Genesis 41:4 - The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke.

Generated Verse: Genesis 41:4

What does "Genesis 41:4" mean?


This verse is part of Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41, and it's symbolic. It's not meant to be taken literally. Here's the breakdown of the symbolism and its meaning:

The Ugly and Thin Cattle: These represent years of famine and scarcity.
The Seven Sleek and Fat Cattle: These represent seven years of abundance and prosperity.
"Ate Up": The act of the thin cattle eating the fat cattle means the years of famine would be so severe that they would completely consume and negate the impact of the preceding years of plenty. The famine will be so devastating that the years of abundance will be forgotten and it would be as if they never happened.
"So Pharaoh awoke": The abrupt ending of the dream and Pharaoh's awakening signify the dream's importance and urgency. It's a warning that needs to be understood and acted upon.

Overall Meaning:

The verse foretells that seven years of great abundance in Egypt would be followed by seven years of severe famine. The famine would be so harsh that it would wipe out any memory or benefit of the prosperous years.

In context:

Joseph interprets this dream (and another similar one about ears of grain) for Pharaoh and advises him to prepare for the coming famine by storing up grain during the years of plenty. Pharaoh, recognizing Joseph's wisdom, puts him in charge of the preparations, saving Egypt (and surrounding lands) from starvation.

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