Genesis 41:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Seven sickly, emaciated cattle emerge from the river and stand beside the healthy ones.
The Context of Genesis 41:3
The second set of cattle introduces a sharp contrast to the first seven.
What Does Genesis 41:3 Mean?
The appearance of seven ill-favored, lean cattle introduces a contrasting image. These animals represent scarcity and deprivation—the opposite of the fat cattle. Their emergence from the same source (the river) suggests a dramatic reversal in Egypt's circumstance.
The positioning of these cattle next to the healthy ones is significant: they stand in proximity, implying a sequence or relationship. The brink of the river becomes a stage where abundance and want meet, heightening the dream's symbolic tension and the question of what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 41:3
What does Genesis 41:3 mean?
Seven sickly, emaciated cattle emerge from the river and stand beside the healthy ones.
What is the context of Genesis 41:3?
The second set of cattle introduces a sharp contrast to the first seven.