Genesis 41:53 kjv

And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

Genesis 41:53 nkjv

Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended,

Genesis 41:53 niv

The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end,

Genesis 41:53 esv

The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end,

Genesis 41:53 nlt

At last the seven years of bumper crops throughout the land of Egypt came to an end.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 53 Meaning

Genesis 41:53 declares the exact fulfillment of the first part of Pharaoh's dream: the foretold seven years of abundant agricultural plenty across Egypt have precisely come to their end. This verse signifies a crucial turning point, marking the conclusion of the preparatory phase and the imminent commencement of the divinely prophesied famine, showcasing God's meticulous timing and sovereign control over all aspects of creation and history.

Genesis 41 53 Context

Genesis 41:53 serves as a pivotal narrative point within the detailed account of Joseph's time in Egypt. Preceding this verse, Pharaoh has experienced disturbing dreams, which Joseph, divinely enabled, accurately interprets as seven years of unparalleled agricultural plenty to be followed by seven years of severe famine (Gen 41:26-30). Consequently, Pharaoh elevates Joseph to vizier, entrusting him with the task of preparing Egypt for the coming hardship by gathering a fifth of the produce during the abundant years (Gen 41:37-45). This verse signifies the exact completion of this foretold period of plenty, signaling the precise moment when Joseph's extensive grain storage operations conclude. The immediate consequence is the commencement of the famine, which sets the stage for the dramatic family reunion and the eventual migration of Jacob's household to Egypt, crucial for the lineage of Israel as prophesied to Abraham. Culturally, ancient Egypt, reliant on the unpredictable Nile flooding, often experienced natural cycles of plenty and dearth, making Joseph's specific prophecy and large-scale administrative plan extraordinary and miraculous.

Genesis 41 53 Word analysis

• And: (וַתִּכְלֶינָה - vatichlénah) Connective particle implying immediate consequence or a direct continuation of the previously described period. It highlights the progression of events in accordance with God's preordained plan.

• the seven years: (שֶׁבַע שְׁנֵי - sheva sh'ney) Precise duration of the period of abundance. This numeric specificity underscores the exact fulfillment of Joseph's prophecy given to Pharaoh in Gen 41:29-30, testifying to the divine accuracy of the foretelling. The number seven in scripture often signifies completeness or perfection.

• of plenteousness: (הַשָּׂבָע - hashshava) From the Hebrew root for "satiety" or "abundance." This term vividly describes an extraordinary period of agricultural fertility and national prosperity, exceeding normal yields and providing more than enough. It refers directly to the "great plenty" promised in Pharaoh's dream.

• that was: (אֲשֶׁר הָיְתָה - asher haytah) A linking phrase that connects the preceding "seven years of plenteousness" specifically to their occurrence "in the land of Egypt." It particularizes the location of God's blessing.

• in the land: (בְּאֶרֶץ - b'eretz) Specifies the geographical extent, indicating the general cultivated area of the country. This highlights that the plenty, and consequently the stored grain, were confined to Egypt.

• of Egypt: (מִצְרָיִם - Mitzráyim) The nation identified as the specific location where God's providence, through Joseph's administration, was enacted. Egypt serves as a pivotal place for God's plan, both for preserving Jacob's family and later for the exodus narrative.

• were ended: (וַתִּכְלֶינָה - vatichlénah) Derived from the Hebrew root כלה (kalah), meaning "to cease," "to finish," or "to complete." This verb carries the weight of a decisive and divinely ordained conclusion, emphasizing that this period was not merely concluding naturally, but being brought to an abrupt and final end as part of a sovereign schedule. The repetition of this verb, at both the start and end of the full phrase, reinforces the concept of a completed cycle.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • And the seven years of plenteousness... were ended: This entire phrase emphasizes the precise and exact fulfillment of God's prophetic word through Joseph. The term "were ended" (same as 'And' verb in original Hebrew) points to a decisive, divinely orchestrated conclusion, not a gradual decline. It testifies to God's unfailing word and His control over the cycles of nature.
  • that was in the land of Egypt: This group clarifies the geographical focus of both the blessing and the subsequent preparation. Egypt, a prominent regional power, was uniquely chosen by God to serve as a hub of preservation, ensuring a food supply not only for its inhabitants but also for the surrounding nations, including Jacob's family.

Genesis 41 53 Bonus section

The verb kalah (were ended), used twice in the Hebrew text for this single verse ("And were ended the seven years... they were ended"), powerfully underscores the completeness and finality of this period. It is not a gentle fading but an abrupt, divinely enacted cessation. This precision stands in stark contrast to the imprecise predictions and divinations often associated with Egyptian magic and pagan religions, implicitly highlighting the unique power and truth of Yahweh's revelations. Furthermore, the global scope of the impending famine (as seen in Gen 41:56-57) positions Egypt, through Joseph's stewardship, as a singular divine provision point for the known world, ultimately drawing God's covenant people to their destined place of temporary growth.

Genesis 41 53 Commentary

Genesis 41:53 marks a critical transition in the Joseph narrative, illustrating the punctilious accuracy of divine prophecy. It affirms that the seven years of extraordinary abundance in Egypt, precisely foretold by Joseph, had run their full course and irrevocably concluded. This is more than a simple chronological note; it signifies the precise and sovereign hand of God bringing one season to a definitive end and initiating the next, harsher season, exactly as His word decreed. Joseph's wisdom, divinely bestowed and humanly applied through diligent storage, had now moved from gathering to anticipating distribution. The conclusion of this era of plenty highlights God's unfailing word and His providential orchestration of global events to further His redemptive plan, ultimately setting the stage for the crucial reunion with Jacob's family and the preservation of the nascent Israel.

Examples: This verse teaches the importance of:

• Foresight and preparation: Joseph's administration meticulously gathered during the good years for the lean years.
• Trust in God's timing: God’s plans unfold with perfect precision, though often through contrasting seasons of abundance and scarcity.
• God's word fulfilled: Every promise or prophecy from God is sure and comes to pass exactly as He says.