Genesis 41:47 Meaning and Explanation
“And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →During the seven years of abundance, Egypt's land produces grain so abundantly that it can be gathered by the handful.
The Context of Genesis 41:47
The narrative describes the exceptional abundance of the seven plenteous years.
What Does Genesis 41:47 Mean?
'By handfuls' is an idiom suggesting extraordinary abundance. The harvest is not measured in careful counting but grasped in generous portions—so plentiful that precise measurement becomes difficult. This vivid language conveys the miraculous nature of the harvest God provides.
The 'earth bringing forth' uses language suggesting fertility and blessing from the natural world itself. Egypt's climate, the Nile's flood, and favorable conditions all combine to create abundance exceeding normal years. The land produces at its maximum capacity during this seven-year window.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 41:47
What does Genesis 41:47 mean?
During the seven years of abundance, Egypt's land produces grain so abundantly that it can be gathered by the handful.
What is the context of Genesis 41:47?
The narrative describes the exceptional abundance of the seven plenteous years.