The term "lean-fleshed" appears in the context of the biblical narrative found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the account of Pharaoh's dreams, which Joseph interprets. This term is used to describe the appearance of certain cows in Pharaoh's dream, symbolizing a period of famine that would follow a time of abundance in Egypt.

Biblical Reference:

Genesis 41:1-4 : "After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. After them, seven other cows, sickly and lean-fleshed, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed ones on the bank of the river. And the cows that were sickly and lean-fleshed devoured the seven sleek, well-fed cows. Then Pharaoh woke up."

Context and Interpretation:

In the narrative, Pharaoh's dream is a divine revelation concerning the future of Egypt. The "lean-fleshed" cows represent seven years of severe famine that would follow seven years of plenty, as interpreted by Joseph. This imagery of lean-fleshed cows is significant as it conveys the stark contrast between abundance and scarcity, a theme that is central to the account.

Joseph, who had been imprisoned, is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Through divine wisdom, Joseph explains that the seven lean-fleshed cows symbolize a forthcoming period of hardship and scarcity. This interpretation not only elevates Joseph to a position of power in Egypt but also sets the stage for the preservation of the nation and Joseph's own family during the famine.

Theological Significance:

The use of "lean-fleshed" in this context underscores the biblical theme of divine providence and the importance of heeding God's warnings. The narrative illustrates how God communicates through dreams and visions, providing guidance and forewarning to those who are attentive to His messages. Joseph's role as an interpreter of dreams highlights the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to orchestrate events for the fulfillment of His purposes.

Furthermore, the account of the lean-fleshed cows serves as a reminder of the transient nature of material prosperity and the need for wise stewardship. The Egyptians, under Joseph's leadership, are able to prepare for the impending famine by storing surplus grain during the years of plenty, demonstrating the value of foresight and prudence.

Cultural and Historical Insights:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, dreams were often regarded as significant and potentially divine communications. The imagery of cows, particularly in an agrarian society like Egypt, would have been a powerful symbol of economic stability and sustenance. The stark image of lean-fleshed cows consuming the well-fed ones would have been a vivid and unsettling vision, emphasizing the severity of the coming famine.

The narrative also reflects the historical reality of periodic famines in the ancient world, which could devastate entire regions. The account of Joseph's administration during the famine provides a glimpse into the complexities of ancient economic and political systems, as well as the role of divine intervention in human affairs.

Conclusion:

The term "lean-fleshed" in the biblical account of Pharaoh's dream serves as a poignant symbol of impending hardship and the necessity of divine wisdom and prudent action. Through Joseph's interpretation, the narrative conveys themes of providence, stewardship, and the enduring sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations.7534. raq -- thin, only, altogether, surely
... emaciated, thin, lean. From raqaq in its original sense; emaciated (as if flattened
out) -- lean((-fleshed)), thin. see HEBREW raqaq. 7533, 7534. raq. 7535 > ...
/hebrew/7534.htm - 6k

1851. daq -- thin, small, fine
... dwarf, very little thing, small, thin. From daqaq; crushed, ie (by implication)
small or thin -- dwarf, lean(-fleshed), very little thing, small, thin. ...
/hebrew/1851.htm - 6k

1320. basar -- flesh
... meat (34), men (1), person (1). body, fat, lean fleshed, kin, mankind,
nakedness, self, skin. From basar; flesh (from its freshness ...
/hebrew/1320.htm - 6k

Joseph and his Brethren
... And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured
and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

The Gods of the Different Nations Varro's Gentile Class. Their ...
... dream to the king: those seven fat-fleshed and well-favoured kine signified as many
years of plenty; in like manner, the seven lean-fleshed animals predicted ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter viii the gods of the.htm

Due Measure must be Observed in Liberality, that it May not be ...
... And other bullocks ill-favoured and lean-fleshed came up out of the river after
the heifers, and fed near them on the very edge of the river. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi due measure must.htm

Leanfleshed (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Leanfleshed (3 Occurrences). ... Genesis 41:4 And the ill favored
and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favored and fat kine. ...
/l/leanfleshed.htm - 7k

Lean-fleshed (3 Occurrences)
Lean-fleshed. Leanfleshed, Lean-fleshed. Leaning . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Leanfleshed, Lean-fleshed. Leaning . Reference Bible.
/l/lean-fleshed.htm - 7k

Kine (24 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river,
ill favored and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the ...
/k/kine.htm - 16k

Lean (22 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river,
ill favored and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the ...
/l/lean.htm - 14k

Ill-favored (5 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river,
ill-favored and lean-fleshed, and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the ...
/i/ill-favored.htm - 8k

Favored (19 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river,
ill favored and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the ...
/f/favored.htm - 12k

Ill-favoured (4 Occurrences)
... Ill-favoured (4 Occurrences). Genesis 41:4 And the ill-favored and lean-fleshed
kine did eat up the seven well-favored and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. (See JPS) ...
/i/ill-favoured.htm - 7k

Evil-favoredness
... though included in the class of clean beasts, yet possesses a blemish (see the word),
or otherwise lacks beauty of symmetry, or is lean-fleshed (Deuteronomy 17 ...
/e/evil-favoredness.htm - 7k

Evilfavoredness
... though included in the class of clean beasts, yet possesses a blemish (see the word),
or otherwise lacks beauty of symmetry, or is lean-fleshed (Deuteronomy 17 ...
/e/evilfavoredness.htm - 7k

Bad-looking (2 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:3 And behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river,
bad-looking and lean-fleshed, and stood by the kine on the bank of the river. ...
/b/bad-looking.htm - 7k

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