Genesis 41:23
Genesis 41:23 in Multiple Translations
After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind.
And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:
and, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:
And then I saw seven other heads, dry, thin, and wasted by the east wind, coming up after them:
Then seven heads of grain grew up after them, withered and thin and dried by the east wind.
And lo, seuen eares, withered, thinne, and blasted with the East winde, sprang vp after them.
and lo, seven ears, withered, thin, blasted with an east wind, are springing up after them;
and behold, seven heads of grain, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them.
And behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:
Other seven also thin and blasted, sprung of the stock:
Then to my surprise I saw seven other heads of grain that sprouted. They were thin and had been dried up by the hot east wind.
After that, another 7 groups of seeds started to grow. They were small and dry, because a hot dry wind blew on them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:23
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 41:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
שֶׁ֣בַע
שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים
צְנֻמ֥וֹת
דַּקּ֖וֹת
שְׁדֻפ֣וֹת
קָדִ֑ים
צֹמְח֖וֹת
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
N-fp
צְנֻמ֥וֹת
tsânam
H6798
to dry
V-Qal-Inf-c
דַּקּ֖וֹת
daq
H1851
thin
Adj
שְׁדֻפ֣וֹת
shâdaph
H7710
to scorch
V-Qal-Inf-c
קָדִ֑ים
qâdîym
H6921
east
N-ms
צֹמְח֖וֹת
tsâmach
H6779
to spring
V-Qal
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
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 41:23
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
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.
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.
שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים
shibbôl
H7641
"Shibboleth"
N-fp
Shibboleth is a Hebrew word that means a flowing stream or an ear of grain. It was also used as a password to distinguish between different groups of people, as in the story of the Gileadites and Ephraimites.
Definition: means: growing ear (of grain), flowing stream used as a password
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: branch, channel, ear (of corn), (water-)flood, Shibboleth. Compare H5451 (סִבֹּלֶת). See also: Genesis 41:5; Judges 12:6; Psalms 69:3.
צְנֻמ֥וֹת
tsânam
H6798
"to dry"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to dry up or wither, like a plant that has lost its water source. It is used in the Bible to describe something that has become hard and lifeless. In the KJV, it is translated as withered.
Definition: (Qal) to dry up, harden, wither
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: withered. See also: Genesis 41:23.
דַּקּ֖וֹת
daq
H1851
"thin"
Adj
Means thin or small, like a thin cloth or a gaunt person, used to describe something or someone as fragile or weak.
Definition: 1) thin, small, fine, gaunt 1a) thin 1b) small, fine
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: dwarf, lean(-fleshed), very little thing, small, thin. See also: Genesis 41:3; Exodus 16:14; Isaiah 29:5.
שְׁדֻפ֣וֹת
shâdaph
H7710
"to scorch"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to scorch or blast, like when a strong wind damages crops. It is used to describe the destruction of plants. In the Bible, it appears as a warning of God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to scorch, blight 1a) (Qal) scorched (of ears of corn) (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: blast. See also: Genesis 41:6; Genesis 41:23; Genesis 41:27.
קָדִ֑ים
qâdîym
H6921
"east"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the direction east or the east wind, often used to describe geographical locations or the direction of the wind.
Definition: 1) east, east wind 1a) east (of direction) 1b) east wind
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: east(-ward, wind). See also: Genesis 41:6; Ezekiel 43:17; Psalms 48:8.
צֹמְח֖וֹת
tsâmach
H6779
"to spring"
V-Qal
To spring or grow is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can describe plants, hair, or even ideas. It's used to talk about new life or development, like a seed sprouting or a person's speech growing more fluent.
Definition: 1) to sprout, spring up, grow up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to sprout, spring up 1a1a) of plants 1a1b) of hair 1a1c) of speech (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to grow abundantly or thickly 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to grow 1c2) to cause to sprout
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth, (cause to, make to) bud (forth), (cause to, make to) grow (again, up), (cause to) spring (forth, up). See also: Genesis 2:5; Psalms 104:14; Psalms 85:12.
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
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.
24And the thin heads of grain swallowed the seven plump ones. I told this dream to the magicians, but no one could explain it to me.” 25At this, Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 129:6–7 | May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow, unable to fill the hands of the reaper, or the arms of the binder of sheaves. |
| 2 | Hosea 13:15 | Although he flourishes among his brothers, an east wind will come— a wind from the LORD rising up from the desert. His fountain will fail, and his spring will run dry. The wind will plunder his treasury of every precious article. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 19:26 | Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. |
| 4 | Hosea 9:16 | Ephraim is struck down; their root is withered; they cannot bear fruit. Even if they bear children, I will slay the darlings of their wombs. |
| 5 | Genesis 41:6 | After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind. |
| 6 | Hosea 8:7 | For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. There is no standing grain; what sprouts fails to yield flour. Even if it should produce, the foreigners would swallow it up. |
Genesis 41:23 Summary
Genesis 41:23 describes a dream in which seven withered, thin, and scorched heads of grain sprout, symbolizing a time of famine and hardship. This is in contrast to the seven plump and ripe heads of grain that represent a time of abundance, as seen in Genesis 41:22. Just as God provided for the Israelites during the famine, He promises to care for us in times of need, as seen in Psalm 37:19 and Matthew 6:25-34. This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, and to seek eternal treasures rather than earthly ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the withered, thin, and scorched heads of grain represent in Genesis 41:23?
The withered, thin, and scorched heads of grain in Genesis 41:23 symbolize a time of famine and hardship, as contrasted with the plump and ripe heads of grain that represent a time of abundance, as seen in Genesis 41:22. This dream was given to Pharaoh to prepare him for the coming years of plenty and then of famine.
Why are the heads of grain scorched by the east wind in Genesis 41:23?
The east wind in Genesis 41:23 is often associated with desolation and destruction in the Bible, as seen in Hosea 13:15, and here it symbolizes the devastating effects of the famine that will come upon the land.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph's life?
Genesis 41:23 is part of the story of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which ultimately leads to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, as told in Genesis 41:25-57. This verse is a crucial part of understanding God's plan to preserve the Israelites during the coming famine, as seen in Genesis 45:5-7.
What can we learn from the contrast between the two sets of heads of grain in Genesis 41:22-23?
The contrast between the plump and ripe heads of grain and the withered, thin, and scorched ones in Genesis 41:22-23 teaches us about the sovereignty of God in times of abundance and hardship, as seen in Psalm 37:19, and reminds us to trust in His provision and care for us, as promised in Matthew 6:25-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God has provided for me in times of abundance, and how can I trust Him to care for me in times of hardship?
- How does the image of the withered, thin, and scorched heads of grain make me think about the fleeting nature of earthly prosperity, and what does it teach me about the importance of seeking eternal treasures, as in Matthew 6:19-21?
- In what ways can I, like Joseph, use my gifts and abilities to serve others and bring glory to God, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Genesis 39:2-5 and 41:38-57?
- How does this verse encourage me to look to God as my ultimate provider and sustainer, rather than relying on earthly sources of security, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:17?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:23
And, behold, seven ears withered,.... Here a new epithet of the bad ears is given, and expressed by a word nowhere else used, which Ben Melech interprets, small, little, according to the use of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:23
And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: Blasted by the east wind - destructive everywhere to grain, but particularly so in Egypt, where,
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:23
(23) Withered.—This word occurs only in this place. Its meaning is stony, that is, the grains were shrivelled and hard like bits of grit.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:23
23. withered] The Hebrew word occurs here only in O.T., and is omitted by LXX and Lat.
Sermons on Genesis 41:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Epistle 252 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious |
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A Message for America and Its Cultural Religion by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the times we live in and the need for spiritual discernment. He mentions a gathering of churches in New York |
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Sowing the Wind by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, highlighting the consequences of our actions and the importance of sowing seeds of righteousness and value. It warns aga |
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Reaping the Whirlwind by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares a poignant story about a young boy from Newcastle-on-Tyne who, despite his parents' love and care, fell into a life of crime and ultimately faced dire consequence |
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Worthy - or Unworthy? by A.W. Tozer | Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of sowing, emphasizing the significance of scattering the seed of the Word of God, the Gospel, into people's hearts. Through various Bibl |
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Hosea 8:7 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the dire consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, emphasizing that they have 'sown the wind' through their transgressions and idolatry, leading to their |