share torah logo

Genesis 41:29 - Egypt's seven years of abundance

Genesis 41:29 - בראשית 41:29

Hebrew Text

הִנֵּה שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים בָּאוֹת שָׂבָע גָּדוֹל בְּכָל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Hine sheva shanim ba'ot sava gadol bechol-eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִנֵּ֛ה שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים בָּא֑וֹת שָׂבָ֥ע גָּד֖וֹל בְּכׇל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
הִנֵּ֛ה שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים בָּא֑וֹת שָׂבָ֥ע גָּד֖וֹל בְּכׇל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 41:29) appears in the narrative of Yosef interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, foretelling seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. This prophecy sets the stage for Yosef's rise to power in Mitzrayim and the eventual descent of Yaakov's family to Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the repetition of the word "הִנֵּה" (behold) in Pharaoh's dream (Bereshit 41:26-27) and Yosef's interpretation emphasizes the certainty of these events coming to pass. The seven years of plenty would be so abundant that the years of famine would be "swallowed up" and forgotten amidst the prosperity (Rashi on Bereshit 41:29).

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes the phrase "בְּכָל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם" (throughout all the land of Egypt) teaches that this plenty would be universal across Egypt, not limited to certain regions. This contrasts with the famine which would later affect "all lands" (Bereshit 41:57), showing Hashem's precise control over nature and human affairs.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:4) observes that the years of plenty came first to:

  • Establish Yosef's credibility when his prediction came true
  • Allow for proper preparation during times of abundance
  • Demonstrate Hashem's mercy by providing warning before hardship

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam discusses how this episode demonstrates the validity of true prophecy - that it must come to pass exactly as foretold. The precise fulfillment of Yosef's prediction proved his status as a genuine prophet of Hashem.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet notes that the seven years of plenty correspond to the seven emotional attributes (middot), teaching that material abundance should be used to cultivate spiritual growth. The surplus was given to enable the storage of grain - both physically and metaphorically "storing" spiritual resources for leaner times.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the years of plenty and famine, illustrating divine providence and the importance of preparing for future needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 41:29 mean?
A: This verse is part of Pharaoh's dream interpreted by Yosef (Joseph). It foretells seven years of abundant harvests in Egypt ('great plenty'), which will be followed by seven years of famine (as mentioned in later verses). The Torah teaches us about Divine providence and preparation.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse marks the beginning of Yosef's rise to leadership in Egypt. According to Rashi and the Midrash, it shows how Hashem prepares the remedy before the illness—the years of plenty allow Egypt to store food and survive the famine, which ultimately brings Yaakov's family to Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy given to Avraham.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the 'seven years of plenty'?
A: The Rambam teaches that this episode emphasizes the importance of foresight and responsible management. Just as Yosef advised storing grain during plenty to prepare for famine, we must use times of blessing wisely to prepare for future challenges—both materially and spiritually.
Q: How does this apply to our lives today?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 11a) derives from here that we should emulate Hashem's attribute of providing in advance. Practically, this means saving resources in times of abundance, showing gratitude for blessings, and using prosperity to help others—key Jewish values.