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

GENESIS 41:27KJV
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Genesis 41:27 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:27 mean?

Genesis 41:27 explains that the seven thin and sickly cows, as well as the seven empty and scorched heads of grain in Pharaoh’s dream, both represent seven years of famine that will follow seven years of plenty in Egypt. Joseph is interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, showing that both troubling images point to the same coming hardship.

In this scene, Joseph is speaking directly to Pharaoh, who has been troubled by strange dreams he cannot understand. Joseph clarifies that the thin cows and the blasted ears of grain both symbolize a period of severe famine (a long time without enough food) that will last for seven years, immediately after seven years of abundance. This interpretation sets the stage for Joseph’s later advice on how Egypt should prepare for the difficult years ahead.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:27

  • קִינוֹת (qînōt, “kine”/cows): This word refers to female cattle, which were a sign of wealth and food supply in Egypt. Their thinness in the dream emphasizes the severity of the coming famine.
  • רָע (ra‘, “ill favoured”/bad): This word means “bad” or “evil,” describing the unhealthy appearance of the cows. It highlights just how dire the famine will be.
  • רֵקוֹת (rēqōt, “empty”/thin): Used for the ears of grain, this word means “empty” or “lacking,” underlining the total absence of food during the famine.
  • קָדִים (qādîm, “east wind”): The east wind in Egypt was known for being hot and destructive, often ruining crops. Its mention here stresses that the famine will be caused by harsh, natural forces.

Why Genesis 41:27 matters

  • Genesis 41:27 makes clear that both parts of Pharaoh’s dream—cows and grain—point to the same seven-year famine, removing any confusion about their meaning.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the coming disaster by repeating the number seven and using vivid images of emptiness and destruction.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why Joseph’s advice to store food was so urgent and wise, setting up the rest of the story where Egypt survives while others suffer.

Where else these words appear

“thin” Hebrew H7534 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 41:19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:
  • Genesis 41:20 And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:

“blasted” Hebrew H7710 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 41:6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
  • Genesis 41:23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:

“empty” Hebrew H7386 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 37:24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
  • Judges 11:3 Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.
  • Nehemiah 5:13 Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.

“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 41:24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
  • Psalms 69:2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.