TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
American Standard Version
And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egypt, came to an end.
World English Bible Messianic
The seven years of plenty, that were in the land of Egypt, came to an end.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So the seuen yeeres of the plentie that was in the land of Egypt were ended.
Young's Literal Translation
And the seven years of plenty are completed which have been in the land of Egypt,
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In the KJVVerse 1,249 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 46–57
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.
47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.
51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
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.
55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
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.
57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Observe here, I. The building of Joseph's family in the birth of two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Gen 41:50-52. In the names he gave them, he owned the divine Providence giving this happy turn to his affairs, 1. He was made to forget his misery, Job 11:16. We should bear our afflictions when they are present as those that know not but Providence may so outweigh them by after-comforts as that we may even forget them when they are past. But could he be so unnatural as to forget all his father's house? He means the unkindness he received from his brethren, or perhaps the wealth and honour he expected from his father, with the birthright. The robes he now wore made him forget the coat of divers colours which he wore in his father's house. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. It had been the land of his affliction, and in some sense it was still so, for it was not Canaan, the land of promise. His distance from his father was still his affliction. Note, Light is sometimes sown for the righteous in a barren and unlikely soil; and yet if God sow it, and water it, it will come up again. The afflictions of the saints promote their fruitfulness. Ephraim signifies fruitfulness, and Manasseh forgetfulness, for these two often go together; when Jeshurun waxed fat, he forgot God his Maker.
II. The accomplishment of Joseph's predictions. Pharaoh had great confidence in the truth of them, perhaps finding in his own mind, beyond what another person could, an exact correspondence between them and his dreams, as between the key and the lock; and the event showed that he was not deceived. The seven plenteous years came (Gen 41:47), and, at length, they were ended, Gen 41:53. Note, We ought to foresee the approaching period of the days both of our prosperity and of our opportunity, and therefore must not be secure in the enjoyment of our prosperity nor slothful in the improvement of our opportunity; years of plenty will end, therefore, Whatever thy hand finds to do do it; and gather in gathering time. The morning cometh and also the night (Isa 21:12), the plenty and also the famine. The seven years of dearth began to come, Gen 41:54. See what changes of condition we are liable to in this world, and what need we have to be joyful in a day of prosperity and in a day of adversity to consider, Ecc 7:14. This famine, it seems, was not only in Egypt, but in other lands, in all lands, that is, all the neighbouring countries; fruitful lands are soon turned into barrenness for the iniquity of those that dwell therein, Psa 107:34. It is here said that in the land of Egypt there was bread, meaning probably, not only that which Joseph had bought up for the king, but that which private persons, by his example, and upon the public notice of this prediction, as well as by the rules of common prudence, had laid up.
III. The performance of Joseph's trust. He was found faithful to it, as a steward ought to be. 1. He was diligent in laying up, while the plenty lasted, Gen 41:48, Gen 41:49. He that thus gathers is a wise son. 2. He was prudent and careful in giving out, when the famine came, and kept the markets low by furnishing them at reasonable rates out of his stores. The people in distress cried to Pharaoh, as that woman to the king of Israel (Kg2 6:26), Help, my lord, O king: he sent them to his treasurer, Go to Joseph. Thus God in the gospel directs those that apply to him for mercy and grace to go to the Lord Jesus, in whom all fulness dwells; and, What he saith to you, do. Joseph, no doubt, with wisdom and justice fixed the price of the corn he sold, so that Pharaoh, whose money had bought it up, might have a reasonable profit, and yet the country might not be oppressed, nor advantage taken of their prevailing necessity; while he that withholdest corn when it is dear, in hopes it will yet grow dearer, though people perish for want of it, has many a curse for so doing (and it is not a curse causeless), blessings shall be upon the head of him that thus selleth it, Pro 11:26. And let the price be determined by that golden rule of justice, to do as we would be done by.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 46–57. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 41:53 marks the precise conclusion of the seven years of abundant harvest in the land of Egypt, as prophesied by Joseph. This pivotal verse signifies the definitive end of a critical period of divinely guided preparation under Joseph's administration, setting the stage for the imminent and severe famine that would soon afflict not only Egypt but also the surrounding lands, including Canaan, where Joseph's family resided, thus orchestrating the next phase of God's redemptive plan.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as a crucial narrative hinge within the extensive Joseph narrative, specifically following the detailed account of his rise to power and his implementation of the grain storage program. Immediately prior to this verse, Genesis 41:47-49 describes the unparalleled abundance of the harvest, so vast that Joseph ceased to record it. Genesis 41:53 acts as the culmination of this period of plenty, directly preceding the onset of the famine described in Genesis 41:54. It is a direct fulfillment of the first part of Pharaoh's dream, interpreted by Joseph in Genesis 41:29-30, thereby validating Joseph's prophetic insight and administrative wisdom. The verse transitions the narrative from a phase of gathering and preparation to one of scarcity and distribution, highlighting God's meticulous timing in the unfolding drama of Joseph's life and the preservation of his family.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society whose prosperity was entirely dependent on the annual inundation of the Nile River. A consistent seven-year period of "plenteousness" would have been an extraordinary and unprecedented blessing, indicating exceptionally favorable and consistent Nile floods. Such a prolonged period of superabundant harvests would have allowed for the massive grain storage described in the preceding verses, a feat requiring immense logistical and administrative capabilities, which Joseph, as vizier, orchestrated. The concept of storing grain for future lean years was a known practice in ancient Near Eastern societies, but the scale and foresight demonstrated here, spanning seven years and anticipating a global famine, were unique. The mention of "the land of Egypt" (H4714, Mitsrayim) encompasses both Upper and Lower Egypt, emphasizing the nationwide scope of both the abundance and the subsequent famine, which would draw people from all surrounding regions, underscoring Egypt's geopolitical importance as a breadbasket.
Key Themes: Genesis 41:53 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of Divine Providence and Sovereignty, as the precise ending of the years of plenty demonstrates God's meticulous control over natural cycles and human events, fulfilling the prophecy given through Joseph. It underscores God's faithfulness in bringing His word to pass, often through human instruments. Another key theme is the Importance of Wisdom and Preparation, exemplified by Joseph's divinely inspired foresight and diligent administration. His strategic planning during the years of abundance prevented widespread catastrophe during the famine, serving as a model for wise stewardship. The verse also highlights God's Use of Unlikely Instruments, as Joseph, a former slave and prisoner, is elevated to a position of immense power to execute God's plan. Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of Preservation of the Covenant Line, as the famine will ultimately bring Jacob and his family to Egypt, ensuring the survival and growth of the nascent nation of Israel, a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, as seen in the broader narrative of Genesis.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:53 states simply: "And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended." This concise declaration carries significant weight within the biblical narrative, marking a pivotal transition.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 41:53, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. Foreshadowing is prominent, as the ending of the years of plenty directly anticipates the immediate onset of the severe famine, creating narrative tension and emphasizing the urgency of Joseph's preparations. The verse functions as a Transition Point, marking a clear shift in the narrative's temporal and thematic focus from abundance to scarcity, and from gathering to distribution. It also exhibits Verbal Irony in a subtle way: the very "plenteousness" that characterized this period is now "ended," highlighting the transient nature of prosperity and the cyclical pattern of life. Furthermore, the precision of the statement, "were ended," underscores the theme of Divine Control and Fulfillment, as it confirms the exact execution of God's prophetic word, validating Joseph's interpretation and God's sovereignty over time and events.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:53 powerfully underscores God's meticulous oversight of history and His unwavering faithfulness to His word. The conclusion of the seven years was not arbitrary but precisely aligned with the divine timetable revealed through Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph's interpretation. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty, orchestrating natural phenomena and human actions to fulfill His larger purposes. It highlights that even seemingly mundane events like agricultural cycles are under divine control, serving as instruments in God's grand redemptive narrative. The verse implicitly celebrates the foresight and strategic planning implemented by Joseph, guided by God's wisdom. Because the years of plenty were utilized for diligent storage, Egypt was uniquely prepared to weather the devastating famine, preventing widespread catastrophe and ultimately serving God's larger plan to preserve the family through whom the Messiah would come. This serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of spiritual and practical preparedness during seasons of blessing.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The conclusion of Egypt's years of plenty offers timeless lessons for contemporary life, calling us to be wise stewards of the blessings God provides. Whether these blessings are financial resources, talents, time, or relationships, this verse reminds us that periods of prosperity are not merely for indulgence but are opportunities to prepare for future needs, both our own and those of others. Life inevitably brings its seasons of "famine" or hardship—spiritual dryness, financial downturns, relational challenges, or health crises. Just as Joseph diligently gathered during the good years, we are encouraged to build spiritual reserves through consistent prayer, Bible study, and community, and to make wise practical choices during times of ease. This foresight enables us to endure and even thrive during difficult periods, much like the diligent ant in Proverbs 6:6-8. Ultimately, even as the good times ended, the narrative reveals God's hand in orchestrating events, encouraging us to trust in His sovereign plan, knowing that He works through all circumstances, good and bad, to accomplish His purposes and care for His people, providing sustenance even in the midst of scarcity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "seven years of plenteousness" ending precisely as prophesied?
Answer: The precise ending of the seven years of plenteousness, as stated in Genesis 41:53, signifies the exact fulfillment of God's prophecy given through Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph's interpretation. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over time and events, demonstrating His faithfulness in bringing His word to pass. This precision also validates Joseph's divine wisdom and the urgency of his preparations, as the period of abundance was not open-ended but had a definite, divinely appointed conclusion, immediately preceding the onset of the famine described in Genesis 41:54.
How does Genesis 41:53 highlight the theme of preparation?
Answer: Genesis 41:53 implicitly highlights the theme of preparation by marking the end of the crucial window during which preparation was possible. The verse indicates that the time for gathering and storing was over, and the next phase, the famine, was about to begin. This emphasizes that Joseph's diligent work in the preceding years was not in vain but was absolutely critical for Egypt's survival and the preservation of life. It serves as a powerful biblical example of foresight and the wisdom of using good times to prepare for inevitable challenges, a principle echoed in passages like Proverbs 21:20.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 41:53 directly concerns the conclusion of a specific economic period in ancient Egypt, it points to Christ in its broader theological implications, particularly through the figure of Joseph as a type of Christ. Just as Joseph, through divine wisdom, prepared for and saved a multitude from physical death by gathering and storing grain during the years of plenty, Christ, the ultimate provider, has gathered and stored up spiritual provisions—His righteousness, His grace, and the indwelling Holy Spirit—during His earthly ministry, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. These spiritual provisions are made available to all who believe, saving them from the spiritual famine of sin and eternal death, as highlighted in John 6:35. The precise fulfillment of prophecy in Genesis 41:53 also foreshadows the perfect timing of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ's coming at the "fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4) to accomplish salvation. Furthermore, just as people came to Joseph for physical sustenance, all humanity is invited to come to Christ, the true "Bread of Life," for eternal sustenance and salvation, as promised in Matthew 11:28.