Genesis 41:47

And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

And in the seven {H7651} plenteous {H7647} years {H8141} the earth {H776} brought forth {H6213} by handfuls {H7062}.

During the seven years of abundance, the earth brought forth heaps of produce.

During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully.

And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 41:47 is situated within the compelling narrative of Joseph in Egypt, specifically after his miraculous interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams. Having accurately foretold seven years of immense agricultural abundance followed by seven years of severe famine, Joseph was elevated to prime minister over all of Egypt. This verse describes the initial phase of that prophecy's fulfillment: the beginning of the seven years of plenty. It sets the stage for the strategic collection and storage of grain that Joseph orchestrated to prepare for the coming lean years.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Sovereignty: The extraordinary productivity of the land described here is a direct manifestation of God's providential hand. It demonstrates His absolute control over creation and His meticulous plan unfolding through Joseph, ensuring the survival of many, including Joseph's own family.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse marks the immediate and undeniable beginning of the predicted events, confirming the accuracy of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's prophetic dream. It underscores God's faithfulness in bringing His word to pass.
  • Abundance and Blessing: The phrase "brought forth by handfuls" emphasizes an overwhelming, unprecedented agricultural bounty, far beyond typical harvests. It speaks to a time of immense blessing and overflowing resources.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "brought forth by handfuls" vividly conveys the immense productivity of the land during these seven years. It is a translation of the Hebrew "ื‘ึดึผืงึฐืžึธืฆึดื™ื" (biqmatzim), which literally means "by handfuls" or "by fistfuls." This imagery suggests such a prolific yield that one could gather grain not just by cutting stalks, but almost effortlessly, as if scooping up large quantities with ease. It powerfully illustrates the overwhelming blessing and the super-normal harvest that characterized this period of plenty in Egypt.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons on God's wisdom and our responsibility. It reminds us that periods of great blessing and abundance are often part of a larger divine plan, not merely for our immediate comfort. Just as God provided abundantly through the fertile land of Egypt to prepare for the coming famine (as described later in Genesis 41), we are called to recognize and steward the blessings and resources He provides. This includes wise management, saving, and preparing for future needs, trusting in God's foresight and provision even in times of plenty. It encourages us to be grateful stewards, utilizing our prosperity wisely for God's purposes and for the good of others.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 26:12 (4 votes)

    ยถ Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

  • Psalms 72:16 (2 votes)

    There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and [they] of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.