The term "leanfleshed" 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, which is pivotal in the unfolding of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

Biblical Context:

In Genesis 41, Pharaoh experiences two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret. In the first dream, he sees seven healthy and well-fed cows coming up out of the Nile, followed by seven other cows that are "leanfleshed" and gaunt. The leanfleshed cows consume the healthy ones, yet remain as thin as before. The Berean Standard Bible describes this scene as follows:

"Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when seven cows, well-fed and sleek, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. After them, seven other cows came up—sickly, ugly, and thin. I had never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt. Then the thin, ugly cows devoured the seven well-fed cows that came first. But when they had devoured them, no one could tell that they had done so; their appearance was just as ugly as before. Then I awoke.'" (Genesis 41:17-21)

Interpretation and Significance:

Joseph, known for his God-given ability to interpret dreams, explains to Pharaoh that the dreams are a divine revelation of what God is about to do. The seven well-fed cows represent seven years of abundance in Egypt, while the seven leanfleshed cows symbolize seven years of severe famine that will follow. Joseph advises Pharaoh to store surplus grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the coming famine.

The term "leanfleshed" thus becomes emblematic of scarcity and hardship. It serves as a vivid image of the impending famine that would affect not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions. Joseph's interpretation and subsequent administrative actions, under Pharaoh's authority, lead to the preservation of many lives, including those of his own family, who later come to Egypt seeking food.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the narrative of the leanfleshed cows underscores the sovereignty of God in human affairs. It illustrates how God can use dreams and their interpretations to communicate His plans and purposes. Joseph's rise from a prisoner to a powerful leader in Egypt demonstrates God's providential care and His ability to bring about His will through unexpected means.

The account also highlights themes of wisdom, foresight, and stewardship. Joseph's prudent management of resources during the years of plenty serves as a model of wise leadership and preparation. The leanfleshed cows, as a symbol of impending crisis, remind believers of the importance of trusting in God's guidance and provision, even in times of uncertainty and difficulty.

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

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

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

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 (137 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 ...
/i/ill.htm - 35k

Leaneth (6 Occurrences)

/l/leaneth.htm - 8k

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

Badness (5 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill
favored and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ...
/b/badness.htm - 8k

Bad (129 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill
favored and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ...
/b/bad.htm - 37k

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