Genesis 41:31 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:31 mean?

Genesis 41:31 means that the years of abundance in Egypt will be completely forgotten because the famine that follows will be so severe. The hardship of the famine will overshadow any memory of the previous prosperity.

In this verse, Joseph is interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, explaining that after seven years of great plenty, there will come seven years of famine. Joseph tells Pharaoh that the famine will be so harsh that people will not even remember the good years that came before. This highlights just how devastating the coming famine will be for the land of Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:31

• "plenty" (שָׂבָע, sava‘) refers to fullness or abundance, emphasizing just how much prosperity Egypt will experience before the famine.
• "known" (יָדַע, yada‘) means to know or to be recognized; here, it stresses that the abundance will be so thoroughly erased from memory that it will be as if it never happened.
• "grievous" (כָּבֵד, kaved) means heavy or severe, underlining the extraordinary weight and seriousness of the famine that is coming.

Why Genesis 41:31 matters

• Genesis 41:31 helps the reader understand the scale of the coming disaster, showing that the famine will not just be difficult, but will completely eclipse the good years.
• The verse emphasizes Joseph’s wisdom in interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, setting up the urgency for Pharaoh to act on Joseph’s advice.
• This verse connects to the larger story by explaining why storing up food during the years of plenty is so critical for Egypt’s survival.