Genesis 41:27 Meaning and Explanation
“And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The seven lean cattle and withered ears each represent seven years of severe famine.
The Context of Genesis 41:27
Joseph reveals the second part of the prophecy: seven years of severe, comprehensive famine.
What Does Genesis 41:27 Mean?
Joseph completes the interpretation: seven years of famine will follow the seven years of plenty. The 'empty ears' and starving cattle symbolize deprivation so complete that nothing remains. The famine will be comprehensive, affecting all of Egypt's food supply and threatening survival.
The detail 'blasted with the east wind' connects the famine to environmental forces. This grounds the prophecy in Egypt's real climate vulnerabilities. The famine will not be a temporary hardship but a sustained crisis lasting seven full years—enough to deplete all reserves and endanger the population.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 41:27
What does Genesis 41:27 mean?
The seven lean cattle and withered ears each represent seven years of severe famine.
What is the context of Genesis 41:27?
Joseph reveals the second part of the prophecy: seven years of severe, comprehensive famine.