Genesis 41:18

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Genesis 41:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

when seven cows, well-fed and sleek, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.

King James Version KJV

And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:

American Standard Version ASV

and, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well-favored: and they fed in the reed-grass:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And out of the Nile came seven cows, fat and good-looking, and their food was the river-grass;

Free Bible Version FBV

I saw seven cows coming up from the river. They looked well-fed and healthy as they grazed among the reeds.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And lo, there came vp out of the riuer seuen fat fleshed, and welfauoured kine, and they fedde in the medowe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and lo, out of the River coming up are seven kine, fat [in] flesh, and of fair form, and they feed among the reeds;

World English Bible WEB

and behold, seven fat and sleek cattle came up out of the river. They fed in the marsh grass;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And behold, there came out of the river seven cows, fat-fleshed, and well-favored; and they fed in a meadow:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And seven kine came up out of the river exceeding beautiful and full of flesh: and they grazed on green places in a marshy pasture.

Translation for Translators T4T

Suddenly seven healthy fat cows came up out of the river, and they started eating the grass that was on the riverbank.

Plain English Version PEV

Then 7 cows came up from the river. Those 7 cows were good-looking and fat, and they started to eat the long grass that was beside the river.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 41:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה מִן הַ/יְאֹ֗ר עֹלֹת֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פָּר֔וֹת בְּרִיא֥וֹת בָּשָׂ֖ר וִ/יפֹ֣ת תֹּ֑אַר וַ/תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה בָּ/אָֽחוּ

וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/יְאֹ֗ר yᵉʼôr H2975 stream Art | N-proper

עֹלֹת֙ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal

שֶׁ֣בַע shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj

פָּר֔וֹת pârâh H6510 heifer N-fp

בְּרִיא֥וֹת bârîyʼ H1277 fat Adj

בָּשָׂ֖ר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms

וִ/יפֹ֣ת yâpheh H3303 beautiful Conj | Adj

תֹּ֑אַר tôʼar H8389 appearance N-ms

וַ/תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp

בָּ/אָֽחוּ ʼâchûw H260 meadow Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:18

וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/יְאֹ֗ר yᵉʼôr H2975 "stream" Art | N-proper

A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.

Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.

עֹלֹת֙ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

שֶׁ֣בַע shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj

This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.

Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.

פָּר֔וֹת pârâh H6510 "heifer" N-fp

A heifer is a young female cow, and this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe such an animal. In Exodus 29:1, a heifer is used as a sacrifice, and in Numbers 19:2, it is used for purification. It is an important animal in biblical times.

Definition: cow, heifer

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cow, heifer, kine. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 19:6; Isaiah 11:7.

בְּרִיא֥וֹת bârîyʼ H1277 "fat" Adj

In the Bible, this word means 'fat' or 'plump', describing something or someone that is well-fed and healthy. It is used to describe animals and people, like in the story of the fat calf in Luke 15:27.

Definition: 1) fat 2) (TWOT) fat, fatter, fed, firm, plenteous, rank Also means: ber.yah (בִּרְיָה "fat" H1274)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fat ((fleshed), -ter), fed, firm, plenteous, rank. See also: Genesis 41:2; Judges 3:17; Psalms 73:4.

בָּשָׂ֖ר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms

The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.

וִ/יפֹ֣ת yâpheh H3303 "beautiful" Conj | Adj

Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.

Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.

תֹּ֑אַר tôʼar H8389 "appearance" N-ms

This word refers to someone's appearance or figure, describing their shape or form. It can also mean beautiful or comely, conveying a sense of attractiveness. The KJV translates it as beautiful or fair.

Definition: shape, form, outline, figure, appearance

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, [idiom] comely, countenance, [phrase] fair, [idiom] favoured, form, [idiom] goodly, [idiom] resemble, visage. See also: Genesis 29:17; 1 Samuel 25:3; Isaiah 52:14.

וַ/תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp

This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.

Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.

בָּ/אָֽחוּ ʼâchûw H260 "meadow" Prep | N-ms

A meadow refers to a field of grass or reeds, particularly those found near the Nile River. In the Bible, it is often translated as flag or meadow, describing a lush, grassy area.

Definition: reeds, marsh plants, rushes

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: flag, meadow. See also: Genesis 41:2; Genesis 41:18; Job 8:11.

Study Notes — Genesis 41:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 41:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:18
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:18
Sermons on Genesis 41:18

Context — Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams

16“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.” 17Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile,

18when seven cows, well-fed and sleek, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.

19After them, seven other cows—sickly, ugly, and thin—came up. I have never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt! 20Then the thin, ugly cows devoured the seven well-fed cows that were there first.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 24:8	But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt.
2	Jeremiah 24:1–3	After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD. One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early, but the other basket contained very poor figs, so bad they could not be eaten. “Jeremiah,” the LORD asked, “what do you see?” “Figs!” I replied. “The good figs are very good, but the bad figs are very bad, so bad they cannot be eaten.”
3	Jeremiah 24:5	“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, so I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans.

Genesis 41:18 Summary

Genesis 41:18 describes a part of Pharaoh's dream where seven healthy cows come up from the river and start eating among the reeds. This dream was given to Pharaoh by God, and it represents a time of plenty and prosperity, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 8:18. Just as the Nile River brought life to Egypt, God brings life and abundance to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 1:3. By trusting in God's provision and care, we can find peace and security, even in challenging circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the seven well-fed cows in Pharaoh's dream?

The seven well-fed cows in Pharaoh's dream, as described in Genesis 41:18, represent a period of abundance and prosperity, as later interpreted by Joseph in Genesis 41:29. This abundance is a blessing from God, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 8:18.

Why did the cows come up from the river in Pharaoh's dream?

The cows coming up from the river in Genesis 41:18 symbolize the source of Egypt's fertility and wealth, which was the Nile River. This is reminiscent of Ezekiel 47:12, where the river symbolizes life and abundance.

What can we learn from the fact that the cows began to graze among the reeds?

The cows grazing among the reeds in Genesis 41:18 may indicate a sense of peace and security, as the cows are able to eat freely without threat. This can be seen as a picture of God's provision and care, as described in Psalm 23:2, where God leads His people to green pastures.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?

Genesis 41:18 is part of a larger story of God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in the life of Joseph and the history of Israel. This theme is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to prosper His people.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am experiencing abundance and prosperity, and how can I use these blessings to serve God and others?
How can I, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in times of uncertainty or hardship?
What are some 'reeds' or challenges in my life that I need to trust God to help me navigate, and how can I find peace and security in Him?
In what ways can I be a blessing to others, just as the Nile River was a source of life and abundance for Egypt?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:18

And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine,.... Cows or heifers, [See comments on Genesis 41:2]; the account of them is the same here as there, and of the place where they fed, only the words are transposed.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:18

And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow: There came up out of the river.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:18

Genesis 41:18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow: Ver. 18.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:18

(18) In a meadow.—Heb., in the marsh-grass, as in Genesis 41:2.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:18

Verse 18. Seven kine, fat-fleshed] See Clarke on Genesis 41:2. And observe farther, that the seven fat and the seven lean kine coming out of the same river plainly show, at once, the cause both of the plenty and the dearth. It is well known that there is scarcely any rain in Egypt; and that the country depends for its fertility on the overflowing of the Nile; and that the fertility is in proportion to the duration and quantity of the overflow. We may therefore safely conclude that the seven years of plenty were owing to an extraordinary overflowing of the Nile; and that the seven years of dearth were occasioned by a very partial, or total want of this essentially necessary inundation. Thus then the two sorts of cattle, signifying years of plenty and want, might be said to come out of the same river, as the inundation was either complete, partial, or wholly restrained. See Clarke on Genesis 41:31.

Sermons on Genesis 41:18

	Sermon	Description
	Bristol Conference 1976-16 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of serving others and the spiritual deterioration of the nation. The sermon begins with a reference to Jesus describing himself
	You Are Loved and Accepted by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love and acceptance that God has for His people, contrasting the harsh messages of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah with the grace and mer