Genesis 41:19

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִנֵּ֞ה

H2009

lo!

שֶֽׁבַע

H7651

And behold seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

פָּר֤וֹת

H6510

kine

a heifer

אֲחֵרוֹת֙

H312

other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

עֹל֣וֹת

H5927

came up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֔ן

H310

after them

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

דַּלּ֨וֹת

H1803

poor

properly, something dangling, i.e., a loose thread or hair; figuratively, indigent

וְרָע֥וֹת

H7451

ill

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

תֹּ֛אַר

H8389

favoured

outline, i.e., figure or appearance

#10

מְאֹ֖ד

H3966

and very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#11

וְרַקּ֣וֹת

H7534

and leanfleshed

emaciated (as if flattened out)

#12

בָּשָׂ֑ר

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#13

לֹֽא

H3808

as I never

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

#14

רָאִ֧יתִי

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#15

כָהֵ֛נָּה

H2007

such

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

#16

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

in all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#18

מִצְרַ֖יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#19

לָרֹֽעַ׃

H7455

for badness

badness (as marring), physically or morally

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 41 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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