Genesis 41:21
Genesis 41:21 in Multiple Translations
When they had devoured them, however, no one could tell that they had done so; their appearance was as ugly as it had been before. Then I awoke.
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.
and when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
And even with the fat cows inside them they seemed as bad as before. And so I came out of my sleep.
But afterwards you couldn't tell they'd eaten them because they looked just as skinny and ugly as before. Then I woke up.
And when they had eaten them vp, it could not be knowen that they had eaten them, but they were still as euilfauoured, as they were at the beginning: so did I awake.
and they come in unto their midst, and it hath not been known that they have come in unto their midst, and their appearance [is] bad as at the commencement; and I awake.
and when they had eaten them up, it couldn’t be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
And yet gave no mark of their being full: but were as lean and ill favoured as before. I awoke, and then fell asleep again,
But afterwards, no one would have known that the thin cows ate them, because they were just as ugly as they were before. Then I woke up.
But after that, those ugly, skinny cows looked just the same as before. They were still very ugly and skinny, even though they ate those fat cows. That was the end of my dream, and I woke up.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:21
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Genesis 41:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:21
Study Notes — Genesis 41:21
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 41:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:21
- Sermons on Genesis 41:21
Context — Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
21When they had devoured them, however, no one could tell that they had done so; their appearance was as ugly as it had been before. Then I awoke.
22In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, growing on a single stalk. 23After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 3:3 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:19 | In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied. |
| 3 | Revelation 10:9–10 | And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it; and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter. |
| 4 | Isaiah 9:20 | They carve out what is on the right, but they are still hungry; they eat what is on the left, but they are still not satisfied. Each one devours the flesh of his own offspring. |
Genesis 41:21 Summary
Genesis 41:21 is a part of a dream that Pharaoh had, where seven ugly cows ate seven well-fed cows, but still looked ugly. This dream was given to Pharaoh by God, and it signified a time of great abundance followed by a time of great scarcity. Just like the ugly cows, the years of famine would consume all the resources of the years of plenty, and the outward appearance of scarcity would still remain (as seen in Genesis 41:23). We can learn from this verse to trust in God's sovereignty, just like Joseph did, and to prepare for the future, even when the present seems uncertain, as encouraged in Proverbs 21:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the dream of Pharaoh in Genesis 41:21 signify?
The dream signifies a time of great abundance followed by a time of great scarcity, as seen in the ugly cows devouring the well-fed cows, symbolizing how the years of plenty will be forgotten in the years of famine, as mentioned in Genesis 41:30.
Why did the ugly cows still appear ugly after devouring the well-fed cows in Genesis 41:21?
This could signify that even though the years of famine may consume all the resources of the years of plenty, the outward appearance of scarcity and lack will still remain, as also seen in the withered heads of grain in Genesis 41:23.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Genesis 41?
Genesis 41:21 is part of a larger narrative where God gives Pharaoh a dream that only Joseph can interpret, highlighting Joseph's role in storing up food during the seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine, as stated in Genesis 41:34-36.
What does Genesis 41:21 teach us about God's sovereignty?
This verse teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of nations and the cycles of nature, as seen in the dream given to Pharaoh, and that He raises up leaders like Joseph to guide His people through times of abundance and scarcity, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have experienced a time of abundance, only to be followed by a time of scarcity, and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and prepare for the future, even when the present seems uncertain?
- What are some ways that I can store up spiritual 'food' during times of abundance, so that I can be nourished during times of scarcity, as encouraged in Matthew 6:20?
- How can I apply the lessons of Genesis 41:21 to my own life, trusting in God's providence and guidance, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:21
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:21
Sermons on Genesis 41:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 41:21-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream as described in the book of Genesis. The dream consists of two parts: the first part involves seven he |
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Wynne Prison - Part 3 by George Warnock | In this sermon, Brother George emphasizes the importance of recognizing our needs as God's people. He refers to Luke 4:17, where Jesus reads from the book of Isaiah and proclaims h |
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Gifts of the Spirit - Part 2 (Rora 2003) by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of knowing the subject and purpose of one's speech. He then delves into the topic of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, emphasizin |
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(February 1987) 01 - Arise and Measure the Temple by Ray Lowe | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a revolution that is taking place in the country, which will be followed by a revival. He shares a story about a preacher in 1964 who exper |
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Nothing but Sweetness by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dual nature of God's Word, which is both sweet and bitter. While it brings delight and nourishment to believers, sharing it with those who reject it can l |





