The abundance in the land will not be rememberedThis phrase highlights the severity of the upcoming famine in Egypt, as foretold by Joseph. The abundance refers to the seven years of plenty that were to precede the famine. In the biblical context, this abundance was a divine provision, a period of prosperity that was meant to prepare Egypt for the difficult times ahead. The idea of abundance being forgotten underscores the human tendency to overlook past blessings when faced with present hardships. This can be connected to other biblical narratives where people forget God's past provisions, such as the Israelites in the wilderness (
Exodus 16:3). Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and reliance on God, regardless of circumstances.
since the famine that follows it will be so severe
The severity of the famine is emphasized here, indicating that it will overshadow the previous years of plenty. Historically, famines were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, often caused by droughts or other natural disasters. This particular famine, however, was divinely revealed to Pharaoh through dreams and interpreted by Joseph, signifying its extraordinary nature. The severity also serves as a test of faith and obedience, as Joseph's leadership and God's provision through him would be crucial for survival. This can be seen as a type of Christ, where Joseph's role as a savior of Egypt prefigures Jesus' role as the Savior of the world. Theologically, it illustrates the concept of divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of God's plans, even through adversity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JosephA Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to power in Egypt. He interprets Pharaoh's dreams, which foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine.
2.
PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who has troubling dreams that none of his wise men can interpret. He calls upon Joseph, who provides the interpretation and a plan to save Egypt from the coming famine.
3.
EgyptThe land where Joseph is brought as a slave and later becomes second in command. It is the setting for the events of
Genesis 41, where the abundance and subsequent famine take place.
4.
FamineA severe shortage of food that follows the seven years of abundance. It is so severe that it causes the abundance to be forgotten.
5.
DreamsPharaoh's dreams of seven fat cows and seven lean cows, and seven healthy heads of grain and seven thin heads of grain, which Joseph interprets as seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wisdom and ForesightJoseph's ability to interpret dreams and plan for the future highlights the value of wisdom and foresight. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in making prudent decisions.
God's Sovereignty in AdversityThe severe famine serves as a reminder of God's control over all circumstances. Even in times of abundance, we must remain dependent on Him.
Preparation and StewardshipJoseph's management of resources during the years of abundance teaches us about the importance of stewardship. We should wisely manage our resources, preparing for both physical and spiritual challenges.
Trust in God's ProvisionDespite the severity of the famine, God's provision through Joseph's leadership ensured survival. This encourages believers to trust in God's provision, even in difficult times.
Remembering God's Past FaithfulnessThe tendency to forget past abundance during times of hardship is a human trait. We are called to remember God's past faithfulness to strengthen our faith during trials.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 41:31?
2.How does Genesis 41:31 illustrate God's sovereignty in Joseph's life and leadership?
3.What lessons on preparedness can we learn from Genesis 41:31's "famine will ravage"?
4.How does Genesis 41:31 connect to Proverbs 6:6-8 about diligence and foresight?
5.In what ways can we apply Joseph's wisdom in Genesis 41:31 today?
6.How can Genesis 41:31 inspire us to trust God's plans during difficult times?
7.How does Genesis 41:31 illustrate God's sovereignty in times of abundance and famine?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 41:31?
9.How does Genesis 41:31 relate to the theme of divine providence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 41?
11.What does Zaphenath-Paneah mean?
12.What does the Bible say about financial crises?
13.Genesis 41:30-31: Where is the historical or archeological evidence of a widespread seven-year famine affecting Egypt so severely?
14.Does Genesis depict Joseph's actions as socialist?What Does Genesis 41:31 Mean
The abundance in the landGenesis records literal, measurable years of overwhelming plenty under Joseph’s administration. God multiplied the harvests until “Joseph stored up grain like sand of the sea” (Genesis 41:49).
• Abundance is a gracious gift directly from the Lord (Psalm 65:9-13;Deuteronomy 8:7-10).
• The prosperity was not random; it fulfilled the divine forecast given through Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:29).
• Plenty provided the margin needed for future survival, showing that foresight and faithful stewardship are forms of obedience (Proverbs 21:20).
Will not be rememberedScripture highlights how quickly human hearts let earlier blessings fade from view.
• When crisis strikes, the mind fixes on the urgent, pushing prior comfort to the background (Genesis 42:1-2).
• Israel later “forgot the LORD who had saved them” (Judges 3:7), illustrating the same tendency.
• Forgetfulness is spiritual as well as practical; God warns, “Take care that you do not forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments” (Deuteronomy 8:11-14).
Since the famine that follows itThe plenty and the famine were two halves of one sovereign plan.
• “Seven years of famine will follow them” (Genesis 41:30); the sequence is precise, reinforcing the reliability of God’s word.
• Famine often serves as a wake-up call, directing hearts back to dependence on the Lord (Psalm 105:16;Amos 8:11).
• Joseph’s strategy—saving during surplus—mirrors biblical counsel to prepare responsibly while trusting God (Proverbs 6:6-8).
Will be so severeThe coming scarcity would eclipse every memory of prosperity.
• “The famine was severe in all lands” (Genesis 41:57), spreading beyond Egypt’s borders.
• Physical severity pictured spiritual realities; future judgments are likewise described as overwhelming (Matthew 24:7;Revelation 6:8).
• Yet God uses even extreme hardship to advance His redemptive purposes, ultimately preserving the line through which Messiah would come (Genesis 45:5-7).
summaryGenesis 41:31 teaches that extraordinary blessing can be eclipsed by equally extraordinary testing, both directed by God’s hand. Remembering His past provision, preparing wisely in present plenty, and trusting Him through future hardship remain inseparable marks of faithful living.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The abundanceהַשָּׂבָע֙(haś·śā·ḇā‘)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7647:Plenty, satietyin the landבָּאָ֔רֶץ(bā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landwill notוְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe remembered,יִוָּדַ֤ע(yiw·wā·ḏa‘)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045:To knowsinceמִפְּנֵ֛י(mip·pə·nê)Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facetheהַה֖וּא(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arefamineהָרָעָ֥ב(hā·rā·‘āḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7458:Famine, hungerthat followsאַחֲרֵי־(’a·ḥă·rê-)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partitכֵ֑ן(ḵên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thus[will be] soמְאֹֽד׃(mə·’ōḏ)Adverb
Strong's 3966:Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedilysevere.כָבֵ֥ד(ḵā·ḇêḏ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3515:Heavy
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 41:31 And the plenty will not be known (Gen. Ge Gn) 
