Genesis 41:27

And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them [are] seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.

And the seven {H7651} thin {H7534} and ill favoured {H7451} kine {H6510} that came up {H5927} after them {H310} are seven {H7651} years {H8141}; and the seven {H7651} empty {H7386} ears {H7641} blasted {H7710} with the east wind {H6921} shall be seven {H7651} years {H8141} of famine {H7458}.

Likewise the seven lean and miserable-looking cows that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted by the east wind - there will be seven years of famine.

Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine.

And the seven lean and ill-favored kine that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind; they shall be seven years of famine.

Commentary

Genesis 41:27 continues Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation of Pharaoh's two perplexing dreams. After explaining the meaning of the seven fat cows and seven full ears of corn as seven years of abundance, this verse clarifies the ominous second part of each dream, revealing the impending hardship.

Context

This verse is part of a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Joseph. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, was troubled by two vivid dreams (see Genesis 41:1-7) that none of his wise men or magicians could interpret. Joseph, who had been unjustly imprisoned, was remembered by the chief butler for his ability to interpret dreams (compare with Genesis 40:8). Brought before Pharaoh, Joseph humbly attributed his interpretive ability to God, stating, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace" (Genesis 41:16). Verses 25-26 set the stage, explaining the good symbols; verse 27 specifically addresses the negative ones, completing the prophecy of the coming famine.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Foresight: The verse highlights God's ability to reveal future events to humanity, particularly through dreams, as a warning and a means of preparation. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over natural phenomena and human affairs.
  • Prophecy of Famine: The "seven thin and ill favoured kine" (cows) and "seven empty ears blasted with the east wind" explicitly foretell a severe, seven-year famine that would devastate the land after a period of great plenty. The "east wind" was known in the ancient Near East as a dry, scorching wind that could wither crops, emphasizing the destructive nature of the coming famine.
  • Joseph's God-Given Wisdom: Joseph's precise and consistent interpretation of both dreams as referring to the same period of famine underscores his unique gift from God, setting the stage for his elevation to a position of authority in Egypt (see Genesis 41:38-40).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the term "kine" which is an archaic plural of "cow," referring to cattle. The phrase "ill favoured" emphasizes their emaciated and unhealthy appearance, symbolizing the devastating effects of scarcity. The description "blasted with the east wind" is particularly evocative. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, the qadim (east wind) was often a hot, dry, and destructive wind, capable of scorching vegetation and bringing desolation. This detail underscores the severity and devastating nature of the predicted famine, leaving no doubt about the barrenness of the "empty ears."

Practical Application

Genesis 41:27 offers several timeless lessons:

  • God's Providence and Warning: Just as God warned Pharaoh through dreams, He often provides warnings or insights through various means today, whether through scripture, circumstances, or wise counsel, enabling us to prepare for future challenges.
  • The Importance of Preparation: The immediate implication of this prophecy was the need for strategic planning and resource management during the years of plenty to mitigate the impact of the famine. This principle applies to all areas of life, encouraging foresight, stewardship, and wise decision-making.
  • Trusting God's Plan: Even in the face of impending hardship, the narrative shows God's overarching plan at work, using Joseph's wisdom not only to save Egypt but ultimately to preserve the nascent nation of Israel. This reminds us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem dire.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 8:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • 2 Samuel 24:19 (2 votes)

    And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.