What does Genesis 41:31 mean?
"And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous." - Genesis 41:31

Genesis 41:31 (KJV) reads, "And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous."
This verse is part of the story of Joseph and his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams. In this particular verse, Joseph is interpreting Pharaoh's dream of the seven fat cows and the seven lean cows. In the dream, the seven fat cows are devoured by the seven lean cows, and Joseph explains that this dream represents seven years of plenty in the land, followed by seven years of famine. This verse specifically focuses on the impact of the famine following the years of plenty.
One of the key themes in this verse and the larger passage is the idea of God's sovereignty and the importance of interpreting dreams. Joseph's ability to interpret dreams is a gift from God, and it ultimately leads to his rise to power in Egypt. The verse also speaks to the idea of foresight and preparation, as Joseph advises Pharaoh to store up food during the years of plenty in order to survive the famine that will follow.
In a broader context, this verse can be seen as a commentary on the cyclical nature of abundance and scarcity in life. The idea of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine can be interpreted as a metaphor for the ups and downs that people experience in their own lives. It serves as a reminder to both appreciate and prepare for times of plenty, knowing that they may be followed by periods of hardship.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The fat cows represent abundance and prosperity, while the lean cows represent scarcity and hardship. The devouring of the fat cows by the lean cows can be seen as a metaphor for how times of plenty can be consumed by times of famine if not properly managed. Additionally, the storing of food during the years of plenty symbolizes the importance of being proactive and preparing for the challenges that may lie ahead.
Overall, Genesis 41:31 is a verse that speaks to the larger themes of God's sovereignty, the importance of foresight and preparation, and the cyclical nature of abundance and scarcity in life. It serves as a reminder to appreciate and make the most of times of plenty, while also being mindful of and prepared for the challenges that may come. It is ultimately a message of hope and resilience, as it emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plan and taking proactive steps to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life.
Have questions about Genesis 41:31?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Genesis 41:31 Artwork
Genesis 41:31 - "And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous."
"And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous." - Genesis 41:31
Genesis 31:41 - "Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times."
Genesis 41:41 and make pharaoh black
Genesis 24-41
Genesis 41:41-42 focus on signet ring
Genesis 41:41 - "And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt."
Job 41:31 - "He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment."
Numbers 31:41 - "And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses."
Genesis 41:47 - "And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls."
Genesis 36:41 - "Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,"
Genesis 41:53 - "¶ And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended."
Genesis 21-31
Genesis 18-31
Genesis 31:35
Genesis 19-31
Genesis 24-31
Genesis 41:37 - "¶ And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants."
Genesis 41:29 - "Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:"
Genesis 41:6 - "And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them."
Genesis 41:2 - "And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow."
Genesis 41:26 - "The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one."
Genesis 41:23 - "And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:"
Genesis 41:20 - "And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:"
Genesis 41:16 - "And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace."
Genesis 41:32 - "And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass."
Genesis 41:52 - "And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction."
Genesis 41:22 - "And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:"
Genesis 41:18 - "And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:"
Genesis 41:17 - "And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:"