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Genesis 41:18 - Fat cows rise from Nile

Genesis 41:18 - בראשית 41:18

Hebrew Text

וְהִנֵּה מִן־הַיְאֹר עֹלֹת שֶׁבַע פָּרוֹת בְּרִיאוֹת בָּשָׂר וִיפֹת תֹּאַר וַתִּרְעֶינָה בָּאָחוּ׃

English Translation

and, behold, there came up out of the River seven cows, fat of flesh and well favoured; and they fed in the reed grass:

Transliteration

Vehine min hay'or olot sheva parot briot basar viyfot toar vatir'ena ba'achu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִנֵּ֣ה מִן־הַיְאֹ֗ר עֹלֹת֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פָּר֔וֹת בְּרִיא֥וֹת בָּשָׂ֖ר וִיפֹ֣ת תֹּ֑אַר וַתִּרְעֶ֖ינָה בָּאָֽחוּ׃
וְהִנֵּ֣ה מִן־הַיְאֹ֗ר עֹלֹת֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פָּר֔וֹת בְּרִיא֥וֹת בָּשָׂ֖ר וִיפֹ֣ת תֹּ֑אַר וַתִּרְעֶ֖ינָה בָּאָֽחוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 41:2) explains that the seven fat cows emerging from the Nile represent seven years of plenty. The term "בריאות" (fat of flesh) indicates robust health and abundance, while "יפות תאר" (well favored) suggests that the produce of these years will be visually appealing and desirable. The fact that they "fed in the reed grass" symbolizes that the abundance will be easily accessible, as reeds grow near water and are readily available for grazing.

Symbolism in the Dream

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:4) elaborates that the Nile River, the source of Egypt's sustenance, signifies the origin of both prosperity and famine. The seven cows correspond to the seven years of plenty, and their emergence from the river indicates that the abundance is divinely ordained. The cows' beauty and health reflect the quality and quantity of the harvest during these years.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:45) discusses dreams as a medium through which divine messages are conveyed to prophets. Pharaoh's dream, though symbolic, was a prophetic vision of future events. The imagery of cows—animals associated with agriculture—directly relates to the agricultural prosperity and subsequent famine that would affect Egypt.

Additional Insights from the Talmud

  • The Talmud (Berachot 55b) states that dreams are often interpreted based on their content, and the interpretation given by Yosef (Joseph) was accurate because it aligned with the divine message.
  • The cows' grazing in the reeds ("באחו") is interpreted by some commentators as a sign that the abundance would be widespread, covering even the marshy, less fertile areas.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 41:2) emphasizes that the dream serves as a warning about the fleeting nature of material prosperity. The cows' beauty and health are temporary, foreshadowing the seven years of famine that would follow. This teaches the importance of preparing for the future and recognizing that all sustenance comes from Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in the context of interpreting dreams, where the seven cows from Pharaoh's dream are discussed as an example of dream symbolism.
📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the interpretation of dreams and their significance, particularly in relation to Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the seven fat cows in Pharaoh's dream represent?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Berachot 55a), the seven fat cows symbolize seven years of abundance in Egypt. This interpretation was given by Yosef (Joseph) when he explained Pharaoh's dream.
Q: Why did the cows come up from the river in the dream?
A: The river (Nile) was the source of Egypt's fertility and sustenance. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 89:4) explains that the cows emerging from the river represent prosperity coming from Egypt's main source of water and agricultural blessing.
Q: What is the significance of the cows being 'well-favored'?
A: The description of the cows as beautiful and healthy (בְּרִיאוֹת בָּשָׂר וִיפֹת תֹּאַר) emphasizes the completeness of the coming prosperity. Ramban notes that this detail shows the years of plenty would be truly exceptional in their bounty.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that the cows grazed in the reeds?
A: Rashi explains that the cows feeding in the reeds (אָחוּ) shows they were content and undisturbed, symbolizing peaceful years of abundance where resources were plentiful and easily accessible.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish understanding of dreams?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams often contain symbolic messages. This verse demonstrates how divine wisdom (through Yosef) is needed to properly interpret dreams, as the cows were not literal but represented future events.