King James Version

What Does Genesis 41:21 Mean?

Genesis 41:21 in the King James Version says “And when they had eaten them up , it could not be known that they had eaten them ; but they were still ill favoured, as ... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when they had eaten them up , it could not be known that they had eaten them ; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke. eaten: Heb. come to the inward parts of them

Genesis 41:21 · KJV


Context

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:

20

And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:

21

And when they had eaten them up , it could not be known that they had eaten them ; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke. eaten: Heb. come to the inward parts of them

22

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

23

And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: withered: or, small


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Pharaoh's Dreams emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Famine Preparation shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
בָ֣אוּ1 of 14

And when they had eaten them up

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קִרְבֶּ֗נָה3 of 14
H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְלֹ֤א4 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נוֹדַע֙5 of 14

it could not be known

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּי6 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָ֣אוּ7 of 14

And when they had eaten them up

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל8 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קִרְבֶּ֔נָה9 of 14
H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וּמַרְאֵיהֶ֣ן10 of 14

but they were still

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

רַ֔ע11 of 14

ill favoured

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר12 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּתְּחִלָּ֑ה13 of 14

as at the beginning

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

וָֽאִיקָֽץ׃14 of 14

So I awoke

H3364

to awake (intransitive)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 41:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 41:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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