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Genesis 41:27 - Famine follows plenty—why?

Genesis 41:27 - בראשית 41:27

Hebrew Text

וְשֶׁבַע הַפָּרוֹת הָרַקּוֹת וְהָרָעֹת הָעֹלֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶן שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים הֵנָּה וְשֶׁבַע הַשִׁבֳּלִים הָרֵקוֹת שְׁדֻפוֹת הַקָּדִים יִהְיוּ שֶׁבַע שְׁנֵי רָעָב׃

English Translation

And the seven thin and ill favoured cows that came up after them are seven years: and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.

Transliteration

Vesheva haparot harakot veharaot ha'olot achareihen sheva shanim henna vesheva hashibolim harekot shdufot hakadim yihyu sheva shnei ra'av.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשֶׁ֣בַע הַ֠פָּר֠וֹת הָֽרַקּ֨וֹת וְהָרָעֹ֜ת הָעֹלֹ֣ת אַחֲרֵיהֶ֗ן שֶׁ֤בַע שָׁנִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה וְשֶׁ֤בַע הַֽשִּׁבֳּלִים֙ הָרֵק֔וֹת שְׁדֻפ֖וֹת הַקָּדִ֑ים יִהְי֕וּ שֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֥י רָעָֽב׃
וְשֶׁ֣בַע הַ֠פָּר֠וֹת הָֽרַקּ֨וֹת וְהָרָעֹ֜ת הָעֹלֹ֣ת אַחֲרֵיהֶ֗ן שֶׁ֤בַע שָׁנִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה וְשֶׁ֤בַע הַֽשִּׁבֳּלִים֙ הָרֵק֔וֹת שְׁדֻפ֖וֹת הַקָּדִ֑ים יִהְי֕וּ שֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֥י רָעָֽב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Interpretation of Pharaoh's Dream

The verse describes Pharaoh's dream of seven thin cows consuming seven healthy cows and seven withered ears of grain consuming seven healthy ears, which Yosef interprets as seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. This interpretation is rooted in classical Jewish sources:

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 41:27) emphasizes that the thin cows and withered ears represent the same seven-year famine period, not two separate events. The doubling of the imagery in the dream signifies that the famine will be severe and firmly established (חָזָק). The east wind (קָדִים) is particularly destructive to crops, as seen in Yechezkel 17:10.

Symbolism in the Dream

  • Seven Years: The number seven corresponds to natural cycles, as seen in Shemittah (Vayikra 25:1-7). The repetition underscores Divine providence in both abundance and scarcity.
  • Thin Cows vs. Withered Grain: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:5) explains that the cows represent food from animal sources, while the grain represents vegetation. Both would be affected, leaving no alternative sustenance.
  • Consumption Imagery: The healthy years being "consumed" teaches that surplus from years of plenty would be exhausted during famine (Ramban on Bereshit 41:4).

Halachic and Hashkafic Insights

The Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) derives from this episode that famine is among the calamities requiring public fasting and repentance. Yosef's advice to store grain (Bereshit 41:34-36) becomes a model for hishtadlut (human effort within Divine providence). The Sforno notes that the dream's clarity indicated it was prophetic, not merely psychological.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 57a
The verse is referenced in the context of interpreting dreams, particularly those involving cows and ears of grain, drawing a parallel to Pharaoh's dream as interpreted by Joseph.
📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is discussed in relation to the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine, emphasizing the cyclical nature of prosperity and hardship as seen in Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse about the seven thin cows and empty ears mean?
A: This verse is part of Yosef's (Joseph's) interpretation of Pharaoh's dream. According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, the seven thin cows and seven empty ears of grain symbolize seven years of severe famine that would follow seven years of plenty in Egypt. This was a divine message about future events.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse is important because it shows how Hashem communicates through dreams and how a righteous interpreter like Yosef can understand hidden messages. The Rambam explains that prophecy can sometimes come through dreams, and this event led to Yosef's rise to power and ultimately the Jewish people's descent to Egypt, fulfilling Hashem's plan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's interpretation of these symbols?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams follow their interpretation, showing the power of proper understanding. From Yosef, we learn the importance of wisdom in interpreting signs and preparing for the future. The Midrash also highlights how Yosef's God-given wisdom saved many lives during the famine.
Q: How does this verse about years of plenty and famine apply to us today?
A: The Chofetz Chaim and other Jewish leaders teach that we should learn from this to prepare during good times for potential challenges. Just as Yosef advised storing grain, we should use times of blessing wisely to prepare spiritually and materially for harder times, trusting in Hashem's providence.
Q: Why were there exactly seven years of plenty and seven of famine?
A: The number seven is significant in Judaism, representing completion (as in the seven days of creation). The Sforno explains that this was a complete cycle of testing Egypt's response. The Zohar adds that these seven-year cycles reflect divine judgment and mercy in measured amounts.