Genesis 41 29

Genesis 41:29 kjv

Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

Genesis 41:29 nkjv

Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt;

Genesis 41:29 niv

Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt,

Genesis 41:29 esv

There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt,

Genesis 41:29 nlt

The next seven years will be a period of great prosperity throughout the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 29 meaning

Genesis 41:29 signifies the commencement of Pharaoh's dream interpretation by Joseph, predicting a future period of immense agricultural prosperity and abundance across the entirety of Egypt. This divine revelation warns of a coming shift in the land's economic and agricultural state, serving as an initial notice of God's control over nature and revelation of future events through Joseph.

Genesis 41 29 Context

Genesis 41:29 is part of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's two prophetic dreams. Pharaoh, troubled by inexplicable visions of seven fat cows followed by seven thin ones, and seven full ears of grain followed by seven withered ones, summons Joseph from prison after the chief cupbearer remembers his skill in interpreting dreams. This verse begins Joseph's explanation that the dreams are one, sent by God, foretelling two distinct periods for Egypt. Historically, Egypt's economy and stability were entirely reliant on the Nile River's annual inundation. A good flood brought fertile soil and a bountiful harvest, while a low flood meant famine. Joseph's interpretation thus addresses a deeply critical aspect of Egyptian life, demonstrating divine oversight of even these natural cycles. The immediate context of the dreams failing to be interpreted by Egyptian wise men also subtly elevates the God of Joseph, who alone can reveal such mysteries, implicitly contrasting with local deities.

Genesis 41 29 Word analysis

• Behold (הִנֵּה - hinneh): A deictic particle that calls for immediate attention or introduces something surprising or highly significant. It emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of what is about to be revealed. Here, it highlights the beginning of a divine revelation from Joseph to Pharaoh.
• there come (בָּאוֹת - ba'ot): Present participle, literally "coming." Indicates an event that is certainly approaching or in the process of occurring, underscoring the inevitability and definiteness of the prophecy. It signifies an active arrival, not just a distant possibility.
• seven (שֶׁבַע - sheva'): The number seven in Hebrew numerology often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine purpose (e.g., creation in seven days). In this context, it signifies a full, decreed period.
• years (שְׁנֵי - shəneih): Standard plural of "year," denoting the duration of the forthcoming period.
• great (גָּדוֹל - gadol): Means "large," "great," or "important." Here, it intensifies "plenty," indicating an abundance beyond the usual, making the upcoming prosperity truly exceptional and widespread.
• plenty (שָׂבָע - sava'): Literally "satiety," "fullness," or "abundance." This refers specifically to a state of being fully satisfied with food and resources, highlighting the immense productivity of the land.
• throughout all (בְּכָל־ - b'khol-): A construct indicating "in all" or "throughout." This specifies the vast geographical reach of the predicted prosperity, leaving no part untouched.
• the land of Egypt (אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם - eretz mitzrayim): The specific geographical location, highlighting the impact of this divine event on the entire nation. It emphasizes the universal nature of this abundance for Egypt itself.

Words-group analysis:

• "Behold, there come seven years...": This phrase functions as a solemn announcement, characteristic of prophetic declarations, drawing immediate and serious attention to a divinely ordained timeline. The use of "Behold" signifies an authoritative declaration that leaves no room for doubt regarding the reality of the coming events.
• "seven years of great plenty": This precise quantification combined with the descriptive adjective emphasizes the exceptional nature of the forthcoming prosperity. It’s not just a good harvest but a sustained period of extraordinary yield, signifying divine favor or control over the natural world. The "greatness" of the plenty also sets up a stark contrast for the "grievous" famine that follows, highlighting the extremes foretold.
• "throughout all the land of Egypt": This emphasizes the comprehensive and universal scope of the plenty, ensuring that every region within Egypt will experience this bounty. It underlines the scale of God's blessing or sovereign act over the entire nation.

Genesis 41 29 Bonus section

The pattern of prosperity preceding hardship (as seen in Gen 41) is a recurring theme throughout biblical history and often serves as a divine test or a call to vigilance. The specific duration of seven years for both plenty and famine might allude to covenantal completeness, suggesting that both blessing and judgment fall within God's meticulously planned timeline. Furthermore, Joseph's interpretation immediately contrasts with the failures of Pharaoh's own wise men, powerfully demonstrating that the true God, Yahweh, is the sole source of ultimate wisdom and prophetic insight, unlike the gods or diviners of Egypt who were unable to provide meaningful counsel. This sets the stage for God's raising of Joseph to a position of unprecedented authority, not just for Egypt's welfare but as a critical instrument in His redemptive plan for His chosen people.

Genesis 41 29 Commentary

Genesis 41:29 marks the beginning of Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation of Pharaoh's troubling dreams, immediately announcing a period of "great plenty." This verse isn't merely a prediction of agricultural success; it is a clear declaration of God's sovereignty over natural forces and the destinies of nations. By beginning with "Behold," Joseph emphasizes the absolute certainty and divine origin of this revelation. The "seven years of great plenty" were an extraordinary, sustained blessing, unparalleled in Egypt's recent memory. This initial phase of abundance, although seemingly positive, served as a crucial prelude and opportunity for preparation for the subsequent seven years of severe famine. Joseph, through God, provided both the forewarning and the solution, illustrating that divine revelation often comes with an implicit call to wise stewardship and preparation. The precision of the prophecy and its comprehensive scope "throughout all the land of Egypt" highlighted the magnitude of God's plan, not only for Egypt's survival but also, ultimately, for the preservation of Jacob's family, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant. This verse, therefore, underpins themes of divine providence, prophetic foresight, and the necessity of wise leadership in times of prosperity to navigate impending adversity.