Genesis 41:4

4 Then the miserable-looking and lean cows ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. At this point Pharaoh woke up.

Genesis 41:4 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 41:4

And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven
well favoured and fat kine
So it seemed in the dream as if this was done, was very strange and surprising that animals should devour one another; and especially that tame ones, cows or heifers, should eat those of their own species, which was never known to be done: so Pharaoh awoke;
through surprise at the strange sight he had in his dream.

Genesis 41:4 In-Context

2 and there came up out of the river seven cows, sleek and fat; and they began feeding in swamp grass.

3 After them, there came up out of the river seven more cows, miserable-looking and lean; and they stood by the other cows at the edge of the river.

4 Then the miserable-looking and lean cows ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. At this point Pharaoh woke up.

5 But he went to sleep again and dreamt a second time: seven full, ripe ears of grain grew out of a single stalk.

6 After them, seven ears, thin and blasted by the east wind, sprang up.