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Genesis 41:2 - Fat cows reveal future plenty?

Genesis 41:2 - בראשית 41:2

Hebrew Text

וְהִנֵּה מִן־הַיְאֹר עֹלֹת שֶׁבַע פָּרוֹת יְפוֹת מַרְאֶה וּבְרִיאֹת בָּשָׂר וַתִּרְעֶינָה בָּאָחוּ׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Vehine min hay'or olot sheva parot yefot mareh uvri'ot basar vatir'ena ba'ahu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִנֵּ֣ה מִן־הַיְאֹ֗ר עֹלֹת֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פָּר֔וֹת יְפ֥וֹת מַרְאֶ֖ה וּבְרִיאֹ֣ת בָּשָׂ֑ר וַתִּרְעֶ֖ינָה בָּאָֽחוּ׃
וְהִנֵּ֣ה מִן־הַיְאֹ֗ר עֹלֹת֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פָּר֔וֹת יְפ֥וֹת מַרְאֶ֖ה וּבְרִיאֹ֣ת בָּשָׂ֑ר וַתִּרְעֶ֖ינָה בָּאָֽחוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Interpretation of the Seven Cows in Pharaoh's Dream

The verse describes Pharaoh's dream of seven cows emerging from the Nile, which is later interpreted by Yosef (Joseph) as a prophecy of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine (Bereishit 41:1-4). Orthodox Jewish commentators provide deep insights into the symbolism of these cows and their significance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 41:2) notes that the cows were "well favoured" (יְפוֹת מַרְאֶה) and "fat of flesh" (וּבְרִיאֹת בָּשָׂר), indicating prosperity. He explains that their grazing in the reed grass (בָּאָחוּ) symbolizes abundance, as reeds grow in fertile, well-watered areas. This aligns with the interpretation of the seven years of plenty.

Symbolism of the Nile

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 89:4) emphasizes that the cows arose from the Nile (הַיְאֹר), Egypt's lifeblood, representing sustenance and fertility. The number seven (שֶׁבַע) is significant, as it often denotes completeness in Torah, such as the seven days of creation.

Rambam's Perspective on Dreams

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:3) discusses dreams as a medium for divine communication, though not prophecy. Pharaoh's dream, while cryptic, carried a divine message requiring interpretation by a wise man like Yosef, who was granted ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration) to decode it.

Lessons from the Cows' Appearance

  • Beauty and Plenty: The cows' pleasing appearance (יְפוֹת מַרְאֶה) symbolizes the visible abundance of the years of plenty.
  • Fatness and Strength: Their robust condition (בְּרִיאֹת בָּשָׂר) reflects the land's productivity during prosperous times.
  • Grazing in Reeds: The reeds (אָחוּ) suggest unchecked growth, hinting at the need for proper management to prepare for future scarcity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in the context of interpreting dreams, specifically discussing Pharaoh's dream of the seven cows as an example of significant dream imagery.
📖 Ta'anit 8b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about divine providence and the interpretation of signs, using the seven cows as an example of a divine message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the seven cows in Pharaoh's dream represent?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Berachot 55a), the seven cows represent seven years of plenty that would come to Egypt. The fact that they were 'well favoured and fat of flesh' symbolizes abundance and prosperity during those years.
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 explains that the cows emerging from the river symbolize that the years of plenty would come from the land's natural abundance, particularly through the Nile's annual flooding which made the land fertile.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's dream about the cows?
A: The Rambam teaches that dreams often contain symbolic messages. This dream teaches the importance of preparing during times of plenty for future times of need, as Yosef later advises Pharaoh to store grain during the seven good years before the seven years of famine arrive.