share torah logo

Genesis 41:22 - Seven prosperous years foretold

Genesis 41:22 - בראשית 41:22

Hebrew Text

וָאֵרֶא בַּחֲלֹמִי וְהִנֵּה שֶׁבַע שִׁבֳּלִים עֹלֹת בְּקָנֶה אֶחָד מְלֵאֹת וְטֹבוֹת׃

English Translation

And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up on one stalk, full and good:

Transliteration

Va'ere bachalomai vehine sheva shibolim olot bekane echad mele'ot vetovot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֵ֖רֶא בַּחֲלֹמִ֑י וְהִנֵּ֣ה <b>׀</b> שֶׁ֣בַע שִׁבֳּלִ֗ים עֹלֹ֛ת בְּקָנֶ֥ה אֶחָ֖ד מְלֵאֹ֥ת וְטֹבֽוֹת׃
וָאֵ֖רֶא בַּחֲלֹמִ֑י וְהִנֵּ֣ה ׀ שֶׁ֣בַע שִׁבֳּלִ֗ים עֹלֹ֛ת בְּקָנֶ֥ה אֶחָ֖ד מְלֵאֹ֥ת וְטֹבֽוֹת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Interpretation of the Verse

The verse, from Bereishit (Genesis) 41:22, describes Pharaoh's dream of seven healthy ears of grain growing on a single stalk. This vision is part of the sequence of dreams that Yosef (Joseph) interprets as foretelling seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the seven ears growing on a single stalk symbolize an unusual abundance, as typically, a stalk produces only one or two ears. The fact that they were "full and good" (m'le'ot v'tovot) indicates that the years of plenty would be exceptionally fruitful, with grain of superior quality.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 89:6) elaborates that the seven ears represent the seven years of plenty, and their growth on a single stalk signifies that these years would follow one another in rapid succession, without interruption. The Midrash also notes that the term m'le'ot ("full") suggests that the grain would be so abundant that it would fill even the containers usually used for measuring.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in his Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), discusses dreams as a medium through which divine messages are conveyed. He emphasizes that the imagery in Pharaoh's dream was designed to be clear and unmistakable, ensuring that its interpretation by Yosef would be recognized as divinely inspired.

Symbolism in the Talmud

The Talmud (Berachot 55b) discusses the nature of dreams and their interpretations. It notes that the imagery of grain in Pharaoh's dream was particularly fitting because grain is a staple of sustenance, and its abundance or scarcity directly impacts the well-being of a nation. The seven ears thus symbolize the complete cycle of plenty that would sustain Egypt during the forthcoming famine.

Practical Lessons

  • The dream teaches the importance of preparing for the future during times of abundance, as Yosef later advises Pharaoh.
  • It highlights divine providence in ensuring that nations receive warnings to avert catastrophe.
  • The imagery underscores the centrality of agriculture and food security in human survival.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, particularly in relation to Joseph's dream about the seven ears of grain.
📖 Ta'anit 8b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the significance of dreams and their potential meanings, drawing parallels to Joseph's experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the seven good ears of grain represent in Pharaoh's dream?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish interpretation, the seven good ears of grain in Pharaoh's dream (Genesis 41:22) represent seven years of abundance that would come to Egypt. This follows Joseph's explanation in Genesis 41:26 that the seven good ears are seven years of plenty.
Q: Why did the seven ears grow on a single stalk in the dream?
A: The Midrash explains that the single stalk with seven ears symbolizes how all seven years of plenty would come in quick succession, one immediately following another, as if growing from the same source. This emphasizes the intensity and continuity of the coming abundance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's dream about the ears of grain?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams often contain symbolic messages that require interpretation. This teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom to understand hidden meanings in life's events, just as Joseph was given divine wisdom to interpret Pharaoh's dream correctly.
Q: How does this verse about the seven ears connect to Jewish tradition today?
A: This verse reminds us of the Jewish value of preparing during times of plenty for future challenges (as Joseph advised Pharaoh to store grain). The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:1) teaches this as a general principle - to be prudent and prepare wisely for the future while enjoying G-d's blessings in the present.
Q: Why are the ears described as 'full and good' in the dream?
A: Rashi explains that 'full and good' emphasizes these would be years of exceptional abundance, where the grain would be completely developed ('full') and of superior quality ('good'). This description helped Joseph recognize these would be unusually prosperous years requiring special preparation.