And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:

GENESIS 41:22KJV
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Genesis 41:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:22 mean?

Genesis 41:22 describes Pharaoh recounting his dream, where he saw seven ears of grain growing on a single stalk, and these ears were full and good. This detail in the dream sets up a contrast with what follows and signals something abundant and healthy.

Pharaoh is speaking to Joseph, explaining the second part of his troubling dream while Joseph is in prison. The verse is part of the larger story where Pharaoh seeks an interpretation for his dreams, which none of his advisors can provide. The mention of "seven ears...full and good" hints at a period of plenty, which will later be interpreted by Joseph as seven years of abundance for Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:22

  • "ears" (שִׁבָּלִים, shibbolim): This word refers specifically to heads of grain, such as wheat or barley. The image is of something valuable and essential for survival, not just any plant.
  • "full" (מָלֵא, male): This word means filled or complete, emphasizing that the grain was not just present but abundant and mature, ready for harvest.
  • "good" (טוֹב, tov): This word often means good in quality, healthy, or desirable. Here, it underscores that the grain was not only plentiful but also of excellent quality.

Why Genesis 41:22 matters

  • The verse emphasizes the abundance and health of the grain, which is key to understanding the dream's meaning and the coming years of plenty in Egypt.
  • By describing the ears as "full and good," the verse sets up a sharp contrast with the following verses, where thin and blighted ears appear, highlighting the dramatic shift from abundance to famine.
  • This detail helps the reader see why Pharaoh was so disturbed by the dream and why he sought someone with divine insight to interpret it, paving the way for Joseph's rise to power.

Where else these words appear

“ears” Hebrew H7641 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 41:5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
  • Genesis 41:26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
  • Psalms 69:2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

“stalk” Hebrew H7070 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
  • 1 Kings 14:15 For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.
  • Jeremiah 6:20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

“dream” Hebrew H2472 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • Genesis 41:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
  • Job 7:14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

“full” Hebrew H4392 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 23:9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.
  • Numbers 7:68 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
  • Ecclesiastes 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.