share torah logo

Genesis 41:26 - Years of plenty foretold

Genesis 41:26 - בראשית 41:26

Hebrew Text

שֶׁבַע פָּרֹת הַטֹּבֹת שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים הֵנָּה וְשֶׁבַע הַשִּׁבֳּלִים הַטֹּבֹת שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים הֵנָּה חֲלוֹם אֶחָד הוּא׃

English Translation

The seven good cows are seven years

Transliteration

Sheva parot hatovot sheva shanim henah vesheva hashibolim hatovot sheva shanim henah chalom echad hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

שֶׁ֧בַע פָּרֹ֣ת הַטֹּבֹ֗ת שֶׁ֤בַע שָׁנִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה וְשֶׁ֤בַע הַֽשִּׁבֳּלִים֙ הַטֹּבֹ֔ת שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים הֵ֑נָּה חֲל֖וֹם אֶחָ֥ד הֽוּא׃
שֶׁ֧בַע פָּרֹ֣ת הַטֹּבֹ֗ת שֶׁ֤בַע שָׁנִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה וְשֶׁ֤בַע הַֽשִּׁבֳּלִים֙ הַטֹּבֹ֔ת שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים הֵ֑נָּה חֲל֖וֹם אֶחָ֥ד הֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Interpretation of Pharaoh's Dream

The verse "שֶׁבַע פָּרֹת הַטֹּבֹת שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים הֵנָּה וְשֶׁבַע הַשִּׁבֳּלִים הַטֹּבֹת שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים הֵנָּה חֲלוֹם אֶחָד הוּא" (The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; it is one dream) describes Yosef's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream in Bereishit 41:26. Orthodox Jewish commentators provide deep insights into its meaning:

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the repetition of "seven good cows" and "seven good ears" emphasizes that both visions symbolize the same seven years of plenty. The phrase "חֲלוֹם אֶחָד הוּא" (it is one dream) indicates that the two images are interconnected and reinforce a single prophetic message.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses dreams as a medium for divine communication. He notes that Pharaoh's dream used familiar agricultural symbols (cows and grain) to convey a message about future economic conditions, as these were central to Egypt's prosperity.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (89:5) teaches that the cows represent years because, like cows that nourish with milk, these years would "nourish" the land with abundance.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma adds that the number seven corresponds to the natural cycle of years, reflecting Hashem's design for periods of plenty and famine.

Symbolism in Talmudic Thought

The Talmud (Berachot 55b) discusses dreams and their interpretations, stating that symbols in dreams often reflect real-world concepts. Here, the cows and grain signify sustenance, and their doubling in Pharaoh's dream (as two parallel visions) confirmed the certainty of the prophecy (based on the principle "שני חלומות אין חוזרין"—two dreams on the same theme indicate inevitability).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is discussed in the context of dream interpretation, where the seven good cows and seven good ears of grain are interpreted as seven years of plenty.
📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the years of plenty and famine in Egypt, illustrating the divine providence in Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 41:26 mean?
A: In Genesis 41:26, Yosef (Joseph) interprets Pharaoh's dream, explaining that the seven good cows and seven good stalks of grain both symbolize seven years of plenty that will come to Egypt. According to Rashi, this teaches that the dream was a single prophecy with one consistent message about the future.
Q: Why are the cows and stalks both representing years?
A: The Torah uses symbolic imagery in dreams. Rashi explains that cows represent years because they plow fields (associated with agriculture over time), and stalks of grain directly relate to harvests, which depend on yearly cycles. Both symbols point to the same seven-year period of abundance.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse is crucial because it marks the beginning of Yosef's rise to leadership in Egypt. His correct interpretation of Pharaoh's dream leads to his appointment as viceroy, enabling him to save Egypt—and eventually his own family—from famine. The Rambam notes that divine wisdom in dream interpretation can have far-reaching consequences.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's interpretation?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yosef's ability to interpret dreams came from his connection to Hashem and his wisdom. This teaches us the importance of recognizing that blessings (like the seven good years) are opportunities to prepare for future challenges (the famine that followed).
Q: How does this apply to us today?
A: Just as Yosef advised Pharaoh to store grain during the good years, we learn from this verse the importance of preparing during times of abundance—whether materially (saving resources) or spiritually (strengthening our mitzvah observance)—for times of difficulty. The Talmud (Ta'anit 11a) emphasizes this as a principle of responsible living.