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Genesis 41:23 - Dream's ominous grain warning

Genesis 41:23 - בראשית 41:23

Hebrew Text

וְהִנֵּה שֶׁבַע שִׁבֳּלִים צְנֻמוֹת דַּקּוֹת שְׁדֻפוֹת קָדִים צֹמְחוֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

and, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted by the east wind, sprang up after them:

Transliteration

Vehine sheva shibolim tzenumot dakot shedufot kadim tzomchot achareihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִנֵּה֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים צְנֻמ֥וֹת דַּקּ֖וֹת שְׁדֻפ֣וֹת קָדִ֑ים צֹמְח֖וֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃
וְהִנֵּה֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים צְנֻמ֥וֹת דַּקּ֖וֹת שְׁדֻפ֣וֹת קָדִ֑ים צֹמְח֖וֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Interpretation of the Seven Thin Ears in Pharaoh's Dream

The verse describes Pharaoh's dream of seven thin, withered ears of grain sprouting after seven healthy ears (Bereishit 41:5-6). This imagery holds deep symbolic meaning according to Orthodox Jewish commentators:

  • Rashi (Bereishit 41:6) explains that the "east wind" (קָדִים) represents a harsh, destructive wind from the east that blights crops. This symbolizes the coming famine that would consume the abundance of the seven years of plenty.
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:8) discusses how dreams often communicate through symbolic imagery, with thin ears representing scarcity following abundance, a common prophetic motif.
  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (89:5) connects the seven thin ears to the seven years of famine, emphasizing how they "swallowed" the healthy ears - showing how quickly prosperity can be forgotten during hardship.

Spiritual Lessons from the Symbolism

The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams follow their interpretation, meaning their meaning becomes manifest through proper understanding. The thin ears teach several lessons:

  • The sudden shift from plenty to scarcity reminds us of life's impermanence and the need to prepare during times of abundance (as Yosef later advises Pharaoh).
  • The east wind's damage represents how quickly material success can vanish when divine judgment comes.
  • The sequence (healthy ears first) shows that hardship often follows periods of comfort to test our gratitude and resilience.

Agricultural Symbolism in Ancient Egypt

Ibn Ezra (Bereishit 41:6) notes that the specific mention of the east wind reflects Egyptian agricultural reality, where the khamsin winds from the east could devastate crops. This demonstrates how divine messages use imagery understandable to the recipient.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 56b
The verse is referenced in the context of interpreting dreams, specifically discussing Pharaoh's dream of the seven thin ears of grain as mentioned in Genesis 41:6.
📖 Ta'anit 10b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the effects of the east wind (kadim) on crops, relating it to the biblical narrative of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the seven withered ears of grain represent in Pharaoh's dream?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the seven withered ears symbolize seven years of severe famine that would follow seven years of plenty (as explained in Genesis 41:26-27). The 'east wind' (קָדִים) represents harsh conditions, as the east wind in Israel is often hot and destructive (see Rashi on Exodus 10:13).
Q: Why were the ears of grain 'blasted by the east wind' in the dream?
A: The Torah emphasizes that the ears were 'blasted by the east wind' (שְׁדֻפוֹת קָדִים) to show that the famine would be unnatural and devastating. The Ramban explains that this detail indicated the famine would not just be from lack of rain, but from destructive forces ruining any potential growth.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's dream about the withered ears?
A: The dream teaches the importance of preparing for difficult times during periods of abundance. Yosef (Joseph) interpreted the dream correctly and advised Pharaoh to store grain during the seven good years to survive the famine. This reflects the Jewish value of foresight and responsible planning (see Talmud Ta'anit 19b).
Q: Why does the Torah describe the ears as 'thin' (דַּקּוֹת) and 'withered' (צְנֻמוֹת)?
A: The descriptions 'thin' and 'withered' emphasize the severity of the coming famine. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 89:5) explains that these terms indicate the famine would be so harsh that even leftover grain from the years of plenty would rot or become inedible.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish teachings about hardship?
A: This verse reminds us that hardships, like the famine, are part of life, but Hashem provides wisdom (through Yosef's interpretation) to navigate them. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that challenges can lead to growth if we respond with faith and practical action, as Pharaoh did by appointing Yosef to manage the crisis.