Genesis 41:3 - Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river.

Generated Verse: Genesis 41:3

What does "Genesis 41:3" mean?


This verse from Genesis 41:3 is part of Pharaoh's dream in which he sees seven healthy cows devoured by seven sickly cows. It's a symbolic representation of a coming period of abundance followed by a severe famine. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin...": This describes a second set of cows emerging from the Nile River, which was a source of life and fertility for Egypt. These cows are described as "ugly" (Hebrew: ra'ot to'ar) which is related to bad looks or poor appearance, and "thin" (Hebrew: daqot basar) or lean fleshed meaning, emaciated or malnourished, indicating they are in poor condition and lack nourishment.

"...and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river.": This indicates that both sets of cows are in the same place, poised on the edge of the Nile. The healthy cows are vulnerable to the thin cows, suggesting the coming crisis will impact the prosperity represented by the healthy cows.

Symbolic Meaning:

The "ugly and thin" cattle represent:

Famine: Their physical condition signifies a period of scarcity and hunger.
Economic hardship: They represent a time of poverty and reduced agricultural output.
Calamity: Generally, they foreshadow a period of significant hardship for Egypt.

Significance in the Story:

This verse is crucial because:

Foreshadowing: It warns of an impending crisis that will affect the entire nation.
Problem Statement: It sets the stage for the need for a solution, which is where Joseph enters the picture.
Divine Revelation: It suggests a divine origin for the dream, implying that it is a message that needs to be heeded.

In summary, the verse describes a symbolic vision of a coming famine that will consume the abundance that precedes it. The emaciated cows foreshadow a period of hardship and scarcity for Egypt. It highlights the need for wisdom and planning to navigate the coming crisis.

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