What does Genesis 41:24 mean?
This concludes Pharaoh's description of his two dreams (Genesis 41:17–23). These are being related to Joseph, summoned from prison to interpret them for the Egyptian king (Genesis 41:14–16). The first dream involved seven healthy cows being eaten by seven skeletal cows; the second seven healthy ears of grain being consumed by seven scorched ones. When Pharaoh awoke from these dreams, none of his court officials could explain them (Genesis 41:1–8). Only a cupbearer's memory of Joseph brought him to this moment (Genesis 41:9–13).Joseph humbly noted that only God had the knowledge required to interpret the dreams (Genesis 41:16), yet promised to pass that information along. In the next verses, he will do just that. The news is not good. Egypt will experience seven years of fertility and abundance, followed by seven years of horrible famine. This shortage will be so harsh that people will forget that the seven good years even happened (Genesis 41:25–31). And yet, there is hope—since Pharaoh now knows about the famine in advance, he can prepare. Joseph offers such advice along with his explanation of the dreams (Genesis 41:33–36).