Genesis 41:4
Genesis 41:4 in Multiple Translations
And the cows that were sickly and thin devoured the seven sleek, well-fed cows. Then Pharaoh woke up,
And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
And the ill-favored and lean-fleshed kine did eat up the seven well-favored and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
And the seven thin cows made a meal of the seven fat cows. Then Pharaoh came out of his sleep.
Then the ugly, skinny cows ate the well-fed, healthy cows. Then Pharaoh woke up.
And the euilfauoured and leane fleshed kine did eate vp the seuen welfauoured and fatte kine: so Pharaoh awoke.
and the kine of bad appearance and lean [in] flesh eat up the seven kine of fair appearance, and fat — and Pharaoh awaketh.
The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke.
And the ill-favored and lean-fleshed cows ate up the seven well-favored and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke.
And they devoured them, whose bodies were very beautiful and well conditioned. So Pharao awoke.
Then the unhealthy thin cows ate the seven healthy fat cows. And then the king woke up.
Then those 7 ugly, skinny cows, they ate the 7 good-looking, fat cows. That was the end of Pharaoh’s dream, and he woke up.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:4
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 41:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּאכַ֣לְנָה
הַ/פָּר֗וֹת
רָע֤וֹת
הַ/מַּרְאֶה֙
וְ/דַקֹּ֣ת
הַ/בָּשָׂ֔ר
אֵ֚ת
שֶׁ֣בַע
הַ/פָּר֔וֹת
יְפֹ֥ת
הַ/מַּרְאֶ֖ה
וְ/הַ/בְּרִיאֹ֑ת
וַ/יִּיקַ֖ץ
פַּרְעֹֽה
וַ/תֹּאכַ֣לְנָה
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הַ/פָּר֗וֹת
pârâh
H6510
heifer
Art | N-fp
רָע֤וֹת
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
הַ/מַּרְאֶה֙
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Art | N-ms
וְ/דַקֹּ֣ת
daq
H1851
thin
Conj | Adj
הַ/בָּשָׂ֔ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Art | N-ms
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
הַ/פָּר֔וֹת
pârâh
H6510
heifer
Art | N-fp
יְפֹ֥ת
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
הַ/מַּרְאֶ֖ה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/בְּרִיאֹ֑ת
bârîyʼ
H1277
fat
Conj | Art | Adj
וַ/יִּיקַ֖ץ
yâqats
H3364
to awake
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:4
וַ/תֹּאכַ֣לְנָה
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
הַ/פָּר֗וֹת
pârâh
H6510
"heifer"
Art | 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.
רָע֤וֹת
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
הַ/מַּרְאֶה֙
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
וְ/דַקֹּ֣ת
daq
H1851
"thin"
Conj | 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.
הַ/בָּשָׂ֔ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Art | 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.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
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.
הַ/פָּר֔וֹת
pârâh
H6510
"heifer"
Art | 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.
יְפֹ֥ת
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
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.
הַ/מַּרְאֶ֖ה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
וְ/הַ/בְּרִיאֹ֑ת
bârîyʼ
H1277
"fat"
Conj | Art | 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.
וַ/יִּיקַ֖ץ
yâqats
H3364
"to awake"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wake up or become active, and is used in the Bible to describe someone awakening from sleep. It is translated as 'awake' in the KJV.
Definition: (Qal) to awake, awaken, become active
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be) awake(-d). See also: Genesis 9:24; Judges 16:14; Psalms 78:65.
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Dreams of Pharaoh
2when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.
3After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river.
4And the cows that were sickly and thin devoured the seven sleek, well-fed cows. Then Pharaoh woke up,
5but he fell back asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk. 6After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 3:15 | Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants. |
Genesis 41:4 Summary
This verse, Genesis 41:4, shows how the seven thin cows ate the seven fat cows, which means that the seven years of famine will be so bad that they will use up all the food from the seven good years, as also seen in Genesis 41:28-32. This dream was given to Pharaoh by God to warn him of the coming famine, so he could prepare and store food, just like Joseph advised in Genesis 41:33-36. We can learn from this that God is in control of everything, even when things seem scary or uncertain (Psalm 23:4), and that He can use anyone, like Pharaoh or Joseph, to accomplish His plans (Genesis 45:5-8, Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cows devouring each other in Pharaoh's dream?
The cows devouring each other represents how the seven years of famine will consume the seven years of plenty, as seen in Genesis 41:4 and further explained in Genesis 41:28-32.
Why did Pharaoh wake up after this part of the dream?
Pharaoh woke up after this part of the dream because it was a distinct and disturbing image, and then he fell back asleep and had another dream, as seen in Genesis 41:5, which is a common pattern in biblical dreams and visions, such as in Genesis 37:5-11.
How does this dream relate to the rest of the story of Joseph?
This dream is a crucial part of the story of Joseph, as it sets the stage for Joseph's interpretation and his subsequent rise to power in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:14-57, and ultimately fulfills God's plan to provide for His people during the famine, as seen in Genesis 45:5-8 and Genesis 50:20.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's response to his dreams?
We can learn from Pharaoh's response that even those who do not know God can recognize the significance of dreams and visions, and that God can use these to communicate with anyone, as seen in Genesis 41:8 and Daniel 2:1-49.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has spoken to you through dreams or visions, and how have you responded?
- How can you apply the principle of trusting God's sovereignty, as seen in Joseph's story, to your own life and circumstances?
- What are some areas in your life where you feel like the 'thin cows' are devouring the 'fat cows', and how can you trust God to provide and sustain you?
- How can you use your gifts and talents, like Joseph, to serve others and bring glory to God, even in difficult or unexpected circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:4
And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine,.... So it seemed in the dream as if this was done, was very strange and surprising that animals should
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:4
And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:4
Genesis 41:4 And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.Ver. 4. Did eat up the seven, &c.] In famine is not only outward want, but a greedy dog-like appetite within (Bουλιμια, appetitas caninus), that an ordinary meal sufficeth not, but men are ready to eat one another: as they did at Potidea, in the Peloponnesian war; at Utica, when it was besieged by Hamilcar the father of Hannibal; at Jerusalem, when it was beleaguered by Vespasian; at Tunis, in the African war, when the soldiers were tithed, that is, every tenth man was cut in pieces and devoured. Such a famine there was at Rome in the days of Honorius the Emperor, that they were ready to eat one another; and this voice was heard in the place of public meeting, Pone precium humanae carni. At Antioch in Syria, many of the Christians, in the holy war, through famine, devoured the dead bodies of their recently slain enemies. At the siege of Scodra, they were well-nigh put to this extremity, when horses were dainty meat; yea, they were glad to eat dogs, cats, rats, and the skins of beasts sod. It exceedeth all credit, to tell at what exceeding great price a little mouse was sold, or puddings made of dogs’ guts. And if our relations deceived us not, such things as these we heard of lately, to have happened in Germany. Alterius perditio, tua cautio. Seest thou another man perish? see to thyself.
Thucyd.; Polyb.; Joseph.; Manlii., loc. com. 278; Alsted., Chronol., p. 300; Turk. Hist., fol. 18, 426.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:4
4. did eat up] The fantastic side of the dream. Cf. Genesis 40:11; Genesis 40:17.
Sermons on Genesis 41:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 495 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of a family with four wicked sons and one tender-hearted youngest son. The father had trained the sons to be rascals, but the youngest s |
|
Fresh Touch With God by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the warning from the dream in Genesis 41:4, 7, where the well-favored and fat cattle were consumed by the ill-favored and lean cattle, emphasizing |