Genesis 41:18

ESV Seven cows, plump and attractive, came up out of the Nile and fed in the reed grass.
NIV when out of the river there came up seven cows, fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds.
NASB and behold, seven cows, fat and fine-looking came up out of the Nile, and they grazed in the marsh grass.
CSB when seven well-fed, healthy-looking cows came up from the Nile and grazed among the reeds.
NLT and I saw seven fat, healthy cows come up out of the river and begin grazing in the marsh grass.
KJV And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:
NKJV Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow.

What does Genesis 41:18 mean?

Pharaoh is describing his dreams to Joseph (Genesis 41:17). The king's magicians and wise men have been unable to explain these visions (Genesis 41:1–8). After hearing about Joseph's ability to interpret (Genesis 41:9–13), Pharaoh summoned him from prison (Genesis 41:14–15). Joseph credited God alone with the ability to untangle the dreams, yet promised to give Pharaoh that answer (Genesis 41:16).

This description echoes the one given at the start of this chapter. Pharaoh's first vision is of seven healthy, well-fed cows. These will soon be devoured by seven ragged, starving cows (Genesis 41:19–20).
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