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Genesis 41:47 - Plenty precedes famine's test

Genesis 41:47 - בראשית 41:47

Hebrew Text

וַתַּעַשׂ הָאָרֶץ בְּשֶׁבַע שְׁנֵי הַשָּׂבָע לִקְמָצִים׃

English Translation

And in the seven years of plenty the earth brought forth by heaps.

Transliteration

Vata'as ha'aretz b'sheva shnei hasava likmatzim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתַּ֣עַשׂ הָאָ֔רֶץ בְּשֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֣י הַשָּׂבָ֑ע לִקְמָצִֽים׃
וַתַּ֣עַשׂ הָאָ֔רֶץ בְּשֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֣י הַשָּׂבָ֑ע לִקְמָצִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 41:47) describes the fulfillment of Yosef's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, where seven years of abundance in Egypt preceded seven years of famine. The phrase "וַתַּעַשׂ הָאָרֶץ בְּשֶׁבַע שְׁנֵי הַשָּׂבָע לִקְמָצִים" highlights the extraordinary productivity of the land during this period.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains the term "לִקְמָצִים" (by heaps) as meaning that the earth produced grain in such abundance that it could be gathered in handfuls rather than through the usual laborious process of harvesting. This emphasizes the miraculous nature of the plenty, where minimal effort yielded maximal produce—a clear sign of divine blessing.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (90:4): The Midrash teaches that the land produced so much grain that people would accidentally drop a handful while gathering, yet still have more than enough. This reflects Hashem's kindness in ensuring that even "waste" during plenty would not diminish the bounty.
  • Kli Yakar: The term "לִקְמָצִים" alludes to the mitzvah of separating challah (dough offering), symbolizing that the abundance was not merely for physical sustenance but also for spiritual elevation, as Yosef ensured the grain would be used wisely.

Halachic and Philosophical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:1) derives from this episode the importance of preparing during times of plenty for future scarcity. Yosef's wisdom in storing grain reflects the Torah's broader principle of hishtadlut (human effort) guided by divine providence. The miraculous abundance was not an excuse for complacency but a call to responsible stewardship.

Symbolism of "Seven Years"

The Malbim notes that the seven years parallel the seven days of Creation, suggesting that just as Hashem created the world with orderly cycles, He orchestrates history with periods of abundance and challenge to test human righteousness—as seen in Yosef's rise to leadership through this trial.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 41:47 mean when it says the earth brought forth 'by heaps'?
A: The phrase 'by heaps' (לִקְמָצִים) means that during the seven years of plenty in Egypt, the land produced an extraordinary abundance of crops. Rashi explains that the produce was so plentiful that people would gather it in handfuls (like 'heaps') without needing to measure it carefully, showing Hashem's blessing during this time.
Q: Why is the mention of the seven years of plenty important in the Torah?
A: The seven years of plenty are important because they set the stage for Yosef's (Joseph's) wise leadership in storing grain, which later saves Egypt and surrounding lands during the seven years of famine. The Midrash teaches that this shows Divine Providence—Hashem prepares the remedy before the affliction (Megillah 13b).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 41:47 about abundance and preparation?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of recognizing and properly managing blessings. Yosef, guided by Pharaoh's dream, understood that the years of plenty were temporary and prepared for future scarcity. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:1) emphasizes wise stewardship of resources as a Jewish value.
Q: How does the concept of 'seven years of plenty' apply to our lives today?
A: Just as Yosef prepared during times of abundance, we are taught to be grateful during good times while also planning responsibly for the future. The Talmud (Ta'anit 11a) encourages balancing trust in Hashem with practical efforts (hishtadlut), showing that spiritual and physical preparation go hand in hand.