13-15 - Boasting About Tomorrow")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Plans Endure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:31 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary life, urging individuals and communities to cultivate foresight, prudence, and responsible stewardship. Just as Joseph advised Pharaoh to prepare diligently during the years of plenty, we are called to manage our resources—whether financial, environmental, spiritual, or relational—with wisdom and discernment, anticipating future needs and challenges rather than succumbing to complacency during times of abundance. This verse encourages a balanced perspective, fostering deep gratitude for present blessings while recognizing their potential transience, and ultimately prompting a deeper, unwavering trust in God's overarching providence to guide us through both seasons of plenty and periods of severe trial. It reminds us that true security is found not in accumulated wealth but in a steadfast reliance on the Lord, who is faithful through all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently experiencing "plenty," and how am I stewarding these resources with a view toward potential future challenges?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly abundance, as highlighted in this verse, shape my priorities and my reliance on God?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to prepare for unforeseen difficulties, trusting in God's provision while acting responsibly?**

### FAQ
**How could the memory of plenty be "not known"?**

Answer: The phrase "the plenty shall not be known" signifies the extreme psychological and physical impact of the famine, rather than a literal forgetting. It means that the overwhelming suffering, hunger, and death would so dominate the collective experience that the previous years of prosperity would seem utterly insignificant, distant, or even unreal in comparison to the present misery. The sheer scale of the famine would consume all focus and memory, making the good times seem like a faint, irrelevant dream, effectively erasing their practical relevance from the daily struggle for survival.

**Does this verse suggest God causes famine?**

Answer: The Bible often portrays natural events, including famines, as being within God's sovereign control and sometimes as instruments of His purposes. In this narrative, God reveals the coming famine through Joseph, indicating His foreknowledge and ultimate authority over such occurrences. While it highlights God's power to orchestrate events, it also underscores His mercy and providential care in providing a means of preparation and survival through Joseph's wisdom. This demonstrates that even amidst hardship, God's ultimate aim is often redemptive, working all things together for the good of those who love Him, as seen in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 41:31 directly concerns a physical famine in ancient Egypt, it profoundly foreshadows Christ and His redemptive work. Joseph, as the one who interprets the divine warning and provides the means of salvation from physical death, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joseph gathered grain during the years of plenty to save a nation from a devastating physical famine, Christ is the ultimate provider who gathers His people and offers spiritual sustenance, saving humanity from the eternal famine of sin and spiritual death. He is the "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 spiritually hunger or thirst, providing an abundance of grace and truth that will never be forgotten or overshadowed by any spiritual scarcity. Through Christ, God's perfect foresight and boundless provision are fully realized, offering eternal life and an everlasting spiritual abundance that transcends all earthly trials and ensures that the "plenty" of His salvation will be eternally known and celebrated [Revelation 7:16-17](/revelation/7-16-17 "Revelation 7:16-17 - No More Hunger or Thirst").

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

Isaiah 24:20

The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.

1 Samuel 5:6

¶ But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even] Ashdod and the coasts thereof.