Genesis 41:3

And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the [other] kine upon the brink of the river.

And, behold, seven {H7651} other {H312} kine {H6510} came up {H5927} after them {H310} out of the river {H2975}, ill {H7451} favoured {H4758} and leanfleshed {H1851}{H1320}; and stood {H5975} by {H681} the other kine {H6510} upon the brink {H8193} of the river {H2975}.

After them, there came up out of the river seven more cows, miserable-looking and lean; and they stood by the other cows at the edge of the river.

After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river.

And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill-favored and lean-fleshed, and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 41:3

Genesis 41:3 is an integral part of Pharaoh's first troubling dream, which sets the stage for Joseph's rise to power in Egypt. In the preceding verse (Genesis 41:2), Pharaoh observes seven "well favoured and fatfleshed" cows (kine) emerging from the Nile River. This verse introduces a stark and unsettling contrast: seven additional cows, described as "ill favoured and leanfleshed," appearing from the same river. This vivid imagery immediately establishes a sense of foreboding and duality, hinting at a significant future event for Egypt.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Communication Through Dreams: The highly symbolic nature of Pharaoh's dream, particularly the stark contrast presented in this verse, highlights God's sovereign hand in revealing future events. This method of communication echoes other instances in the Bible where God uses dreams to convey His will, such as in Joseph's own prophetic dreams earlier in Genesis.
  • Symbolism of Famine and Scarcity: The "ill favoured and leanfleshed" kine are a powerful visual metaphor for impending hardship, famine, and scarcity. They stand in direct opposition to the healthy cows, clearly signifying a period of great suffering that would follow a time of abundance. This imagery is critical for understanding the dream's interpretation by Joseph later in the chapter (Genesis 41:25-32).
  • Contrast and Duality: The immediate juxtaposition of the healthy and unhealthy cows underscores a fundamental pattern of duality in life: periods of prosperity are often followed by times of struggle. This divinely ordained sequence serves to prepare Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt for the challenges ahead.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version uses the archaic term "kine," which simply refers to cows or cattle. The descriptive phrases are particularly striking: "ill favoured" (Hebrew: ra'ot mar'eh) literally means "bad in appearance" or "ugly," conveying their sickly and undesirable state. "Leanfleshed" (Hebrew: daqot basar) means "thin of flesh" or "emaciated," painting a clear picture of their starved and unhealthy condition. These strong, visual terms serve to emphasize the severity of the coming famine foreshadowed by the dream.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:3, within the broader narrative of Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph's interpretation, offers timeless wisdom for navigating life's cycles. Just as Egypt experienced a period of great abundance followed by severe famine, individuals and societies often encounter alternating seasons of prosperity and hardship. This verse encourages us to:

  • Discern Divine Warnings: Be attentive to signs, circumstances, or spiritual promptings that might indicate future challenges, recognizing that God often prepares us for what lies ahead.
  • Practice Prudent Planning: The subsequent narrative of Joseph's wisdom in managing Egypt's resources (Genesis 41:33-36) highlights the critical importance of wise stewardship and preparation during times of plenty to mitigate the impact of lean times.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even when faced with daunting prospects, like the "ill favoured and leanfleshed" kine, the overarching message is that God is in control. He provides foresight and wisdom, enabling His people to navigate difficulties and even thrive through them.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 41:4 (2 votes)

    And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.

  • Genesis 41:20 (2 votes)

    And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:

  • Genesis 41:21 (2 votes)

    And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they [were] still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.