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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 41:26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/41-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/01_Gen_41_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 41:26 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/41-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/41-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/41.htm">Chapter 41</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/41-25.htm" title="Genesis 41:25">◄</a> Genesis 41:26 <a href="/genesis/41-27.htm" title="Genesis 41:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/41.htm">New International Version</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream. <a href="/nlt/genesis/41.htm">New Living Translation</a> The seven healthy cows and the seven healthy heads of grain both represent seven years of prosperity. <a href="/esv/genesis/41.htm">English Standard Version</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one. <a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. <a href="/kjv/genesis/41.htm">King James Bible</a> The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/41.htm">New King James Version</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years; the dreams are one. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/41.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one and the same. <a href="/nasb/genesis/41.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one and the same. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/41.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one and the same. <a href="/lsb/genesis/41.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one and the same. <a href="/amp/genesis/41.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the [two] dreams are one [and the same]. <a href="/csb/genesis/41.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years. The dreams mean the same thing. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/41.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads are seven years. The dreams mean the same thing. <a href="/asv/genesis/41.htm">American Standard Version</a> The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. <a href="/cev/genesis/41.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The seven good cows stand for seven years, and so do the seven good heads of grain. <a href="/erv/genesis/41.htm">English Revised Version</a> The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. <a href="/gwt/genesis/41.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. It's all the same dream. <a href="/gnt/genesis/41.htm">Good News Translation</a> The seven fat cows are seven years, and the seven full heads of grain are also seven years; they have the same meaning. <a href="/isv/genesis/41.htm">International Standard Version</a> The seven healthy cows represent seven years, as do the seven healthy ears. The dreams are identical. <a href="/msb/genesis/41.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. <a href="/net/genesis/41.htm">NET Bible</a> The seven good cows represent seven years, and the seven good heads of grain represent seven years. Both dreams have the same meaning. <a href="/nheb/genesis/41.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The seven good cows represent seven years, and the seven good heads of grain represent seven years. The dreams are the same. <a href="/wbt/genesis/41.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. <a href="/web/genesis/41.htm">World English Bible</a> The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/41.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years, the dream is one; <a href="/ylt/genesis/41.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the seven good kine are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years, the dream is one; <a href="/slt/genesis/41.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The seven good heifers, they are seven years; and the seven good ears, they are seven years: this dream one.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/41.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The seven beautiful kine, and the seven full ears, are seven years of plenty: and both contain the same meaning of the dream. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/41.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The seven beautiful cows, and the seven full ears of grain, are seven years of abundance. And so the force of the dreams is understood to be the same. <a href="/nabre/genesis/41.htm">New American Bible</a> The seven healthy cows are seven years, and the seven healthy ears are seven years—the same in each dream. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/41.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/41.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dream is one. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/41.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the dream is one.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/41.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. <a href="/sep/genesis/41.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the dream of Pharao is one. <a href="/parallel/genesis/41-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=10486" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm">Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams</a> …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. 26<a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: še·ḇa‘ (Number-fs) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">The seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: haṭ·ṭō·ḇōṯ (Art:: Adj-fp) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good</a> <a href="/hebrew/6510.htm" title="6510: pā·rōṯ (N-fp) -- A heifer, cow. Feminine of par; a heifer.">cows</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: še·ḇa‘ (Number-fs) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">are seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nîm (N-fp) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">years,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2007.htm" title="2007: hên·nāh (Pro-3fp) -- They. Prolongation for hen; themselves."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: wə·še·ḇa‘ (Conj-w:: Number-fs) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">and the seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: haṭ·ṭō·ḇōṯ (Art:: Adj-fp) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">ripe</a> <a href="/hebrew/7641.htm" title="7641: haš·šib·bo·lîm (Art:: N-fp) -- Ear (of grain). Or shibboleth; from the same as shebel; a stream; also an ear of grain; by analogy, a branch.">heads of grain</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: še·ḇa‘ (Number-fs) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">are seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nîm (N-fp) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">years.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2007.htm" title="2007: hên·nāh (Pro-3fp) -- They. Prolongation for hen; themselves."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2472.htm" title="2472: ḥă·lō·wm (N-ms) -- A dream. Or chalom; from chalam; a dream.">The dreams</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">have the same meaning.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/daniel/2-36.htm">Daniel 2:36-45</a> This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. / You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. / Wherever the sons of men or beasts of the field or birds of the air dwell, He has given them into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. ... <a href="/acts/7-11.htm">Acts 7:11-13</a> Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. / When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. / On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. <a href="/psalms/105-16.htm">Psalm 105:16-22</a> He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. / He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, ... <a href="/exodus/7-19.htm">Exodus 7:19-21</a> And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and all the reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.” / Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood. / The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt. <a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">1 Kings 17:1-7</a> Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” / Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah: / “Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. ... <a href="/2_kings/8-1.htm">2 Kings 8:1-6</a> Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed that a seven-year famine will come to the land.” / So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines. / At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. ... <a href="/amos/4-6.htm">Amos 4:6-9</a> “I afflicted all your cities with cleanness of teeth and all your towns with lack of bread, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD. / “I also withheld the rain from you when the harvest was three months away. I sent rain on one city but withheld it from another. One field received rain; another without rain withered. / People staggered from city to city for water to drink, but they were not satisfied; yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD. ... <a href="/matthew/24-7.htm">Matthew 24:7</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. <a href="/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25</a> But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land. <a href="/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5-6</a> And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. / And I heard what sounded like a voice from among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.” <a href="/isaiah/41-22.htm">Isaiah 41:22-23</a> “Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. / Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. <a href="/ezekiel/4-16.htm">Ezekiel 4:16-17</a> Then He told me, “Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure. / So they will lack food and water; they will be appalled at the sight of one another wasting away in their iniquity. <a href="/joel/1-10.htm">Joel 1:10-12</a> The field is ruined; the land mourns. For the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, and the oil fails. / Be dismayed, O farmers, wail, O vinedressers, over the wheat and barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. / The grapevine is dried up, and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple—all the trees of the orchard—are withered. Surely the joy of mankind has dried up. <a href="/jeremiah/14-1.htm">Jeremiah 14:1-6</a> This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: / “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. / The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. ... <a href="/mark/13-8.htm">Mark 13:8</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.are.<a href="/genesis/41-2.htm">Genesis 41:2,5,29,47,53</a> And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow… <a href="/genesis/40-18.htm">Genesis 40:18</a> And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:<a href="/exodus/12-11.htm">Exodus 12:11</a> And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.good ears are seven.<a href="/genesis/40-12.htm">Genesis 40:12</a> And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:the dream is one.<a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.<a href="/exodus/26-6.htm">Exodus 26:6</a> And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.<a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">1 John 5:7</a> For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/41-20.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/41-21.htm">Cows</a> <a href="/genesis/41-25.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/genesis/41-25.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/genesis/41-24.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/genesis/41-21.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/genesis/41-18.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/genesis/41-24.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/41-24.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/genesis/41-24.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/genesis/41-20.htm">Kine</a> <a href="/genesis/41-25.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/genesis/41-24.htm">Seven</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/41-27.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/41-27.htm">Cows</a> <a href="/genesis/41-32.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/genesis/42-9.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/genesis/41-27.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/genesis/45-18.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/genesis/41-42.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/genesis/41-30.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/41-27.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/genesis/41-27.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-13.htm">Kine</a> <a href="/genesis/41-33.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/genesis/41-27.htm">Seven</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 41</div>1. <a href="/genesis/41-1.htm">Pharaoh has two dreams.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Joseph interprets them.</a> 33. <a href="/genesis/41-33.htm">He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.</a> 46. <a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">The seven years of plenty.</a> 50. <a href="/genesis/41-50.htm">He begets children.</a> 53. <a href="/genesis/41-53.htm">The famine begins.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/41.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/41.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The seven good cows are seven years In the context of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, the seven good cows represent a period of abundance. Cows were a significant symbol in ancient Egypt, often associated with fertility and prosperity. The number seven frequently appears in the Bible, symbolizing completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation week in <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1</a>. This period of seven years of plenty is a divine provision, reflecting God's sovereignty over the natural world and His ability to foretell and control future events. The interpretation of dreams was a common practice in ancient cultures, but Joseph's ability to interpret accurately is attributed to divine revelation, setting him apart as a servant of God.and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years The seven ripe heads of grain further emphasize the theme of agricultural abundance. Grain was a staple in Egypt, and its abundance would have been crucial for sustaining life. The imagery of ripe grain suggests readiness and fullness, indicating a time of harvest and plenty. This aligns with the agricultural cycles of the Nile River, which were vital to Egypt's economy and survival. The repetition of the number seven reinforces the idea of a complete cycle of prosperity. This period of plenty is a precursor to the subsequent famine, highlighting the importance of wise stewardship and preparation, themes that resonate throughout biblical teachings.The dreams have the same meaning The repetition of the dream with different symbols underscores the certainty and importance of the message. In biblical narratives, God often uses dreams to communicate His will, as seen with Jacob's ladder (Genesis 28) and Daniel's visions (Daniel 2). The duality of the dreams serves to confirm their divine origin and the urgency of the message. This reflects a principle found in <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>, where two witnesses establish a matter. Joseph's interpretation reveals God's providential care and His plan to preserve life through the forthcoming famine. This foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate provider and sustainer, who offers spiritual abundance and salvation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. He is known for his ability to interpret dreams, which he attributes to God. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> The ruler of Egypt who has troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret. He calls upon Joseph to interpret them. 3. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where Joseph is enslaved and later rises to power. It is the setting for the events of <a href="/bsb/genesis/41.htm">Genesis 41</a>. 4. <a href="/topical/d/dreams.htm">Dreams</a> Pharaoh's dreams of seven good cows and seven good heads of grain, which Joseph interprets as seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. 5. <a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a> A severe shortage of food that Joseph predicts will follow the seven years of abundance, affecting Egypt and the surrounding regions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Joseph's ability to interpret dreams highlights God's control over history and His plans for nations and individuals. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Joseph remains faithful to God despite his circumstances, showing that God can use our trials for His purposes. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_and_preparation.htm">Wisdom and Preparation</a> Joseph's interpretation and subsequent actions demonstrate the importance of wisdom and preparation in times of abundance to withstand future challenges. <a href="/topical/g/god's_provision.htm">God's Provision</a> The account illustrates how God provides for His people, even in times of famine, through His chosen instruments.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_41.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 41</a> <a href="/q/forgive_debtors.htm">Does Genesis depict Joseph's actions as socialist?</a> <a href="/q/do_genesis_40_dreams_conflict_with_others.htm">Do the dream accounts and their outcomes in Genesis 40 conflict with any other dream narratives in the Bible regarding divine intervention?</a> <a href="/q/can_7_thin_cows_eat_7_healthy_cows.htm">Genesis 41:1-7: How is it scientifically or naturally possible for seven emaciated cows to devour seven healthy cows?</a> <a href="/q/are_prophetic_dreams_divinely_sourced.htm">Do prophetic dreams originate from a divine source?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/41.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 26-32. - Proceeding with the interpretation of the dream, Joseph explains to Pharaoh that the seven good kine and the seven full ears point to a succession of seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt which were already coming (ver. 29), after which there should arise seven years of famine, in which all the plenty should be forgotten in the land, and the famine should consume, or make an end of, the land (ver. 30), and the plenty should not be known in the land by reason of (literally, from the face of, used of the efficient cause of anything, hence on account of) that famine following - literally, the famine, that one, after (things have happened) so; adding (ver. 32), And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice (literally, and as for the doubling of the dream to Pharaoh twice); it is because the thing is established by God, - literally, the word(or thing spoken of) is firmly fixed, i.e. certainly decreed, by the Elohim - and God will shortly bring it to pass - literally, and hastening (is) the Elohim to do it. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/41-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The seven שֶׁ֧בַע (še·ḇa‘) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number good הַטֹּבֹ֗ת (haṭ·ṭō·ḇōṯ) Article | Adjective - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good cows פָּרֹ֣ת (pā·rōṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6510.htm">Strong's 6510: </a> A heifer, cow are seven שֶׁ֤בַע (še·ḇa‘) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number years, שָׁנִים֙ (šā·nîm) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> A year and the seven וְשֶׁ֤בַע (wə·še·ḇa‘) Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number ripe הַטֹּבֹ֔ת (haṭ·ṭō·ḇōṯ) Article | Adjective - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good heads of grain הַֽשִּׁבֳּלִים֙ (haš·šib·bo·lîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7641.htm">Strong's 7641: </a> A stream, an ear of grain, a branch are seven שֶׁ֥בַע (še·ḇa‘) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number years. שָׁנִ֖ים (šā·nîm) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> A year The dreams חֲל֖וֹם (ḥă·lō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2472.htm">Strong's 2472: </a> A dream have the same meaning. אֶחָ֥ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/41-26.htm">Genesis 41:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/41-26.htm">OT Law: Genesis 41:26 The seven good cattle are seven years (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/41-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 41:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 41:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/41-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 41:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 41:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>