Genesis 41:26
Genesis 41:26 in Multiple Translations
The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning.
The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
The seven fat cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years: the two have the same sense.
The seven good cows and the seven good heads of grain represent seven good years of harvest. The dreams mean the same thing.
The seuen good kine are seuen yeres, and the seuen good eares are seuen yeeres: this is one dreame.
the seven good kine are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years, the dream is one;
The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one.
The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
The seven beautiful kine, and the seven full ears, are seven years of plenty: and both contain the same meaning of the dream.
The seven healthy cows represent seven years. The seven good heads of grain also represent seven years. The two dreams both have the same meaning.
Then Joseph told Pharaoh what those dreams meant. First Joseph said, “Those 7 good-looking, fat cows that you saw in your dream, they are like a picture of 7 good years. And those 7 groups of good big seeds on the wheat plant, they are like a picture of 7 good years too. Both those dreams mean the same thing.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:26
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 41:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֶׁ֧בַע
פָּרֹ֣ת
הַ/טֹּבֹ֗ת
שֶׁ֤בַע
שָׁנִים֙
הֵ֔נָּה
וְ/שֶׁ֤בַע
הַֽ/שִּׁבֳּלִים֙
הַ/טֹּבֹ֔ת
שֶׁ֥בַע
שָׁנִ֖ים
הֵ֑נָּה
חֲל֖וֹם
אֶחָ֥ד
הֽוּא
שֶׁ֧בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
פָּרֹ֣ת
pârâh
H6510
heifer
N-fp
הַ/טֹּבֹ֗ת
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
שֶׁ֤בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שָׁנִים֙
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
וְ/שֶׁ֤בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
הַֽ/שִּׁבֳּלִים֙
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
Art | N-fp
הַ/טֹּבֹ֔ת
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
שֶׁ֥בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שָׁנִ֖ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
הֵ֑נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
חֲל֖וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
dream
N-ms
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:26
שֶׁ֧בַע
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.
פָּרֹ֣ת
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.
הַ/טֹּבֹ֗ת
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
שֶׁ֤בַע
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.
שָׁנִים֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
וְ/שֶׁ֤בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | 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.
הַֽ/שִּׁבֳּלִים֙
shibbôl
H7641
"Shibboleth"
Art | 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.
הַ/טֹּבֹ֔ת
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
שֶׁ֥בַע
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.
שָׁנִ֖ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
הֵ֑נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
חֲל֖וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
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.
26The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning.
27Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine. 28It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 41:47 | During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully. |
| 2 | Genesis 41:2 | when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. |
| 3 | Genesis 41:53 | When the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end, |
| 4 | Genesis 41:5 | but he fell back asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk. |
| 5 | Exodus 12:11 | This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 10:4 | and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. |
| 7 | 1 John 5:7 | For there are three that testify: |
| 8 | Genesis 41:29 | Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, |
| 9 | Genesis 40:12 | Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three branches are three days. |
| 10 | Genesis 2:24 | For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. |
Genesis 41:26 Summary
[Genesis 41:26 tells us that the seven good cows and seven ripe heads of grain in Pharaoh's dream represent seven years of abundance, which is a reminder that God is in control of our lives and has a plan for our good, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. This verse also shows us that God can use our gifts and abilities to serve others and fulfill His plans, just like He did with Joseph. By trusting in God's sovereignty and timing, we can have confidence that He is working everything out for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the seven good cows and seven ripe heads of grain represent in Genesis 41:26?
The seven good cows and seven ripe heads of grain represent seven years of abundance, as explained by Joseph in Genesis 41:26, and this interpretation is confirmed by the context of Genesis 41:25 and Genesis 41:27.
Why do the dreams have the same meaning in Genesis 41:26?
The dreams have the same meaning because God is revealing a unified message to Pharaoh through the two dreams, as stated in Genesis 41:25, and this is a demonstration of God's sovereign plan and purpose, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 46:10.
How does Genesis 41:26 relate to the overall story of Joseph?
Genesis 41:26 is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it showcases his ability to interpret dreams and understand God's plans, which ultimately leads to his rise to power in Egypt, as described in Genesis 41:37-45.
What can we learn about God's nature from Genesis 41:26?
From Genesis 41:26, we can learn that God is a God of clarity and purpose, who reveals His plans to those who seek Him, as seen in the way He reveals the meaning of the dreams to Joseph, and this is consistent with other scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we be more attentive to His voice, just like Joseph was in Genesis 41:26?
- How does the idea that God has a unified plan and purpose for our lives, as seen in Genesis 41:26, impact our understanding of trials and challenges?
- What are some areas of our lives where we need to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, just like Joseph did in Genesis 41:26?
- How can we use our gifts and abilities to serve others and fulfill God's plans, just like Joseph did in Genesis 41:26?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:26
The seven good kine [are] seven years,.... Signify seven years, and these years of plenty, as appears from the antithesis in Genesis 41:26: and the seven good ears [are] seven years; signify the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:26
The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:26
Genesis 41:26 The seven good kine [are] seven years; and the seven good ears [are] seven years: the dream [is] one.Ver. 26. Seven good kine are.]
Sermons on Genesis 41:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:33-41 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his advice to Pharaoh during a time of plenty and famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discreet man t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two dreams that Pharaoh had. In the first dream, Pharaoh sees seven years of abundant corn growing on one stalk, followed by seven years of th |
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Prove All Things by Charles Finney | Greek Word Studies delves into the significance of 'loins' (osphus) in the Bible, highlighting its literal and figurative meanings such as readiness for service or battle, standing |
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The Passover by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the significance of the Lord's Passover, reflecting on the night of Israel's deliverance from Egypt's bondage. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trustin |
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September 24. 1678. the Passover. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the significance of Redemption and the process of yielding to God's will, emphasizing the need to remove any impurity from our lives as the Lord's Passover |
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(Exodus) Exodus 23:14-33 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the laws and guidance given to the Israelites before they enter the promised land. He emphasizes the importance of obeying the angel sent by |
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(Pdf Book) Perfect Security by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of recognizing the Lord as our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, and God, illustrating how these attributes provide spiritual security and strength |