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Genesis 41:31 - Famine erases past abundance?

Genesis 41:31 - בראשית 41:31

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־יִוָּדַע הַשָּׂבָע בָּאָרֶץ מִפְּנֵי הָרָעָב הַהוּא אַחֲרֵי־כֵן כִּי־כָבֵד הוּא מְאֹד׃

English Translation

and the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following

Transliteration

Velo-yivada hasava ba'aretz mipnei hara'av hahu acharei-chen ki-kaved hu me'od.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־יִוָּדַ֤ע הַשָּׂבָע֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ מִפְּנֵ֛י הָרָעָ֥ב הַה֖וּא אַחֲרֵי־כֵ֑ן כִּֽי־כָבֵ֥ד ה֖וּא מְאֹֽד׃
וְלֹֽא־יִוָּדַ֤ע הַשָּׂבָע֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ מִפְּנֵ֛י הָרָעָ֥ב הַה֖וּא אַחֲרֵי־כֵ֑ן כִּֽי־כָבֵ֥ד ה֖וּא מְאֹֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 41:31) appears in Pharaoh's dream, interpreted by Yosef, describing the severity of the upcoming famine in Egypt. The phrase "וְלֹא־יִוָּדַע הַשָּׂבָע בָּאָרֶץ" ("the plenty shall not be known in the land") emphasizes how the famine will completely overshadow the preceding years of abundance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the famine will be so overwhelming that people will forget the previous years of plenty. Even if someone tries to recall the years of abundance, the intensity of the famine will make it seem as if those years never existed. This interpretation is based on the wording "לֹא־יִוָּדַע" ("shall not be known"), indicating a complete erasure of memory due to the severity of the suffering.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) discusses how extreme hardships, such as famine, serve as divine warnings to inspire repentance. The phrase "כִּי־כָבֵד הוּא מְאֹד" ("for it will be very severe") underscores that such events are not random but are intended to awaken people to spiritual reflection and improvement.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Miketz 9): The Midrash compares this famine to the "hiddenness" (הסתר פנים) of Hashem's providence during times of distress. Just as the plenty will be forgotten, so too might people feel abandoned, though divine justice is always present.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (89:4): The famine's severity is likened to the darkness of the plague of locusts (Shemot 10:15), where the land was "darkened" by their numbers. Similarly, the famine will "darken" the memory of the good years.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 576:1) cites this verse as a basis for communal fasting during times of drought or famine, emphasizing that such crises demand urgent prayer and introspection. The phrase "מִפְּנֵי הָרָעָב" ("by reason of that famine") teaches that recognizing the cause of suffering is the first step toward rectification.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 41:31 mean when it says 'the plenty shall not be known in the land'?
A: This verse, part of Pharaoh's dream interpreted by Yosef (Joseph), means that the coming years of famine will be so severe that people will forget the previous years of abundance. Rashi explains that the famine will 'swallow up' all the surplus, making it as if the plenty never existed.
Q: Why is this verse about famine important in the Torah?
A: This verse is important because it sets the stage for Yosef's rise to power in Egypt and the eventual descent of Yaakov's family to Egypt, leading to the Exodus story. The Rambam teaches that this shows Divine Providence—how Hashem prepares solutions (like Yosef) before problems arise.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 41:31 today?
A: The verse teaches us to prepare for difficult times during periods of prosperity. The Midrash compares this to spiritual 'famine'—we must store up mitzvot and Torah learning in 'good years' to sustain us in challenging times. This is why Jewish tradition emphasizes consistent Torah study regardless of circumstances.
Q: How does Yosef's interpretation of this dream apply to leadership?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 5a) derives from this that true leaders must anticipate crises and act responsibly. Yosef didn't just interpret the dream—he proposed a practical solution (storing grain). This teaches that wisdom must be coupled with action to benefit others.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that the famine will be 'very heavy'?
A: Rashi notes the double language ('כי כבד הוא מאד') teaches that the famine was uniquely severe—affecting both Egypt and Canaan equally. The Midrash adds this was Divine design to reunite Yosef with his family, showing how even harsh events serve a greater purpose in Hashem's plan.