Genesis 41:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, seven {H7651} thin {H1851} ears {H7641} 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, thin and scorched by the east wind.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:6 vividly portrays the second part of Pharaoh's dream, presenting a stark contrast to the preceding imagery of healthy grain. It depicts seven thin, blighted ears of grain, scorched by the destructive east wind, emerging after the flourishing ones. This powerful vision serves as a divine warning, foreshadowing a period of severe famine that would devastate Egypt, setting the stage for Joseph's providential role in interpreting God's message and orchestrating a plan for preservation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Pharaoh's two prophetic dreams, which unfold in a single night. Following the vision of seven fat cows consumed by seven lean cows in [Genesis 41:1-4](/genesis/41-1-4 "Pharaoh's first dream of kine"), Pharaoh's attention turns to the agricultural realm. [Genesis 41:5](/genesis/41-5 "The seven good ears in Pharaoh's dream") introduces "seven good ears and full," setting up the immediate and dramatic contrast found in verse 6, where "seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them." The juxtaposition of abundance and desolation in both dreams underscores the certainty and urgency of the divine message. The inability of Pharaoh's own wise men and magicians to interpret these perplexing visions creates the narrative opening for Joseph, who is subsequently brought from prison to stand before Pharaoh, fulfilling God's intricate plan for his life and the nation of Egypt, as detailed in [Genesis 41:14-16](/genesis/41-14-16 "Joseph brought before Pharaoh").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society, heavily dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile River for its agricultural prosperity. Grain, particularly wheat and barley, was the staple of their economy and diet. Dreams held immense significance in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often believed to be a means by which gods communicated with humans, especially rulers. Pharaoh's distress over his dreams reflects this cultural belief in their prophetic weight. The "east wind" (Hebrew: *qadîm*) was a well-known meteorological phenomenon in the region, notorious for its hot, dry, and destructive nature. Originating from the desert, it could rapidly wither crops, bringing drought and famine. Its mention here would have immediately conveyed a sense of impending disaster to an ancient Egyptian audience, signifying not just a natural occurrence but a powerful, blighting force.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs by revealing future events to a pagan king, thereby orchestrating circumstances for His chosen people. Secondly, the stark contrast between the healthy and blighted ears emphasizes the **Cycles of Abundance and Scarcity**, a recurring biblical motif that underscores human dependence on God's provision and the importance of wise stewardship during times of plenty. This theme is further explored in the wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "The Ant and the Sluggard") concerning preparation. Lastly, the dream underscores **God's Control Over Nature**, as the destructive "east wind" is portrayed as an instrument of divine purpose, capable of bringing both blessing and desolation, a power often seen in God's interactions with humanity throughout Scripture, for example, in the plagues of [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "The Plague of Locusts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thin (Hebrew, _daq'_):** From H1851 (daq), meaning "crushed," implying "small or thin." In this context, it describes the physical state of the grain ears, indicating a lack of substance, fullness, and vitality. It visually communicates the opposite of healthy, plump grain, directly symbolizing scarcity and unproductivity.
* **ears (Hebrew, _shibbôl'_):** From H7641 (shibbôl), referring to a "stream" or, more relevantly here, an "ear of grain (as growing out)." This term specifically identifies the part of the plant that bears the kernels, the very source of sustenance. The imagery of "thin ears" emphasizes that the essential food source itself is diminished and unproductive.
* **blasted (Hebrew, _shâdaph'_):** From H7710 (shâdaph), a primitive root meaning "to scorch" or "blast." This word describes the destructive effect of an external force on the grain. It implies a severe, withering impact, suggesting that the ears were not merely naturally thin but actively damaged and rendered useless by a powerful, external agent.
* **east wind (Hebrew, _qâdîym'_):** From H6921 (qâdîym), meaning "the fore or front part," and by orientation, "the East," often referring to the "east wind." As discussed in the context, this wind was known for its scorching, dry heat in the ancient Near East. Its inclusion here specifies the destructive force, linking the blighting of the grain to a powerful, natural phenomenon often associated with divine judgment or significant events.
* **sprung up (Hebrew, _tsâmach'_):** From H6779 (tsâmach), a primitive root meaning "to sprout" or "to grow." While the ears "sprung up," the preceding description of them as "thin" and "blasted" creates a powerful irony. They emerged, but not to fruition or abundance; rather, they grew only to demonstrate their withered, unproductive state, highlighting the futility of their growth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold":** This opening phrase serves as an interjection, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the dramatic and significant imagery that follows. It signals a crucial moment in the dream, designed to capture Pharaoh's (and the audience's) focus on the impending revelation.
* **"seven thin ears":** This clause introduces the numerical and qualitative aspect of the blighted grain. The number "seven" (H7651, _shebaʻ_) signifies completeness or totality, indicating that the period of scarcity would be full and pervasive. "Thin" (H1851, _daq_) directly contrasts with the "good and full" ears of [Genesis 41:5](/genesis/41-5 "The seven good ears in Pharaoh's dream"), immediately conveying a sense of deficiency, lack, and unproductivity.
* **"and blasted with the east wind":** This phrase identifies the destructive agent and the severe impact it had on the grain. "Blasted" (H7710, _shâdaph_) signifies a scorching, withering effect, while "the east wind" (H6921, _qâdîym_) specifies the notorious, hot, dry wind from the desert known for destroying crops. This detail emphasizes the severity and the external, powerful nature of the impending devastation, suggesting a force beyond human control.
* **"sprung up after them":** This final clause indicates the temporal sequence of the dream's imagery. The blighted ears "sprung up" (H6779, _tsâmach_) *after* the healthy ones, signifying that the period of famine would follow a period of abundance. This sequential emergence is crucial to the interpretation, establishing the pattern of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of scarcity.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 41:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Juxtaposition** is central, as the "thin ears and blasted with the east wind" are presented in immediate and stark contrast to the "seven good ears and full" described in the preceding verse. This direct comparison amplifies the sense of impending disaster by highlighting the dramatic shift from abundance to desolation. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the ears of grain themselves symbolize the agricultural prosperity and sustenance of Egypt, while their "thin" and "blasted" state symbolizes severe famine and economic devastation. The "east wind" is a potent **Symbol** of a destructive, divinely orchestrated force, known for its scorching power in the ancient Near East. Finally, the entire dream, including this verse, functions as **Foreshadowing**, providing a clear, divinely inspired warning of future events. This prophetic imagery is not merely descriptive but serves a crucial narrative function, setting the stage for Joseph's interpretation and the subsequent actions that will preserve Egypt and the surrounding nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:6, as part of Pharaoh's prophetic dream, powerfully illustrates God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, even in the affairs of a pagan nation. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not distant but intimately concerned with the well-being of His creation, often using natural phenomena as instruments of His will, whether for blessing or judgment. The stark contrast between the healthy and blighted grain serves as a profound theological statement on the cyclical nature of life and the importance of discerning divine warnings. It calls believers to cultivate a posture of wisdom, stewardship, and dependence on God, recognizing that periods of prosperity can swiftly be followed by times of hardship. Ultimately, the dream is a testament to God's providential care, as He reveals future events not to cause despair, but to enable preparation and facilitate His redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to the preservation of Jacob's family and the lineage of the Messiah.

* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30-31 "Human Plans and God's Sovereignty")
* [Amos 4:6-9](/amos/4-6-9 "God's Discipline Through Famine and Blight")
* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Consequences of Disobedience: Drought and Blight")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The imagery of Genesis 41:6, with its stark contrast between flourishing and blighted grain, serves as a timeless reminder of life's inherent uncertainties and the divine call to wisdom and preparation. Just as God revealed the coming famine to Pharaoh through Joseph, enabling Egypt to prepare and survive ([Genesis 41:32](/genesis/41-32 "Joseph explains the double dream")), so too are we called to be discerning stewards of the resources and seasons God grants us. This verse challenges us to consider our own responses to periods of abundance and scarcity. Do we squander our blessings in times of plenty, or do we wisely save, invest, and prepare for potential future challenges? Furthermore, it encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching plan, even when faced with seemingly devastating events. The "east wind" of hardship, though painful, can be part of God's sovereign design, leading to deeper dependence on Him and ultimately, to His redemptive purposes, as seen in the preservation of Joseph's family and the nation of Israel through the famine ([Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Joseph's perspective on God's purpose for him")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between the "good ears" and "thin ears" challenge your perspective on stewardship during times of abundance?**
* **What "east winds" (unexpected hardships or challenges) have you experienced, and how did they reveal God's sovereignty or your need for preparation?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be giving you a "warning" or prompting you to prepare for future seasons?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision, even when facing or anticipating periods of scarcity?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "east wind" in this verse?**

Answer: The "east wind" (Hebrew: *qadîm*) in [Genesis 41:6](/genesis/41-6 "Pharaoh's dream of thin ears") is highly significant. In the ancient Near East, this wind was notorious for its hot, dry, and scorching nature, capable of withering crops and bringing severe drought. Its inclusion in Pharaoh's dream symbolizes a powerful, destructive force that would devastate Egypt's agricultural produce, indicating the severity and divinely orchestrated nature of the coming famine. Throughout Scripture, the "east wind" is often associated with divine judgment or pivotal events, such as the wind that brought the plague of locusts in [Exodus 10:13](/exodus/10-13 "East wind bringing locusts") or the one that parted the Red Sea for Israel's deliverance in [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "East wind parting the Red Sea").

**Why did Pharaoh have two similar dreams?**

Answer: Joseph's interpretation in [Genesis 41:32](/genesis/41-32 "Joseph explains the double dream") explicitly states that the repetition of the dream signifies its certainty and divine origin. God gave Pharaoh two dreams, one about cattle and one about grain, to underscore the undeniable truth and urgency of the impending seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. This doubling served to confirm the message, ensuring it was clear, undeniable, and left no room for doubt regarding God's impending action and His absolute control over the future. It was a divine emphasis to ensure Pharaoh would heed the warning and act decisively.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Genesis 41:6, leading to Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation and the subsequent preservation of Egypt and surrounding nations from a devastating famine, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, through God-given wisdom, became a savior who gathered and stored grain to deliver a nation from physical death by starvation, Christ, the true Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus the Bread of Life")), offers eternal salvation from spiritual death. The "thin ears and blasted with the east wind" represent the spiritual barrenness, judgment, and desolation that humanity faces due to sin, a famine of the Word of God ([Amos 8:11](/amos/8-11 "Famine of the Word")). From this spiritual emptiness, Christ delivers us through His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection. He is the ultimate provider who gathers His people, not into earthly storehouses of grain, but into His eternal kingdom, offering abundant life and spiritual sustenance that never perishes ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus gives abundant life")). Through Him, we are eternally nourished and protected from the ultimate "blasting" of divine judgment, finding our complete fulfillment and sustenance in His inexhaustible grace and truth ([Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9-10 "Fullness in Christ")).

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

Ezekiel 17:10

Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

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.

Ezekiel 19:12

But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.